Desert Experience: Wahiba Sands & Wadi Bani Khalid Group Tour
Active
8h - 10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
1st Option – Desert
Start your adventure in Wahiba Sands with exciting dune driving across vast golden dunes and photo stops. Afterward, visit Wadi Bani Khalid oasis, swim in turquoise pools, explore scenic canyon paths, or relax by the water. Modest swimwear required. Return to Muscat after a full day experiencing Oman’s desert and oasis landscapes.
2nd Option – Sunset
Begin at Wadi Bani Khalid to swim, explore, or relax. Then head to Wahiba Sands for dune driving and optional sandboarding. Stay to witness the breathtaking desert sunset, as the golden dunes transform under warm evening light, before returning to Muscat.
3rd Option – Private
Enjoy a fully private tour of Wadi Bani Khalid and Wahiba Sands with your own vehicle and guide. Choose your departure time, with no other passengers, for a personalized and exclusive desert experience.
Start times vary by option: 1 Option (Desert) from ~8:00 AM; 2nd (Sunset) option from 9:00–11:00 AM, season-dependent.
Available options
Option 3: Private Jorney
Private Tour - Wahiba Sands: Embark on a personalized full-day adventure to Wahiba Sands and Wadi Bani Khalid. Enjoy the desert’s vast beauty and the wadi<br/>Wadi Bani Khalid & Wahiba Dese: Enjoy a full-day private tour by 4WD. Experience the golden dunes of the Wahiba Sands with an exciting dune drive, visit and <br/>4WD or Bus<br/>Pickup included
Option 1: Desert & Oasis
Duration: 10 hours: This option usually begins around 8:00 AM<br/>Lunch: Traditional Lunch, Vegetarian Options available (except during the month of Ramadan)
<br/>Desert & Wadi Bani Khalid tour: Start your day with an unforgettable visit to the golden desert dunes, then continue to the beautiful oasis Wadi Bani Khalid.<br/>Air Conditioned 4WD<br/>Pickup included
Option 2: Sunset & Sandboards
Sandboarding<br/>Duration: 10 hours: Sunset tours usually start between 9:00 and 11:00 AM, depending on the season.<br/>Lunch: Vegetarians Option available<br/>Tour with Sunset and Sanboards: Traditional Lunch, Vegetarian Options available (except during the month of Ramadan)
<br/>Air Conditioned 4WD<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water
Sandboarding (if 2nd option selected)
Buffet Lunch only for Group options(non private) (except during the month of Ramadan)
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
We offer convenient pick-up services from all hotels in Muscat, including popular resorts such as Shangri-La, Jumeirah, and Al Bustan Palace. Simply let us know your location, and we will ensure a smooth start to your tou
2
Stop 2
Wahiba Sands is a desert region that is the part of the Al Sharqiya Sands of Oman. This place will definitely stay memorable for everyone. You'll see the dunes that may reach up to 200 meters and which are created by wind, white and red sands. The unique sunsets, camels and untouchable nature - these are just a small list of things you're going to see and experience.
3
Stop 3
Wadi Bani Khalid (or Wadi Hayer as it’s also called). It’s literally a paradise that will allow you to refresh after the stuffy desert. Wadi Hayer is an oasis with a sparkling waterfall surrounded by huge rocks and date palms from all sides. The water is crystally clean and transparent here. We should mention that it’s not just a single point — it covers a wide range of near set villages. Tourists also have a chance to get into the caves, but they should be accompanied by the experienced guide.
What's not included
Gratuities
Additional beverages during lunch (beyond what is provided in the buffet)
Life jackets (available for rent at the oasis for 1 OMR per jacket)
Changing cabin rental fee (typically 0.2–0.3 OMR)
Any activities or experiences not mentioned in the itinerary
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
21 reviews
5★
16
4★
3
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2
Tripadvisor
4.9
36 reviews
5★
33
4★
2
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For safety reasons, this tour is not recommended for pregnant guests due to dune bashing activities. We advise booking a private tour without dune driving for a safer and more comfortable experience.
Pick-up & Drop-off: Transfers are provided from Muscat. The exact pick-up time will be confirmed one day before the tour via WhatsApp, so please provide an active WhatsApp number in advance.
Please note: The total duration of desert and oasis activities is approximately 3 hours; the remaining time of the tour is allocated to travel between Muscat and the activity locations (round trip).
The tour is available for guests aged 5 years and older only
Weather Considerations: The tour operates in all weather conditions; however, in the event of extreme weather, certain activities may be adjusted or rescheduled
Start Time: Start times vary by option. The Desert & Oasis (without sunset) option usually begins around 8:00 AM. Options including sunset or quad bike experiences typically start between 9:00 and 11:00 AM, depending on the season
About Muscat
Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and strategic location along the Gulf of Oman. With a unique blend of traditional Omani culture and modern development, Muscat offers visitors a mix of historic forts, luxurious resorts, and vibrant souks.
Top Attractions
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
One of the most stunning landmarks in Muscat, this mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and a symbol of Omani heritage.
Religious/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free (guided tours may have a fee)
Mutrah Souq
A traditional market offering a variety of goods, including spices, textiles, and souvenirs. The souq is a great place to experience Omani culture and haggle for bargains.
Market/Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to enter, prices vary for goods
Royal Opera House Muscat
A world-class venue for opera, ballet, and other performing arts, offering a glimpse into the cultural richness of Oman.
Cultural/Entertainment
2-3 hours (depending on the performance)
Varies by event (moderate to expensive)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Shuwa
Slow-cooked lamb or goat marinated in spices and wrapped in banana leaves.
Dinner
Not vegetarian
Harees
A porridge-like dish made from wheat and meat, often served during Ramadan.
Dinner
Not vegetarian
Halwa
A sweet dessert made from sugar, ghee, and spices, often served with tea.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in Wadi Shab
Dune bashing in the desert
Beach relaxation at Qurum Beach
Spa treatments at luxury resorts
Exploring Mutrah Souq
Visiting the Royal Opera House Muscat
Swimming in Bimmah Sinkhole
Boat tours in the Gulf of Oman
Best Time to Visit
November to March
The best time to visit Muscat is during the cooler months from November to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. This period also sees the highest number of tourists.
18°C to 30°C
64°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Arabic
- Widely spoken: English, Urdu, Balochi
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Omani Rial (OMR)
Time Zone
GMT+4
Electricity
240VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Muscat is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, it's always important to stay vigilant and follow local customs and laws.
Important Precautions:
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help
- • Keep valuables secure
Getting there
By air
- Muscat International Airport • 30 km from city center
By bus
Muscat Central Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus service is affordable and connects key points in Muscat. However, it may not be as extensive as in other major cities.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Careem
Rentals
Car
Neighborhoods
Mutrah
Al Khuwair
Shati Al Qurum
Day trips
Nizwa
160 km from Muscat • Full day
Nizwa is a historic city known for its fort, souq, and traditional Omani architecture.
Wadi Shab
90 km from Muscat • Full day
Wadi Shab is a stunning natural area with waterfalls, pools, and hiking trails.
Bimmah Sinkhole
120 km from Muscat • Half day
A natural sinkhole with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and photography.
Festivals
Muscat Festival • January to February
Eid al-Fitr • Varies (depends on the Islamic lunar calendar)
Pro tips
- Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds
- Explore Mutrah Souq in the evening when it's cooler and more lively
- Try traditional Omani coffee and dates at a local café
- Book a guided tour for day trips to learn more about the history and culture
- Carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated, especially in the summer
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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