No road trip to Oman is complete without a visit to Wadi Shab Oman. It is around a 1.5 hour drive from Muscat to Wadi Ash Shab. This wadi makes for a perfect day-trip out of Muscat. Or include as part of a road trip around Oman.
Getting to Wadi Shab Oman
We would highly recommend renting a car for your time in Oman. Muscat is a beautiful city with lots to see and do – check out how to spend a weekend in Muscat. However, there is even more natural beauty outside the city of Muscat and having your own transport will make exploring Oman a lot easier.
If you are looking for an itinerary for a road trip in Oman check out our post Dubai to Oman Road Trip.
Reaching Wadi Shab Oman is pretty straightforward. Follow the main coastal road south to Tiwi and then follow the signs inland until you reach Wadi Al Shab.
Parking at Wadi Ash Shab
There is plenty of free parking at Wadi Shab Oman, under the bridge. However, this wadi is one of the most popular in Oman so it does get busy. Our advice, as always is arrive early!
Watch out for the goats, they are very friendly and not shy in approaching the cars. They even stole food from the boot of our car when we weren’t looking!
Crossing the river
After parking the car at Wadi Shab you will need to cross the river. There is a couple of men with a boat who will take you across for 1OMR. Make sure you have cash with you to pay. The cost is for the return trip and there is no other way to get across. It takes about 1 minute to get from one side to the other!
Where to Stay
There are a few inexpensive guest houses around the area of Wadi Shab Oman. If you are looking to get an early start in Wadi Shab then it is a great option to stay near to the wadi.
However, as Wadi Shab Oman is not too far from Muscat then staying in Muscat could be a good option. We continued our Dubai to Oman road trip after Wadi Ash Shab further south onto Ras Al Jinz outside of Sur.
Booking.comThe Hike to Wadi Ash Shab
It is a straightforward, relatively easy hike to Wadi Shab pools. Once you disembark from the boat just continue the path. There really is only one way to go so it is difficult to get lost! The scenery is breathtaking. The water is bright, clear and clean. Look forward to lots of greenery and dramatic cliffs. As you get closer to the end and Wadi Shab cave there is a little clambering over boulders and rocks.
Make sure to wear trainers or comfortable walking shoes as although it is a flat and easy walk, it does take around 1 hour. So it is important to have comfortable footwear.
Swimming in Wadi Shab Oman
Once you reach the end of the hike you will see places where people are jumping in to the water from the rocks. In Wadi Shab cave there are a few pools that are more shallow to make accessing the water easier with kids. It is only allowed to swim in the pools at the end of the hike. As tempting as it is walking alongside all the water, wait until you reach the end!
There are 3 pools at the end, the first 2 pools are perfect for families and kids. However the 3rd pool is deep so is only recommended for confident swimmers. If you want to see Wadi Shab cave and Wadi Shab waterfall you will need to enter this pool and squeeze through a gap at the end. Most people give up or don’t reach the end, we didn’t quite make it but our friends did and say it is definitely worth it!
Take a dry bag or waterproof bag where you can leave your belongings when you are swimming.
When is the best time to visit Wadi Shab Oman?
Oman, like it’s neighbouring Middle Eastern countries, gets very hot! We live in Dubai so know exactly how hot it can get. With the hike included we would recommend visiting as early as possible during the day and from October to March. These will also be the busiest months. The wadi also gets very busy on weekends so try and visit during the week if possible to avoid the crowds.
You can stay at Wadi Al Shab as long as you like, the first boat goes around 8am and the return boat around 5/6pm – check with the boat men.
What to bring to Wadi Al Shab
- Plenty of water
- Suncream
- Hat
- Swimming costume (wear it as there is nowhere to change)
- Towel
- Snacks
- Camera
- Waterproof bag / cover for your phone
- 1 OMR per person for the boat
- Wear trainers and bring flip flops for the pools
- Travel insurance
There are no facilities in Wadi Al Shab to buy anything so bring everything you need with you. There are toilets once you get off the boat.
Make sure to get travel insurance before arriving in Oman. If you have an accident whilst out exploring the wadis it could turn into a very expensive holiday if you are not covered!
What else is close to Wadi Al Shab?
Bimmah Sinkhole is only a 30minute drive from Wadi Al Shab. So make sure you include a stop in Bimmah Sinkhole either before or after your visit Wadi Shab Oman.
After Wadi Shab Oman we continued south to Sur and visited the Ras Al Jinz turtle reserve. There is also the Wahiba Sands which has some incredible desert accommodation. A must try if you have never stayed overnight in the desert before.
Check out the Starry Domes desert camp and Sandglass Camp for some truly unique desert hotels.
If you enjoyed reading this post about Wadi Shab Oman be sure to check out more of our favourite wadis at Wadi Bani Khalid and Bimmah Sinkhole. As well as how to spend a weekend in Muscat and a Dubai to Oman road trip. If you are looking for other family travel inspiration check out our Destinations Page.
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