The Blue Inlets

Bandar Khayran is a dramatic landscape of "khors" (inlets) that protect the water from the open ocean, keeping it calm, clear, and incredibly blue. As you drive over the final mountain pass, the view of the islands and winding waterways looks more like the fjords of Norway than the Arabian Peninsula—only with orange rocks and much warmer water.

Things to Do

Kayaking the Mangroves: The calm, sheltered waters are perfect for exploring. Paddle through narrow gaps between the rocks to find hidden mangrove forests and tiny, private sandy beaches that are inaccessible by foot.

World-Class Snorkeling: The coral reefs here are teeming with life. You don’t even need to go deep; just off the "hidden" beaches, you’ll find parrotfish, angelfish, and often green or hawksbill turtles grazing on the seagrass.

Secret Beach Hiking: There is a popular short trek (about 20–30 minutes) from the main viewpoint down to a secluded cove. It’s a great way to earn your swim!

Dolphin Watching: Many boat tours start at dawn from the nearby Marina Bandar Al Rowdha or Sifah. Seeing pods of dolphins jumping against the backdrop of the Khayran cliffs is a bucket-list experience.

Places to See

The Main Viewpoint: The parking area at the top of the hill offers the most iconic panoramic view of the entire bay. It’s the perfect spot for photography, especially during the "golden hour."

The Al Munassir Wreck: For scuba divers, this sunken naval ship is a famous artificial reef. It’s now home to massive schools of fish and vibrant soft corals.

Turtle Bay: A shallow, sandy-bottomed cove where turtles are frequently spotted coming up for air.

Giant Rock Arches: Keep an eye out while boating or kayaking for natural rock bridges and "windows" carved into the cliffs by thousands of years of waves.

Trip and Itinerary Advice

Best Time to Visit

Season: October to April is peak season. In the summer, it’s a popular spot for late-afternoon swims and night kayaking when the water stays warm. Time of Day: Sunrise is magical and peaceful. Alternatively, arrive mid-afternoon to enjoy the water and stay for a sunset picnic.

Pro Tips

Vehicle: A 4WD is not needed to reach the main viewpoint. The road is paved and beautiful. However, if you want to drive down to the water’s edge at some of the lower beaches, a high-clearance 4x4 is required.

Boat "Taxis": If you don't want to hike, go to the nearby village of Yiti or Qantab. Local fishermen are happy to drop you at a secluded beach and pick you up a few hours later (usually for 10–15 OMR).

No Facilities: This is a wild area. There are no shops, toilets, or trash bins. Bring everything you need (water, snacks, sunblock) and take all your trash back with you.

Suggested Half-Day Itinerary

2:30 PM: Leave Muscat and enjoy the winding mountain drive toward Sifah.

3:15 PM: Park at the Bandar Khayran Viewpoint for photos.

3:30 PM: Hike down the trail to the "Hidden Beach" or meet a pre-booked boat for a tour.

4:00 PM: Snorkel or kayak through the calm inlets.

5:30 PM: Head back to the viewpoint to watch the sunset turn the orange mountains a deep, glowing red.

6:30 PM: Drive back to Muscat, perhaps stopping for a grilled fish dinner in the village of Yiti.