The Sultanate of Oman has got a lot to offer outdoor enthusiasts.
It is a paradise for scuba divers, enchanting to the eye for photo enthusiasts and film
buffs, and its diverse natural beauty makes it an ideal place for camping and rock
climbing.
Scuba Diving
Oman boasts a wild and varied coastline. There is a wealth of scenery, wildlife and
pleasure awaiting the underwater explorer. The Oman Dive Centre (ODC), located on one of
Oman's most beautiful and rich sites of natural heritage, offers a complete range of
diving courses. Diving equipment is available on dive excursions, which include overnight
diving and camping trips.
Photography and Filming 
Oman provides tremendous opportunities for serious and casual photographers.
Graded tracks wind along picturesque mountains, together serene sandy beaches and lush
green plains.
An occasional burst of wildlife can be seen in the form of a gazelle, a white oryx, or
even a mountain fox racing across the horizon against a breathtaking sunset.
Rock Climbing
To the newly-arrived rock climber Oman is a seeming paradise. Rugged mountains, rising at
their highest point to 3,000 metres, stretch for over 300kilometres. In among the
peaks is a maze of spurs and wadis, deep canyons and towering cliffs. Getting into the
mountains in four wheel drive cars is easy enough; getting up them is another matter.
Camping
Oman is a
fascinating place to explore with its diverse and beautiful landscape. Overnight camping
in wadis or on sandy beaches and desert safaris are very popular among outdoor enthusiasts
craving for adventure. Many specialised tour operators provide complete camping facilities
from vehicles to drivers, guides, logistical equipment, and packed meals.
Camel Racing
Camel racing is an exciting and extraordinary sport, with large numbers of camels and
their owners
congregating at the race track. Camels are carefully bred for the track and
reared on a highly nutritious diet. Juvenile jockeys astride oddly loping mounts generate
tremendous excitement on these occasions, which are held mainly during National Day
celebrations and other public holidays. Seeb is the centre for this unique sport, which
can also be seen in Salalah, the Interior and the Batinah region.
Bull Fighting
Bull fighting is yet another popular sport where two Brahmin bulls of the same size are
pitted against each other without a drop of blood being spilled. The first bull to run
away is declared the loser, but not before he is given a couple of chances more to prove
himself before a cheering and enthusiastic audience. The fight lasts just for a few
minutes and the bulls suffer little or no injury, except for a few scratches and a bruised
ego on the part of both the losing bull and its owner.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing in exotic Muscat is a unique experince. Half and full-day city tours offered
by most tour operators include visits to the old walled city of Muscat, the Qurm museum
and other special interest museums, as well as the picturesque seafront Mutrah
neighbourhood with its old white buildings and labyrinthine souq where visitors can buy
the most exquisite silver jewellery.
Shopping
Oman is unquestionably a great place for souvenir shopping. Local craftsmen excel in arts
and
handicrafts such as silversmithig and weaving. Visitors can buy intricately
carved handmade daggers, coffee pots, rose-water sprinklers, incense
burners,rugs,saddles,bags,camelstraps,and fragrant frankincense. Women's jewellery is
perhaps the finest expression of the silversmiths' art, ranging from small silver boxes
designed to hold kohl, to bracelets, earrings and rings, heavy anklets, and huge belts and
necklaces.
Go rock-climbing or camping overnight. Watch camel races, bullfights or just take
in a sightseeing tour.
Oman more than just a visit. A way of life. Relax and enjoy. so much more than a
holiday. A chance to Renew yourself.
