Wadi Shab & Bimmah Sinkhole Day Trip from Muscat

Summary

Swim hike and taste Omani tea in wild Wadi Shab canyons

You’ll hike through Wadi Shab’s wild canyon trails, swim in hidden blue pools (yes, bring extra socks), share Omani tea with your guide, and eat lunch at a local café before seeing the turquoise waters of Bimmah Sinkhole. Expect laughter, new tastes, and maybe a few wet shoes—but also those moments where everything feels quietly huge around you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out in Wadi Shab was how the air felt—warm, but not heavy, and there was this faint smell of earth after the drive from Muscat. Our guide, Ahmed, handed me a tiny cup of Omani tea at a roadside café (sweet, cardamom-heavy) before we started the drive into the canyon. He joked that if I could pronounce “Shab” right he’d buy me another round. I did not get another round. The drive itself is sort of hypnotic—mountains fading into each other, the occasional goat just standing there like it owns the place.

We crossed a narrow bit of water by boat (it’s barely two minutes but still fun), then started hiking. It’s about 40 minutes, but honestly you lose track because there’s so much to look at—palms growing out of nowhere, rocks that look like they’ve been sliced open by something ancient. You hear water trickling even when you can’t see it yet. At one point I slipped on a smooth rock and almost lost my shoe; Ahmed just grinned and said “welcome to real Wadi Shab.” When we finally reached those clear pools, everyone went quiet for a second—it’s that kind of blue you don’t expect in Oman. Swimming felt weirdly electric after the heat.

Lunch was at this local café—rice with chicken or fish, some salad, lemon mint juice that actually tasted fresh (not like bottled stuff). I sat next to an older couple from Salalah who told me stories about visiting here as kids. On the way back we stopped at Bimmah Sinkhole. People say it was made by a meteorite—locals call it ‘The Falling Star’—but Ahmed said it’s just limestone doing its thing. The water is turquoise and cold if you dip your feet in. There were kids laughing nearby and someone playing music off their phone, which somehow didn’t ruin the mood.

I still think about that swim in Wadi Shab sometimes—the shock of cool water after all that sun—and how even though my shoes got soaked, it didn’t really matter much by then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole

• Pick up from hotel in Muscat
• Drive 2 hours through Oman landscapes
• Stop for Omani tea at local coffee shop
• Arrive at Wadi Shab canyon
• Take quick boat ride across river
• Hike 40 minutes through canyon
• Swim in freshwater pools and waterfalls
• Lunch at local café with chicken or fish
• Visit Bimmah Sinkhole and park
• Drive back to Muscat
• Drop off at hotel or meeting point

Top questions

How long does the Wadi Shab & Bimmah Sinkhole day trip take?

The tour lasts a full day including transfers from Muscat; expect around 8-9 hours total.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, lunch at a local café is included except during Ramadan.

How difficult is the hike at Wadi Shab?

The hike takes about 40 minutes each way and requires moderate fitness; some rocky terrain and shallow wading are involved.

Can children join this tour?

No, children under 7 years old are not allowed due to safety requirements.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup in Muscat or meeting point transfer is included depending on your booking option.

What should I bring for swimming at Wadi Shab?

A swimsuit, towel, sturdy shoes (that can get wet), and maybe dry socks for after swimming.

Is there vegetarian food available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available for lunch upon request.

Do I need to be able to swim to enjoy this tour?

No, but swimming is part of the experience at Wadi Shab’s pools; non-swimmers can relax by the water instead.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or meeting point in Muscat (your choice), all transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water along the way, a quick boat ride across Wadi Shab’s riverbank before hiking into the canyon itself, plus lunch at a local café with both meat and vegetarian options before returning to Muscat in the evening.