As Sawadi Beach

شاطئ السوادي

A relaxed stretch of sandy coast dotted with rocky islets you can reach by boat or wade to at low tide. Popular for swimming, snorkelling, birdwatching and sunset views over the Sea of Oman.

Things to do

• Wade to the Sawadi Islets — At low tide you can walk across the shallow flats to the nearest rocky islets scattered just offshore.
• Boat trip to Ad Dimaniyat Islands — Hire a local fishing boat from the beach for a snorkelling and diving excursion to this protected nature reserve.
• Snorkelling around the rocks — Explore the clear shallows near the islets where colourful reef fish and turtles are often spotted.
• Sunset over the Sea of Oman — Settle on the sand in the late afternoon for wide views as the sun drops over the water.
• Birdwatching along the shore — Watch for herons, flamingos and terns feeding in the tidal pools and mudflats near the islets.
• Beachcombing and swimming — Enjoy the long stretch of soft sand for easy swimming in calm, shallow water.
• Visit the old watchtowers — Spot the historic fortified towers on the islets that once guarded this stretch of coast.

Food to try

• Fresh grilled hamour — Locally caught grouper is grilled or fried and served simply with rice and lime at nearby eateries.
• Omani shuwa — Marinated meat slow-cooked underground for hours, traditionally eaten during festivals and shared occasions.
• Mashuai — Whole spit-roasted kingfish served over lemon rice, a coastal Omani specialty.
• Omani halwa — A sticky, fragrant sweet made with rosewater, saffron and nuts, offered with kahwa coffee.
• Kahwa and dates — Cardamom-spiced Omani coffee served with dates is the customary welcome throughout the Batinah region.
• Fresh seafood from Barka souq — The nearby Barka fish market offers the day's catch of prawns, tuna and sardines to buy or sample cooked.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly on the beach — This is a public local beach, so cover shoulders and knees and avoid swimwear away from the water out of respect.
• Check tide times before wading — The islets are only reachable on foot at low tide, so confirm the tide schedule to avoid being stranded.
• Agree boat prices in advance — Negotiate and confirm the fare with fishermen before setting off for the islands to avoid misunderstandings.
• Take your litter away — Facilities are limited and the area is ecologically sensitive, so carry out all rubbish to keep the shore clean.

Nearby

• Barka — 13 km
• Nakhal Fort — 42 km
• Al Hazm Castle — 52 km
• Wadi Bani Kharus — 54 km