One of the things we like to do while traveling is getting into adventures. We can’t explain really why we do like that but maybe it is the sense of challenge or the thrill we always look for.
We spent our last day in Oman (May 4, 2014) in a wonderful place which made a perfect end to our 4 days trip there. We have been to many places in Oman but we have to say that Wadi Shab should not be missed. Not surprisingly it is one of the most famous Wadis (ideoalleys) and the place deserves that.
So if you are looking for memorable adventure in Oman make it in Wadi Shab!
Wadi Shab is located in Tiwi part of Wilayat of Sur in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, around 140 km east from Muscat. To get there we have taken Muscat – Sur coast road. It is very clear where the Wadi is located as there are signs to lead you through. When we arrived we parked our car in the parking area and taken a boat for 1 Riyal/per person to cross to the other side of the Wadi, which then we should start hiking for around 40 minutes. The locals advice was to take the way going up not walk down as you will arrive to a close end.
Going into the rocky path you can enjoy the natural beauty of the Wadi; the deep and green pools, the cliffs and the palm trees. Try to observe the birds as there are some beautiful species. We haven’t seen anyone swimming in the first pools as it is very deep. So we continue walking to find where exactly it is much safer and possible to swim.
Getting into the water after 40 minutes hiking in the hot weather was really refreshing. The adventure started when arriving to the first pool where most people start to swim, we did half of it walking in the water and the other half swimming. Then the second pool it is much deeper it will lead to a narrow cleft and here we prepared our breaths to swim underwater for 1 meter. We were really excited to see what comes next to it. After swimming underwater for 1 meter we have found ourselves inside the cave and in front of us an amazing waterfall. If you want to have another underwater experience you can go further, behind the waterfall, again there is a narrow cleft and you need to swim underwater to get to the other side.
It was our first time swimming in a cave and the feeling was really great and different! We used a rope that was placed there already to climb up through the waterfall to go out of the cave and have another view from the top. It is also possible to go to one of the cliffs from there and jump to the cave pool Wohoo this is only if you want to go wild!
Really unforgettable experience.
Tips
- Take your water proof camera so you can have pictures when arriving to the cave.
- Wear a waterproof shoes.
- Don’t carry any valuable stuff as you have to leave all the things when going to swim though the place is very safe but just in case.
- Since the Wadi is very famous tourist destination, be sure you will not be alone and at weekends it gets really crowded.
- On the way to Wadi Shab don’t miss to stop by Sink hole or Hawiyat Najm Park, it is a deep natural depression filled with water, the locals say that a meteor fell on the spot of land resulting in the natural depression forming a big lake. It is another option for a short bath and diving.
Heather Duncan
Wadi Shab is one of my ultimate favorite places in Oman. Thank you for showcasing it to the world.
Heather
http://www.theduncanadventures.blogspot.com
JoAnna
These pictures are incredible. I love visiting natural swimming holes. This one looks like an oasis with all the stone! I also liked what you said about holding your breath and going underneath to find a cave with a waterfall. It sounds like a great adventure.