Luxury Yacht Charter Guide to Oman
A pristine coastline, dramatic adventures, and a heightened sense of luxury marks Oman on the map as a must-see charter destination. Unlike the neighbors, Oman has managed to remain low-fi when it comes to displays of glitz and glamor and instead offers its natural beauty and rampant history as the jewels in its silver box. Over 500 forts and castles adorn the coast serving as former look out points and whipped up in a frenzy of different architectural styles from different periods. The beaches are serene and sprawling and the cities a triumph to the warm and rich velvet feel of an Omani welcome.
Reasons to Charter a Yacht in Oman
Sprawling Beaches
Boasting 1700 km of coastline, Oman is awe-inspiring for beach lovers. Sandy stretches, shallow corals, and swaying palms set the scene and sailing from coastal point to point, you can be sure to see plenty of whales and dolphins along the way, as these waters boast no less than 22 different species. A wide collection of calm coves and seabed shelves entice snorkelers of all levels out to play.
Epic Adventures
Watersports along the coast, sandboarding and camel rides at the famed Wahiba Sands, and limestone mountains making up the interior – Oman is a treasure trove for adventure lovers. Whether you need a glut of adrenaline or just a pinch, you can find the right activity in one of Oman’s dramatic landscaped corners.
Desert Wildlife
From the enigmatic Arabian Leopard to playful desert foxes, leggy gazelles, and Arabian Oryx, Oman is home to a surprisingly vast array of creatures. Strict hunting laws ensure that in this pocket of the world – nature can thrive, both on land and at sea. The marine waters are rich with turtles, tropical fish, and kaleidoscopic color.
Where to Visit in Oman
Muscat
Oman’s capital is certainly easy on the eye. Perched between the sea and flanked by the rippling shadows of mountains, with its tall minarets, arched windows, and sapphire domes – its like a page torn from a book of fables. Far from just a pretty face, Muscat’s name translates to safe anchorage which is music to the ears of anyone sailing through. Home to the Grand Mosque, the National Museum, the historical wedge of Old Muscat, Forts, Palaces and the Opera House, there is plenty to see in this handsome city.
Al Sawadi Islands
A small island group sitting not far from the beautiful city of Muscat, Al Sawadi is a must for dropping anchor and making the most of the nearby nature reserves. Exceptional diving invites you to plunge right in around the Damaniyat Nature Reserve. Hawksbill and Green Turtles make their homes here on the shores, and out of the water, there’s a ton of bird watching to be done. When you tire of drinking in all the wildlife, action is waiting with 4X4 adventures and Wadi bashing close by.
Nizwah
History comes thick and fast in the fabulous fort town of Nizwah. Sitting inland, stashed away behind soaring mountains, and surrounded by a cool and sultry natural oasis, this place was hailed the Pearl of Islam. Nizwah is the second most popular spot for tourism in the whole of Oman, as visitors are drawn to its scenic beauty, sublime souks, and majestic forts. Ducking into the fort is a must to wander the maze-like halls and fall in love with the fabled stories of its secret shafts and doorways that lead to nowhere.
When to Charter a Yacht in Oman
If you want to make the most of Oman’s balmy temperatures and sweet sea turtles, the best time to set sail is between the months of October and April. During this time, the weather is warm and bright, and any drizzle or rain bursts will be mostly between the months of January and February and will clear up quickly. The height of summer isn’t the best for visiting as the desert heat can be a scorcher.