Hotels in Sur

Sur: Oman's Dhow-Building Coast

Sur sits at the eastern tip of Oman, roughly 200 km southeast of Muscat along the Arabian Sea. The city built its reputation across centuries as a shipbuilding centre, and the Al Ayjah boatyard still constructs traditional wooden dhows — a craft passed through generations of local families. The adjacent Lagoon of Sur separates the old quarter of Al Ayjah from the main town, connected by a small ferry that locals use daily.

Where to Stay and What Draws Visitors

Travellers arrive primarily for two reasons: the dhow heritage and Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve, 60 km to the east, where green sea turtles nest from June through September. Hotels in Sur range from modest guesthouses near the corniche to mid-range properties with lagoon views. The Sur Maritime Museum, housed near the waterfront, documents the city's trade routes to East Africa and India.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Sur is a 2.5–3 hour drive from Muscat via Route 23 through the Hajar Mountains.
• Turtle visits: Book Ras al Jinz night tours in advance during peak nesting season (July–August).
• Climate: Summers exceed 40 °C; October through March offers cooler, more comfortable conditions.
• Currency: Omani Rial (OMR); most hotels accept cards, but carry cash for local restaurants.