Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is the eco-lodge of the Ras al Jinz turtle reserve, on Oman's easternmost point. It is the only place in the country where watching sea turtles is permitted, and staying on site is the easiest way to do it: the room rate includes both guided beach outings, in the evening and at dawn. The lodging is simple and comfortable; the turtles are the reason to come.

What a night includes

The reserve's rate covers:

• buffet breakfast;
• guided turtle viewing in the evening and at dawn;
• entry to the Turtle Visitor Centre, the reserve's museum;
• taxes and service charge.

Visitors who are not staying pay separately: OMR 12 (Omani rials) per foreign adult, OMR 6 for ages 6 to 12, free under 6.

Evening and dawn on the beach

The reserve runs two guided outings a day to watch nesting turtles, in local time:

• in the evening, from 9 pm;
• at dawn, from 5 am, a second chance if the evening drew a blank.

Day visitors must arrive by 8.30 pm and by 4.45 am; hotel guests are already on site. The reserve warns that times change with the season, so we have them confirmed before arrival. On the beach, follow the guide and their instructions, especially about light. Outside the viewings, the beach is closed from 5 pm to 8 am.

Oman is home to four species of sea turtle: the endangered green turtle, the olive ridley, the loggerhead and the critically endangered hawksbill. At Ras al Jinz they are mostly green turtles. Our guide to the turtles of Ras al Jinz explains how a visit works.

When to go

Turtles come ashore to nest all year round. Hatchings happen mainly from May to September, according to the reserve, and a study by Sultan Qaboos University recorded the highest density of nesting from June to October. From October to April, the most pleasant time to travel in Oman, you can still see turtles, but there are more from June to October, when it is hotter. See also turtle season.

Carapace rooms or tents

The reserve has around thirty units, all air-conditioned with private bathrooms: Carapace rooms in the main building and eco-tents on a nearby hillock, built to withstand wind and rain. The tents suit couples; a family with children should take one of the two Carapace rooms with bunk beds.

On site

The Turtle Visitor Centre covers the life cycle of sea turtles and the archaeological finds at Ras al Jinz, including settlement remains more than 4,300 years old. It is open daily from 9 am to 8.30 pm. The 60-cover Sea Giants restaurant serves a café-style menu by day and a three-course set menu in the evening. There is also a library on turtles, a 30-seat meeting room and a shop selling local crafts, open 6 pm to 11 pm (local times).

The reserve was created by royal decree in 1996 and its centre opened in 2008. It is run by Omran, Oman's state-owned tourism development company.

Getting there

Ras al Jinz is 45 km from Sur (about 55 minutes) and about 270 km from Muscat International Airport via the coastal highway: allow 3.5 to 4 hours. Bimmah Sinkhole, Wadi Shab and the Bibi Maryam mausoleum at Qalhat make good stops on the way: see the Sur and Ras al Jinz region and our guide to driving in Oman.

Price

In October 2026, for two nights in March 2027, the cheapest room was offered on the official site at about €230 a night for two adults, breakfast and turtle viewing included, free cancellation up to three days before arrival, possible local taxes extra. Rates vary by season and day of the week.

Sabaro's view

Who it suits: families, couples and nature lovers who want to see the turtles in the best conditions without driving back at night.

Highlights: sleeping inside the reserve, minutes from the beach; both guided viewings included; the museum; the tents on the hillock.

Good to know: simple comfort for the price, with no pool or spa; a 7.2 out of 10 rating on Booking.com (602 reviews); viewing times to confirm by season; one night is enough. See also our family and museums and culture ideas.