Oman has a vast number of islands along its coastline. The largest of these, spanning over 95km north to south and 12-14km west to east, is the island of Masirah. This little strip of land is the quintessential desert island paradise ripe with miles of golden beaches, barren hills and eerie landscapes, and breathtaking views. It is also fast growing into one of the country’s premier tourism destinations.
Ecologically, Masirah is also one of the most important locations in all of Oman, especially for birds and marine life, making it a hotspot for bird and turtle watching. It is also considered to be amongst the best locations in the region to enjoy sport fishing, as well as water sports such as kitesurfing and sailing due to the winds close to the shore.
Getting to Masirah is also relatively easy using one of the ferries that regularly traverse the short trip to the island from the port at Shannah, a small town along the east coast located about 500km from the capital city of Muscat. Once on the island, there are quite a few attractions to keep you busy depending on the time of year that you are visiting. Here is a list of some of the best that island has to offer.
Watersports
With steady 20 – 50 knot winds throughout the day, especially between the months of May and August, together with huge flat lagoons on the west coast and constant waves on the east, make this island a true kite surfers’ heaven. In fact, the island is considered to be amongst the top kite surfing destinations the world. Even if you are a total newbie at the sport, you needn’t worry. There are experts readily available on hand to help you out on the island if needed. Outside of kite surfing, several other water sports such as snorkelling, surfing and sailing are also quite popular on the island.
Fishing
With such rich marine life surrounding the island it comes as no surprise that the island is a hotspot for fishing, both of the shore and deep-sea variety. October to March in particular is the peak season to fish on or near the island, especially if you prefer deep sea fishing, because the weather around this time of the year is near perfect and the waters are abundant in marine life.
Bird Watching
With over 328 species of birds from all over the world known to frequent the island as part of their annual migration, Masirah is quite easily one of the best spots in Oman to see migratory and vagrant birds. These include various species of Plover, Oystercatchers, Turnstones, Bar-tailed Godwits, herons, flamingos, gulls, and Barn Swallows among hundreds of other migratory birds. Such a vast number of birds coupled with the breath-taking scenery make the island a venerable magnet for bird watchers the world over.
Turtle Watching
The island is not home to five different species of turtles: The Green Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, and Leatherback Turtle. In fact, the island has the largest gathering of Loggerhead turtles in the world, with hundreds visiting the island during the nesting season. If turtle watching is high on your agenda, the best time to visit would be between the months of July to September. That is not to say you can’t see them at other times in the year. These turtles are known to frequent the waters around the island, and should you decide to go snorkelling or diving, there is a good chance you could see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Exploring, Camping, and Stargazing
If camping and exploring is more your thing, you will be happy to know that a large porting of the island is uninhabited and ripe for exploration. There are also some interesting sights to visit such as the ancient Safaiq Grave site, with its unique tombstones, and Jebel Humr, the highest point on the island. There is even one continuous road that circles the island which makes for a thoroughly enjoyable drive for the entire family to enjoy. You are also spoilt for choice when it comes to camping locations. There are several spots that simply perfect to pitch up a tent along the shores of the rough, rocky seas to the east, or the calm tranquil waters to the west. If you prefer to spend the night gazing at the stars, then the southern shores of the island are your best bet. The sky here is simply stunning with barely a hint of light pollution.