5 Best Day Trips from Muscat (No Car Needed!)

Looking for the best day trips from Muscat? You’ve come to the right place! 

Want to explore beyond Muscat but don’t have a car? You’re not alone … and honestly, you don’t need one. I travelled solo through Oman without driving, and still managed to experience some of the country’s most stunning landscapes, thanks to guided tours.

Muscat is a beautiful base with its coastal views and cultural spots, but if you’re anything like me, it won’t take long before the itch to explore further afield kicks in. The good news? Oman’s capital makes the perfect launchpad for day trips that offer wild nature, cultural gems, and whale sharks (yes, really).

I’ve personally visited each of the locations listed in this post, some with private drivers, others through group tours booked with a local adventure company called Husaak Adventure, as well as on  GetYourGuide and Viator. These platforms were a lifesaver for solo travel in Oman, especially without a car. The tours took care of transport, logistics, and gave me a chance to meet other travellers along the way.

So if you’re travelling solo, curious about what’s possible beyond Muscat, and not too keen on hiring a car, then this guide is for you. I this post, I’ll share with you some recommended day trips from Muscat, what to expect on each trip, and a few practical tips to help you get the most out of it.

If you’re short on time and only have 1 or 2 days in Muscat, this guide will help you choose between the best Muscat day trips and what to see close to the city itself.

So, what are the best day trips from Muscat? Read on below to find out! 

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Best Day Trips From Muscat

If you’re short on time or just want a quick recommendation, these are my top picks from all the places I’ve visited in Oman. Whether you’re after culture, nature, or a bit of adventure, there’s something here for every kind of traveller.👇

• 🐢 Best for Wildlife: Daymaniyat Islands
• 🕌 Best for Culture: Nizwa Fort & Souq
• 🥾 Best for Adventure: Wadi Shab
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Best for Families: Wadi Dayqah
• 🏜️ Best Desert Experience: Wahiba Sands

If I had to book just one day trip from Muscat, it would most definitely be this one ⬇️

Daymaniyat Islands Snorkelling Tour🤿 

• 💰Price: $70
• ✅Rating: 4.7/5
• ⏰Duration: 5 hours
• 🤿 Includes: Snorkel gear, snacks & drinks

BOOK THE TOUR HERE

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1. Nizwa Fort & Jebel Shams Tour: Dive into Oman’s Culture And Canyons

THIS TOUR AT A GLANCE
⭐STAR RATING: 4.9/5
💰PRICE: $170
⏰DURATION: 1.5 HOURS
✅INCLUDES: HOTEL PICK-UP & DROP OFF

BOOK HERE

If you’re craving a deeper cultural dive, Nizwa is the perfect contrast to Muscat’s coastal calm. Just a couple of hours inland, this historic city was once Oman’s capital, and it still holds onto that old-world charm.

I actually had a private driver to take me here as I was too late to join the tour, thanks to my indecisiveness (and I paid the price). 

If you want a more affordable trip, then I recommend booking this group tour that also includes a stop at Oman’s Grand Canyon (Jebel Shams), which has to be one of the most iconic places to visit in Oman. 

The Nizwa Souq is very impressive with its spices, pottery, and locals going about their day, but the real magic for me was wandering the Nizwa Fort with its massive round tower and panoramic views over the city.

Travel Tips:

• Dress conservatively, think light, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees
• Bring cash for the souq (and snacks!)
• This trip involves a fair bit of driving, so bring water and a power bank

2. Daymaniyat Islands Day Trip: Snorkel with Turtles

If you only do one day trip from Muscat, make it this one. The Daymaniyat Islands feel like Oman’s best-kept secret. They are a protected marine reserve that’s just a short boat ride from Al Mouj Marina, but a world away from the city. And to my surprise reminded me of a Greek or Italian island. 

This trip turned out to be one of the most magical experiences of my whole trip. The boat was clean and modern, the crew were super helpful, and the snacks onboard were delish (even if a group of children demolished the majority of them). 

The views here were absolutely unreal. I saw more than 20 sea turtles chilling in the water, plus colourful reef fish and coral. I have honestly never seen that many turtles together in my life, and I even spent about 15 minutes swimming side-by-side with a turtle, away from the crowds. Depending on the season, you also have the chance to see whale sharks. This was hands-down my favourite day trip from Muscat.

Travel Tips:

• Bring modest swimwear such as a one-piece or swim shorts, for comfort and cultural respect
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen (it’s a protected marine area)
• Most boats provide snacks and snorkelling gear, but double-check when you book

3. Wadi Shab Hike & Bimmah Sinkhole: The Most Scenic Day Trip from Muscat

For a bit of adventure and some serious wow-factor scenery, Wadi Shab is a must. This dramatic gorge is a favourite among tourists for good reason. The hike winds through cliffs and across a few rocky patches and ends with a hidden cave you can swim into.

The hike itself is doable in trainers (so there is no need for hiking boots), but you’ll definitely want a waterproof bag for your stuff so you can reach a secret waterfall.

On the way back, you’ll visit the Bimmah Sinkhole, a stunning natural pool with turquoise water. It’s a quick stop but makes for amazing photos and is another swim spot (if you still have energy). BUT if I’m completely honest with you, Bimmah Sinkhole will feel like an anti-climax after you’ve seen how epic the wadi is.

Travel Tips:

• Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet
• Bring a dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
• You’ll need to be comfortable swimming in natural water, as there’s no lifeguard

4. Dolphin Watching & Coastal Snorkelling: A Relaxed Half-Day Trip

Looking for something a little more relaxed but still memorable? This dolphin-watching and snorkelling trip is a fantastic option, especially if you’re short on time or just want a chill half-day on the water.

