Oman

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Sur

Oman's dhow-building coast

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Sur Plan a trip around Oman

Best time to visit: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Currency: OMR
Time zone: UTC+4
Country: Oman

Photo: Juozas Šalna, CC BY 2.0

Sur is a historic port city on Oman's northeastern coast, long known for building wooden dhows and as a base for exploring wadis and turtle beaches. Visitors come for the shipyards, forts, and nearby Ras al-Jinz turtle reserve.

Largest cities

Muscat
Salalah
Sohar
Nizwa
Sur

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Oman
Capital: Muscat
City population: 120,000
Population of Oman: 4.8M
Country area: 309,500 km²
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Omani Rial (OMR) · 1 USD ≈ 0.3845 OMR
Time zone: UTC+4
Calling code: +968
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 5 m
Plugs: G · 240V
Emergency numbers: 9999 (police) · 9999 (ambulance) · 9999 (fire)
Best time to visit: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	25°	28°	31°	35°	39°	40°	39°	38°	37°	34°	30°	27°
Low	18°	18°	22°	26°	29°	30°	29°	28°	26°	24°	21°	19°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$33
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$80
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$190

Plan a trip to Sur

Top things to do

Free
Dhow Shipyard
See traditional wooden dhows being built by hand near the suspension bridge to Al Ayjah; ask before photographing the shipwrights.
- Half day
- Al Ayjah
- Good for kids
≈ $2
Fatih Al-Khair Dhow Museum
A small museum displaying restored wooden boats, including the 150-year-old Fatih Al-Khair; a good stop for maritime history fans.
- Half day
- Al Ayjah
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $2
Sunaysilah Fort
Climb the four towers for wide views over Sur; the guardian may not be at the gate, so walk up and he will find you.
- Half day
- Sur Center
- Good for kids
- Closed: Friday
≈ $2
Al Hamooda Fort (Al Ayjah Fort)
A small restored fort in Al Ayjah with views over the lagoon and lighthouse; open Sunday to Thursday mornings.
- Half day
- Al Ayjah
- Good for kids
- Closed: Friday and Saturday
Free
Fish Market
Watch fishermen unload and sell the morning catch; go early for the best atmosphere and bring small change.
- Half day
- Corniche
- Good for kids
Free
Corniche
A pleasant seaside promenade for an evening stroll, with views of the dhows and the Gulf of Oman.
- Half day
- Corniche
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $10
Ras al-Jinz Turtle Reserve
A day trip about 50 minutes from Sur to see endangered green sea turtles nesting on the beach; book a guided night tour in advance.
- Full day
- Ras al-Jinz
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Wadi Shab
A full-day trip to a dramatic wadi with pools for swimming; bring water shoes because the rocks are painful on bare feet.
- Full day
- Wadi Shab
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Many visitors can enter Oman visa-free for up to 14 days, while longer stays, work or study require a visa; other nationalities may need an e-visa or can get a visit visa on arrival. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival, and border staff may ask for onward tickets, accommodation proof and travel health insurance. Rules vary by nationality, so check the official Royal Oman Police e-visa site before booking.

Official website

From the airport

There is no airport in Sur; most visitors arrive by car from Muscat (about 2.5 hours via Highway 17) or by daily Mwasalat bus from Muscat (about 4 hours 15 minutes via Highway 23).

Getting around

There is no public transport in Sur besides taxis, which charge a flat 150 baisas for any ride within the city.

Local tips

Dress modestly, especially in the souq and forts; shoulders and knees covered is respectful.
Cash is useful for taxis, small restaurants and fort tickets; larger hotels accept cards.
The sea is central to local life, so avoid interrupting fishermen at the morning fish market.
Summers are extremely hot; plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon.