Live Your Best Lives
The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is an ecological treasure in southeastern Oman. It was established in 1996. Every year from May to October, more than 20,000 green turtles come here to lay eggs.
At night, you can follow a guide using a red light to observe mother turtles laying eggs, and at dawn, witness the breathtaking moment as the hatchlings break free and dash towards the sea. The reserve also houses a museum that educates on sea turtle ecology and maritime culture, with all proceeds going towards environmental education, making it a perfect destination for ecotourism.
Suitable season for visiting: October to April
This period is not only suitable for the climate, but also the "breeding season" for sea turtles:
From October to December, adult female turtles come ashore to lay eggs. Every night, about 50 to 80 female turtles dig holes on the beach to lay eggs.
From January to March, turtle eggs enter the hatching period, and visitors can participate in the "turtle egg monitoring" science popularization activities;
From March to April, baby turtles hatch one after another. The reserve will organize a "baby turtle release" public welfare activity. Visitors can help release the baby turtles into the sea under the guidance of a guide and experience the fun of conservation.
Recommended places to visit:
1. Turtle Nesting Beach
As the core area of the reserve, this 3-kilometer-long pristine beach is the primary breeding ground for sea turtles and a prime spot for tourists to observe them. The beach is divided into an "observation area" and a "core conservation area." The observation area features a wooden boardwalk. After 9:00 PM, visitors are required to walk along the boardwalk, led by a guide, using a red flashlight to observe the entire process of female turtles coming ashore, digging holes, and laying eggs.
2. Turtle Science Museum
Located within the reserve's visitor center, the museum serves as a "science center" for learning about sea turtles and the conservation process. The museum is divided into four exhibition areas: the "Sea Turtle Species Area," featuring specimens and holographic projections, showcases the physical characteristics and habits of green and hawksbill turtles, such as "Green turtles feed on seagrass, while hawksbill turtles prefer sponges." The "Life Cycle Area" uses dynamic models to recreate the growth process of a sea turtle from egg to adult, focusing on how hatchlings avoid predators and swim to the deep sea after hatching. The "Conservation Achievements Area" uses data charts and videos to illustrate changes in sea turtle populations since the reserve's establishment, such as "Green turtle egg production increased by 230% between 1996 and 2024." The "Interactive Experience Area" features a turtle shell touch station and a turtle tracking game, perfect for families.
3. Underwater Observation Point
Located in the shallow waters south of the reserve, this spot is the perfect place to observe sea turtles during the day. The observation point is a semi-submersible wooden platform extending approximately 10 meters into the sea. A transparent glass viewing window allows visitors to observe turtles swimming and feeding among the coral reefs without diving. Green turtles often slowly nibble on seagrass, while hawksbill turtles nimbly navigate among the coral reefs. Occasionally, schools of tropical fish swarm around the turtles, creating a vivid display of marine life.
4. Coastal Wetland Bird Watching Platform
Located on the west side of the reserve, this approximately 2 square kilometer saltwater wetland has become a vital habitat for waterbirds, thanks to ecological improvements brought about by sea turtle conservation efforts. Three wooden birdwatching platforms equipped with high-powered telescopes are located within the wetland. From October to April each year, over 20 species of waterbirds, including herons, flamingos, and redshanks, can be observed. Flamingos, particularly congregating in the shallow waters of the wetland, are a popular subject for photographers, with their pink feathers striking in the sunlight. Ecological information signs are located near the birdwatching platforms, highlighting the names and habits of common birds, allowing visitors to observe them on their own.
5. Turtle Conservation Station
Located on the east side of the reserve, this core area for egg incubation and hatchling rearing is not open to the general public, but visitors can make an appointment to participate in a "science and education experience" program. During this program, visitors, led by staff, will tour the artificial incubation chamber and learn about the egg monitoring process. During the hatching season from March to April, they can also assist staff in recording the hatchlings' shelling. They can even participate in a "hatchling release"—gently placing newly hatched hatchlings in a special tray and transporting them to the beach. Watching them struggle to reach the sea, visitors will experience the fragility and tenacity of life.
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Sanctuary is a protected nesting site for green sea turtles, established to conserve endangered species and educate visitors about marine wildlife. It is globally significant for turtle conservation and research.
Located on the easternmost tip of the Al Sharqiyah region in Oman, about 60 km from Sur. Accessible by car or taxi; some tour operators provide transport from Sur city.
The sanctuary operates daily; guided tours are mainly at night (around 8 PM to midnight) for turtle nesting observation. Daytime visits are available for the visitor center and beach walks.
Entrance fee for adults is approximately 5 OMR, with discounted rates for children. Tickets are usually purchased onsite at the visitor center; some tours can be booked online through official websites or tour operators.
Advance booking is recommended, especially for night tours during peak season, ideally a few days ahead to secure a spot.
2–3 hours for a full experience, including visitor center, guided night turtle tours, and beach walks.
Guided tours are available in English and Arabic; audio guides are generally not provided.
Start with the visitor center, then take a guided night tour to the beach for turtle observation, followed by a walk along the coastal trail.
Yes, night guided tours are the main attraction for witnessing nesting turtles. No light shows; special tours may include combined eco-tourism activities.
Peak season (July–October) can be crowded. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends and public holidays.
Visitor center has restrooms, a small café, and a gift shop. Picnic and rest areas are available near the beach.
Visitor center and some beach areas are accessible; guided tours on the sand may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Cash is preferred for entrance fees and small purchases; some facilities may accept cards.
The visitor center café serves light meals and refreshments; additional restaurants are available in nearby Sur city.
Yes, halal food is standard; vegetarian options are available at the visitor center and in Sur.