The boat takes you out into the Gulf of Oman, where pods of dolphins often play near the surface. You’ll have the chance to see several leaping alongside the boat. 

After the dolphin-watching, the crew will take you to a calm snorkelling spot near the coast. The coral isn’t meant to be quite as colourful as the Daymaniyat Islands, but it’s still super beautiful.

Travel Tips:

• Morning tours have the best dolphin sighting odds
• Bring your own snorkel if you prefer a perfect fit (gear is usually provided)
• Lightweight layers are best as the sun can be intense even early in the day

5. Wahiba Sands & Wadi Bani Khalid: Desert Dunes and Oasis Pools in One Trip

If you’re dreaming of classic Arabian landscapes (think golden dunes and oasis pools), this day trip checks all the boxes. It’s a bit of a longer day, but the difference between desert and wadi makes it feel like two adventures in one.

I actually visited both Wahiba Sands and Wadi Bani Khalid as part of a 2/3 day camping trip in Oman, which was such an epic experience. But if you’re short on time or not up for roughing it in a tent, this day trip version is a brilliant alternative.

The first part of the trip takes you into the Wahiba Sands, a sweeping desert (that’s meant to be the size of Slovenia) where you’ll get to ride over the dunes and enjoy some epic views. I’m sure that even just a short stop here gives you a taste of desert life without needing to stay overnight.

From there, the tour continues to Wadi Bani Khalid, a lush canyon with crystal-clear water. The pools are ideal for a swim or just cooling off your feet after the heat of the desert. 

Travel Tips:

• Bring a scarf or head covering for the desert (helps with sand and sun)
• Wear quick-dry clothing if you plan to swim
• Be prepared for a long day. Pack snacks, water, and a power bank

Bonus Trip: Wadi Dayqah Dam – A Family-Friendly Day Out Near Muscat

If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to the more popular wadis, or simply want to experience Oman’s stunning inland scenery without a strenuous hike, then Wadi Dayqah Dam is a peaceful and photogenic option that’s still within day-trip distance from Muscat.

Unlike Wadi Shab or Wadi Bani Khalid, Wadi Dayqah is known for its large dam and scenic reservoir rather than natural pools. 

​​It’s also one of the best day trips from Muscat for family travellers, especially with younger kids. This spot is ideal for children.  There are doughnut boats, paddle boats, and even a small rock climbing area that keep things fun and active without needing to hike or swim. 

When I came here, I ended up getting taken out on a boat into the canyon and it was honestly such a cool surprise. We went way further in than I expected and it was super calm, quiet, and just really beautiful. If you get the chance to hop on a boat here, definitely do it. It’s such an easy way to see more of the area without needing to hike.

The only downside? There’s currently no direct guided tour that goes exclusively to Wadi Dayqah. You’ll either need to hire a taxi or a private driver, which is very doable since it’s only about an hour outside of Muscat. It’s an easy add-on to your itinerary if you have a flexible day or are looking to escape the city with minimal planning.

Travel Tips:

• Great for families with young children, as you can enjoy a soft adventure without the hike
• Arrive early for better light and fewer crowds
• Bring cash if you want to try boat rides or buy snacks on site

Practical Tips for Muscat Day Trips: Packing, Timing & Transport

What to Pack

For any water-based adventures like snorkelling or visiting wadis, I highly recommend bringing modest swimwear. A one-piece swimsuit or a swimsuit top with shorts will keep you comfortable and respectful of local norms. A quick-dry towel, a dry bag, and a reusable water bottle are also worth squeezing into your day bag. Don’t forget sun protection either. The Omani sun is intense even in the winter, so pack a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen if you’re heading to the coast.

When to Go

In terms of timing, the best season for day trips is winter, from October to March. The weather is warm but manageable, and you’ll avoid the extreme heat that can make desert or mountain trips uncomfortable during summer.

Tour Types & Transportation

When it comes to transport, I found a mix of group tours and private drivers worked best. Group tours are ideal for solo travellers as you get both the social aspect and local knowledge all in one package. Private drivers give you more flexibility and comfort, but they definitely come at a higher price. However, they are a great option if you want to see a spot that’s not typically offered as a day trip, or just want more breathing room in your schedule.

👉 Want to book your own tour? I use and recommend GetYourGuide and Viator for a lot of my tours (they made travel planning so much easier).

Cultural Etiquette

Cultural respect goes a long way here, too. Dress modestly when you’re visiting cities, souqs, or religious sites and covering your shoulders and knees is a good rule of thumb. And while Omanis are generally warm and welcoming, it’s always polite to ask before taking someone’s photo, especially in smaller towns or traditional areas.

FAQs About Day Trips from Muscat

⬇️CHECK OUT MY OTHER OMAN GUIDES⬇️
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12 EPIC Things To Do In Muscat For First Timers
Is Oman Safe For Solo Female Travellers? My Honest Experience & Safety Tips
Where To Stay In Muscat For First Timers & Solo Travellers: Best Areas & Hotels
20 Things To Know Before Visiting Oman
5 Best Day Trips from Muscat (No Car Needed!)
The ULTIMATE Travel Guide to the Daymaniyat Islands, Oman
Visiting Oman In February: What You Can Expect

Final Thoughts on Day Trips From Muscat

If you’re visiting Muscat and want to experience more of what this beautiful country has to offer, I hope this post gave you a solid starting point for planning your own day trips from Muscat.

Whether you’re chasing sea turtles, wandering through ancient forts, or cooling off in a desert wadi, these Oman day trips are some of the best ways to see the country, especially if you’re travelling solo.

If you have any questions, please feel free to comment or message on Instagram. I’m always happy to help a fellow traveller. And if you found this post useful, please share it or pin it for later.