At the easternmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve protects one of the Indian Ocean's largest green turtle nesting grounds, with around 30,000 females laying eggs here each year. Strictly controlled dawn and evening viewings run from a dedicated ecolodge, and peak nights in July and August can see 50 to 60 turtles nesting simultaneously on the beach. Loggerheads, hawksbills, and leatherbacks also use the wider Omani coast. The reserve sits roughly three hours by road from Muscat.
At the easternmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve protects one of the Indian Ocean's largest green turtle nesting grounds, with around 30,000 females laying eggs here each year. Strictly controlled dawn and evening viewings run from a dedicated ecolodge, and peak nights in July and August can see 50 to 60 turtles nesting simultaneously on the beach. Loggerheads, hawksbills, and leatherbacks also use the wider Omani coast. The reserve sits roughly three hours by road from Muscat.
Up to 98% sighting chance in Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve (Oman). Best months: July, August, June.
May through September is the operating window, with July and August delivering the densest nightly nesting and up to 98% sighting probability on reserve tours.
Both are guided reserve walks with strict group sizes and lighting rules. Dawn tours catch turtles finishing nesting or returning to sea; evening tours follow fresh arrivals hauling ashore.
Reserve viewing tours typically run 7 to 12 OMR per person (2026 prices). Ecolodge packages combining accommodation with dawn and evening viewings cost more but secure guaranteed tour slots.
The reserve lies about 320 km southeast of Muscat, roughly a three-hour drive via Sur along the coastal highway. Most visitors stay at the on-site ecolodge for both dawn and evening viewings.
Around 30,000 green turtle females nest annually at this reserve, making it one of the Indian Ocean's most significant aggregation sites.
