Wadi Shab & Bimmah Sinkhole Day Trip with Swim & Lunch

Summary

Swim in hidden caves hike lush wadis taste Oman’s lemon mint

You’ll hike through Wadi Shab’s canyon with a local guide, swim into hidden caves lit by sunlight, share lunch at a small café (lemon-mint is a must), and end your day gazing into Bimmah Sinkhole’s unreal blue water. Expect laughter, quiet moments, and stories you’ll want to retell.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, we’re swimming through that?” That’s what I blurted out when our guide Khalid pointed to the narrow crack at the end of Wadi Shab. He just grinned and said, “Trust me.” The hike itself was already something — warm air bouncing off the canyon walls, the smell of wild herbs after last night’s rain, my shoes picking up fine sand with every step. We’d started early from Muscat (pickup was right on time), and by the time we reached the wadi, the sun had that soft gold you only see in Oman. There were a few families picnicking near the entrance, but once we crossed by boat and started walking, it felt like we’d left everything behind.

I don’t know if I’ve ever seen water that clear — not even in photos. We stopped to cool our feet in one of those blue-green pools before going all in. Swimming toward the cave was surreal; light flickered on the rocks above us, and you could hear this echoey drip-drip from somewhere inside. The waterfall at the end? It’s real — cold spray on your face, echoing laughter (mostly mine). Khalid told us how locals come here on weekends to escape city heat. I tried saying “wadi” properly; he laughed and corrected me (“not bad for a tourist”).

Lunch was simple but perfect — grilled chicken with rice and this sharp lemon-mint drink that cut through the heat. I sat under a fan at a local café, still damp from swimming, watching people chat over their plates. Afterward we drove to Bimmah Sinkhole. The color is wild — almost fake-looking turquoise — and there’s this hush when you walk down the steps, like everyone’s holding their breath for a second. Some kids were splashing around; I just dangled my feet and let it all sink in. On the way back to Muscat I kept thinking about that first swim into darkness, how weirdly peaceful it felt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole

• Hike 40 minutes through canyon
• Swim in turquoise pools
• Visit hidden waterfall cave
• Have lunch at local café
• Visit Bimmah Sinkhole park
• Descend stairway to sinkhole lake

Top questions

How long does the Wadi Shab hike take?

The guided hike through Wadi Shab takes about 40 minutes each way.

Is swimming required on this day trip?

Yes, swimming is needed to reach the cave and waterfall at Wadi Shab.

What kind of lunch is included?

Lunch includes chicken or fish with rice, fresh salads, and a lemon mint drink; vegetarian option available.

Is pickup from Muscat included?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle pickup from Muscat is included in your tour.

Can you swim at Bimmah Sinkhole?

You can swim at Bimmah Sinkhole; there are steps leading down to the water.

Are entry fees covered?

All entry fees and taxes are included in your booking.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or families?

The tour suits most fitness levels but isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

How deep is Bimmah Sinkhole?

Bimmah Sinkhole is about 20 meters deep at its deepest point.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Muscat in an air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees and taxes covered along the way, bottled water throughout your journey, plus a traditional lunch at a local café before heading back after your swim-filled adventure.