Picture this. You’ve driven for quite a while, and you’ve finally reached your destination. The view through the windshield is glorious, and yet a small part of you is disbelieving. You step out of the vehicle, stretch your hands and feet, and begin walking toward this unique sight that beckons you.
In front of you lies a lake in the most beautiful shade of pink. It’s odd because you’ve been mesmerised by Oman’s azure beaches before. Never in your wildest dreams did you think you would come across a pink water body! As you inch closer, the intensity of the pink colour richens. You are awestruck. It’s pink. It is not dyed or photoshopped. It is truly, naturally pink. The view is the most striking, yet peaceful one your eyes have had the pleasure of savouring. Slightly frothy and foamy on the edges, and juxtaposed with the earthy tones of the shore and the clear blue skies, the picturesque scene is nothing short of magical! Yes, we are talking about Oman’s Pink Lakes.
Oman boasts of two sites where pink lakes are formed – one in Al Suwaih in the South Sharqiyah Governorate and the other in Al Jazir in the Al Wusta Governorate. Both places enjoy moderate temperatures and are perfect for adventure seekers and travellers who wish to do some camping.
So what actually causes the pink colour of the lakes? According to a study conducted by the students of Sultan Qaboos University, the pink hue is caused by the presence of Dunaliella salina – a type of halophile green microalgae found in sea-salt fields. The algae is rich in its salt concentration and B Carotene which protect against intense light and is one of the few organisms that can survive in such highly saline conditions.
One thing that is truly noteworthy about these Pink Lakes is that they don’t stay pink all year round. And sometimes even seem to disappear! Since they are by the ocean, oftentimes the waves from the sea crash into the lakes, which causes the pink lake to mix with seawater and the displacing of the algae that cause the colouring. During some parts of the year, it is said that the lakes dry up altogether. The phenomenon is dynamic in nature and largely depends on the kind of algae coming in from the sea. If there is a sizeable presence of Dunaliella salina in the water and if the lakes stay cut off from the sea for long enough, over the course of months the lakes turn pink and the colour intensifies.
More than just their colour makes these lakes different from other water bodies in Oman. While shallow and seemingly skimming the surface, the bed of these lakes is unlike what we have come to expect of the water bodies in Oman – soft, clay-like and soothing. Instead, the bed is stiff and ragged, painful to the touch, caused by the hardening of salt crystals.
A fairly new tourist destination, not only are the Pink Lakes of Oman attracting many nature-loving tourists and resident adventure seekers, but also migratory birds in large numbers. Pink flamingos, ducks and other birds migrate to these Pink Lakes and find food and a safe resting place in their fold.
Situated about 300km away from the capital city Muscat, the Pink Lake in Al Suwaih takes a little over three hours by drive. So, what are you waiting for? Start early on a weekend, and head towards Oman’s Pink Lakes. You’re sure to be met with sights that are straight out of the most gorgeous works of art!
hi can you share the co ordinates for pink lake .jain.pradeep@jindalshadeed.com
how we know the water is pink or not ?since we are from sohar.
The pink lakes are located in Jalan Bani Bu Ali state in South Al Sharqiyah – a 300 km drive south of Muscat. It is separated from the nearby sea by the main road that connects Ras al Hadd and Al Ashkarah. Al Suwaih is a beautiful place with white sands and many types of birds in case you dont find the pink lakes.