Wadi Shab is a truly magical place that is made even more amazing with a little local knowledge. To get there from Muscat, no 4WD required. Head along the road to Sur and not long after Fins Beach, take a turn off (slipway) to the right for Wadi Shab or Tiwi Village - it is signposted. Head down under the road and turn left to go underneath the highway. When you come out from under the bridge, do not turn immediately right, cross this road and turn right immediately after it. Follow this road through the village and down the steep hill to the causeway. When you cross over the causeway, turn right and park under the highway.

Once you have reached here, you need to take a boat across to the other bank in order to walk up the Wadi. It costs 300 baisa (about 80 US cents). Try to have small change for this - you would be lucky if these guys carried change for a 10, let alone anything bigger. Check what time the last boat goes back - it changes with the season.

Once you are across, there is a long but rewarding walk ahead. Luckily there are lots of stunning pools to take a dip in along the way. In 2012, Red Bull held the finals of the Cliff Diving Championships here. Eventually, the walk kind of stops at the water's edge. There is just a rock wall in front of you and a beach of smooth rock to enter the wadi. This is where it is time to get wet. You will need a waterproof bag if you are carrying valuables and I strongly recommend water shoes of some kind.

Keep following the wadi upstream. There will be some climbing over rocks and up small gravelly waterfalls and some swimming. How much will depend on the current water level.

You will reach a rock wall in front of you and the wadi just seems to appear out of it. There are now only 2 ways to go - back where you came from - or through the wall. There is a crack in the middle of the wall. Go to where this "meets" the water. If the water level is high, it will be all the way up and the only way through is to swim under rock. This is without a doubt dangerous going in blind and one of my least favourite things. I won't do this. If the water level is low enough, which it always has been for me, you can "swim" under, with enough room to get your head through, so you can both see and breathe - a much safer option. You can use your hands on the rock to propel you through.

What do you do all of this for...? You are now in a cave with a waterfall. It is partially open at the top, so it is shady rather than dark and the locals have fixed a rope up through the waterfall so you can climb up and jump in. With so many other options further down river for jumping in or stopping in the shade by the water, this may seem like a lot, but it is truly beautiful.

Note: Take plenty of drinking water, sunscreen, hat and energy food. It is warm even in winter - especially if you are from colder climes.

But most of all - enjoy! And don't be surprised if there are some local lads around eager to show you the way!

Photo by Jules

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Top hotels close to Wadi Shab

Tiwi Sunrise

Unnamed Road, Tiwi, Ash Sharqiyah South Governorate

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2.04 mi from Wadi Shab

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This hotel features an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Guests will appreciate free perks like free self parking and WiFi in public areas. A garden, dry cleaning, and barbecue grills are also on offer.

Pool

Parking included

Nomad Inn Tiwi

R63W RH Haret Al Hosn Oman, 113, Tiwi, Al Buraimi

2.11 mi from Wadi Shab

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A restaurant and an outdoor pool are featured at this resort. There's no skimping on freebies - guests receive free buffet breakfast, free WiFi, and free self parking. A coffee shop is provided and the front desk is staffed around-the-clock.

Pool

Breakfast included

WADINA RESORT

Wadi Bani Khalid, Wadi Bani Khalid, Ash Sharqiyah North Governorate

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16.95 mi from Wadi Shab

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Free water park access and 2 indoor pools are some of this hotel's featured amenities. There's fun for all ages with a lazy river and a waterslide. Guests will appreciate free perks like free self parking and WiFi in public areas.

Pool

Parking included

Discovery Guest House -Sur

Muscat 25, Sur, Ash Sharqiyah South Governorate

Free Cancellation

20.73 mi from Wadi Shab

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This guesthouse features an outdoor pool and an indoor pool. Guests will appreciate free perks like free self parking and WiFi in public areas. A garden, a picnic area, and express check-in are also on offer.

