Ras Al Jinz

رأس الجنز

A protected turtle reserve at Oman's easternmost point where green turtles nest on the beach year-round. Guided night and dawn tours let visitors watch turtles laying eggs and hatchlings reaching the sea.

Things to do

• Guided Night Turtle Tour — Join the reserve's evening tour to watch green turtles haul ashore and lay their eggs under red-light-only guidance.
• Dawn Hatchling Walk — The early-morning tour catches returning turtles and tiny hatchlings scrambling toward the surf across the sand.
• Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Museum — Explore interactive exhibits on turtle biology, conservation, and the site's ancient archaeology before your beach tour.
• Stay at the Scientific Centre Eco-Lodge — Sleep in the on-site accommodation or tents so you can join both night and dawn tours without a long drive.
• Visit the Bronze Age Ruins — Nearby Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz hold ancient settlement remains linked to seafaring trade with the Indus Valley.
• Beachcombing and Birdwatching — Walk the pristine easternmost shoreline of Arabia to spot seabirds, crabs, and dramatic sunrise views over the Arabian Sea.
• Sunrise at Oman's Easternmost Point — Ras Al Jinz is the first place in the Arab world to see the sun, making dawn a special photo moment.

Food to try

• Fresh grilled kingfish — The nearby fishing town of Ras Al Hadd lands kingfish and tuna daily, often grilled simply with lime and spices.
• Omani shuwa — Marinated lamb slow-cooked underground in banana leaves, a celebratory dish served with spiced rice.
• Majboos — Fragrant spiced rice cooked with fish or meat, saffron, and dried lime, a staple of coastal Omani tables.
• Omani halwa — A sticky, rosewater-and-saffron scented dessert often served with kahwa coffee as a gesture of hospitality.
• Kahwa and dates — Cardamom-spiced Omani coffee poured in small cups alongside fresh dates welcomes every guest.

Local customs & good to know

• No flash photography or white lights — Bright lights disorient nesting turtles and hatchlings, so tours strictly limit phones, torches, and camera flashes.
• Book tours in advance — Turtle tours have limited spots and set times, so reserve through the reserve center before arriving.
• Dress modestly — As in all of Oman, cover shoulders and knees to respect local customs, and keep a light layer for cool night breezes.
• Stay on marked paths — Follow your guide closely to avoid trampling nests buried in the sand and to protect the fragile beach habitat.

Nearby

• Sur — 35 km
• Wadi Bani Khalid — 72 km
• Wadi Shab — 77 km
• Jebel Bani Jabir & Majlis al Jinn — 78 km