Pool

Parking included

Surgrand Hotel

Unnamed Rd., PO Box 111, Sur, Ash Sharqiyah South

Free Cancellation

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22.51 mi from Wadi Shab

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This hotel features an outdoor pool, a gym, and a restaurant. Traveling on business? Take advantage of the 24-hour business center, free WiFi in public areas, and airport shuttle. Enjoy the sauna and perks like free self parking.

Pool

Spa

Resort Sur Beach Holiday

Sur, Sur

23.33 mi from Wadi Shab

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This hotel features an outdoor pool, a gym, and a restaurant. Relax with a drink at the bar/lounge and enjoy perks like free WiFi. There's a poolside bar on site, and laundry facilities and concierge services are also provided.

Pool

Free WiFi

Riviera suites

sur, oman, Sur

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24.84 mi from Wadi Shab

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Free self parking is available and the aparthotel's front desk is staffed around-the-clock. WiFi in public areas is free. Dry cleaning is also provided.

Parking included

Free WiFi

Super OYO 108 Marsa Al Masafar Hotel Apartment

Al Aise Street, 411, Sur

Free Cancellation

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24.86 mi from Wadi Shab

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Multilingual staff can provide around-the-clock assistance and laundry facilities are on offer. Guests will appreciate free perks like valet parking and WiFi in public areas. Take advantage of the free self parking.

Parking included

Free WiFi

Best Western Sur

23 Al Aise Street, Sur, Ash Sharqiyah South Governorate

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24.89 mi from Wadi Shab

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This hotel features a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a bar/lounge. Traveling on business? Take advantage of the business center, free WiFi in public areas, and airport shuttle. Enjoy the gym and perks like free self parking.

Pool

Parking included

chalet peoni is located in sur /Qalhat which is beteen wadi shab and sur city

25.34 mi from Wadi Shab

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This chalet features laundry facilities.

Pool

Air conditioning

Zaki Hotel Apartment

Al Sharqiyah Region, Sur, Ash Sharqiyah South

25.5 mi from Wadi Shab

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This aparthotel doesn't skimp on freebies - guests receive free WiFi and free self parking. Traveling on business? Take advantage of the laundry service and airport shuttle. A restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and a coffee shop are also provided.

Kitchen

Parking included

Al Ayjah Plaza Hotel

Al Ayjah, Sur

Free Cancellation

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27.02 mi from Wadi Shab

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This hotel doesn't skimp on freebies - guests receive free WiFi and free self parking. Business travelers can take advantage of the 24-hour business center. A restaurant, laundry facilities, and concierge services are also provided.

Parking included

Free WiFi

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Wadi Shab hotels essential information

Accommodation	18 hotels
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Popular hotels	Tiwi Sunrise, Nomad Inn Tiwi, WADINA RESORT , Surgrand Hotel, Best Western Sur, Discovery Guest House -Sur, Zaki Hotel Apartment, Resort Sur Beach Holiday, Riviera suites, Al Ayjah Plaza Hotel, Super OYO 108 Marsa Al Masafar Hotel Apartment, chalet peoni is located in sur /Qalhat which is beteen wadi shab and sur city

Recent Wadi Shab hotel reviews by fellow wanderers

Al Ayjah Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5

Posted 2 months ago

Travelocity Verified Review

"We stayed here because everywhere else was booked out. It is value for money, and only a place you stay to sleep. It’s not comfortable to relax or spend time at this hotel. Very outdated furniture etc. Sur as a place is a cute and quirky place, has that feel that it is off the beaten track, which is not for everyone but we enjoyed it for this. "

A verified traveler stayed at Al Ayjah Plaza Hotel

chalet peoni is located in sur /Qalhat which is beteen wadi shab and sur city

3 out of 5

Posted 3 months ago

Travelocity Verified Review

"We stayed two nights, the villa is spacious, clean and close to the main road. The kitchen is poorly equipped, and there is no washing machine or dryer, which is inaccurate on the listing. "

A verified traveler stayed at chalet peoni is located in sur /Qalhat which is beteen wadi shab and sur city

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