Masirah Island Travel Essentials
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Ideal duration: 1 day
Best Time: November to April Read More
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"A Breathtaking Desert Island"
Masirah Island Tourism
Being the largest island in Oman as well as the most relaxing destination for a weekend getaway, Masirah Island is filled with stunning beaches and exciting water sports. The island has a population of about 12,000 people and was only recently open for tourism. This island is known as a "paradise for kitesurfers" as it is always windy, with cool breeze pouring in from the Arabian Sea. There are four different species of turtles whose habitat is on the Masirah beaches, including around 30,000 nesting female turtles!
Things to do in Masirah Island
1. Hilf
A village on the northern part of Masirah, it is the primary settlement of the island. It has the Royal Oman Air Force of Oman base as well as a fish factory. When you take a ferry from Shannah, you w (Read More)ill reach Hilf.��The place is considered a pitstop for people visiting the natural attractions on Masirah as the village has the eateries and other facilities.
2. Jabal Al Humr
The highest point of Masirah, Jebel Humr has a wonderful view of the island with it being located at a height of 274 meters high. It's best to wear good shoes as the climb up is quite dangerous toward (Read More)s the top. It takes around 30 minutes to hike up the mountain.
3. Masirah Beach Camp
Run by Kiteboard Oman, the Masirah Beach Camp is the best destination for water sports and meeting other fellow travellers! With its beautiful turquoise sea and soft sand, it's truly a paradise! Apart (Read More) from amenities similar to a hotel, it is pet-friendly too! One can try various water-sports like water-skiing, kiteboarding, fishing, windsurfing, canoeing, snorkelling and more!
4. Safa'iq Grave Site
The 300-year-old gravesite at Safa'iq is a popular tourist attraction as it has very unique tombstones with impeccable designs. The tombstones are perched up on a hill with their elaborate headstones. (Read More) Two rocks on the grave indicate men and three rocks indicate women.
5. Turtle Watching
Due to the fact that there are five different species of turtles on the island, there is not really the best time to go as the turtles' nest at different times of the year! Although green turtles can (Read More)be spotted any night of the year at Masirah! Masirah Island is home to the Green Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle, the Hawksbill Turtle, the Olive Ridley Turtle, and the Leatherback Turtle.
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Currency in Masirah Island
In Masirah, you can pay with credit cards and/or debit cards, such as Mastercard, VISA etc. However, no other currency apart from the Omani currency is accepted. But cash is whats the most widely accepted on this island. So keep that in hand.
There are ATMs in Masirah It is best to exchange currency at the Oman UAE Exchange which is located at the Muscat International Airport. You will also find many ATMs and exchange centres as you drive from Muscat to Shannah.
There are ATMs in Masirah It is best to exchange currency at the Oman UAE Exchange which is located at the Muscat International Airport. You will also find many ATMs and exchange centres as you drive from Muscat to Shannah.
Daily Budget for Masirah Island
Ideally, a tourist would spend around OMR 20-30 a day in Masirah Island.
Masirah Island Customs
It is not common for alcohol to be consumed in public, due to the majority of Muslims on the island. If you wish to consume alcohol, it is best to do it in a private or a remote place. As a tourist, it is not expected from the locals that you cover your shoulders and legs, but if you are not at a beach, it is best to dress modestly. Tipping is not common at the island, so it is not necessary. If you feel the need to do so, you could just round up to the next rial.
History of Masirah Island
The island was first used as a British military base in the 1930s. It expanded until the 1970s as it helped the British and Omani forces fight during The Dhofar Rebellion. It was also used during the Gulf Wars in the 1990s.
Nightlife in Masirah Island
There is no nightlife on the island. It's a very religious place and no alcohol is served except for at the 4 star hotel.
Shopping in Masirah Island
At Masirah island, shops are extremely limited and there are no supermarkets. There are no places to buy souvenirs. If you wish to go camping, it is best to bring snacks and other necessary items from Muscat.
Best Time to Visit Masirah Island
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How to Reach Masirah Island
How to Reach Overview
The island does not have its own airport, so you will need to arrive at Shannah first, and take a ferry to the island.
How to reach Masirah Island by flight
In order to reach Masirah, you will first have to fly to Muscat. The flight from India to Muscat takes around 3-4 hours depending on where you fly from.
How to reach Masirah Island by road
After arriving in Muscat International Airport, you could rent a car or hire a cab to take you to Shannah from where you can catch a ferry to the island. The journey from Muscat to Shannah will take around 5 hours. If you are renting a car, you will need an International Driving Permit.
How to reach Masirah Island by train
From nearby cities. Talk about connectivity, compare different services (if any)
How to reach Masirah Island by bus
Taking the bus is not a very feasible option, but if you wish to do so, there is a route 52 bus from Muscat that you can take. You will have to get off at the Sinaw station and take a cab from there to Shannah. However, the bus only leaves Muscat at 5:30 and you will probably reach Shannah around midnight. So you will have to wait until the next morning to take the ferry to Masirah Island.
How to reach Masirah Island by waterways
The National Ferry Company operates regular vehicle ferries from Shannah and arives in Hilf Port. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach Hilf Port. The ferry runs four times a day from 9am to 6pm. It costs OMR 3 for an adult and OMR 1.5 for children (one way). If you want to bring your car, it wil cost OMR 16 for a normal car and OMR 20 for a four wheel drive.
Local transport in Masirah Island
The best way to get around would be in your own car, which you can bring on the ferry. If this is not an option, there are taxis available from hotels.
There is no means of public transport within the island.
There is no means of public transport within the island.
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FAQs on Masirah Island
What is the best time to visit Masirah island?
The best time to visit Masirah Island is during the months of January, February, March and November, December as the weather is close to perfect. The average temperature will vary around 23-26 degrees. During these months, you will be able to explore the island as well as take part in cool water activities.
The warmest months at the island are April to October. Due to the fact that this is a desert island, it is best to not go during these months as it is very hot. During June, it rains quite a lot and you won't be able to do any of the sea activities or sea the turtles nesting.
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The warmest months at the island are April to October. Due to the fact that this is a desert island, it is best to not go during these months as it is very hot. During June, it rains quite a lot and you won't be able to do any of the sea activities or sea the turtles nesting.
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What is the local food in Masirah island?
The Masira Island Resort has a variety of continental and intercontinental food. There are also four other smaller hotels that serve food on the island too. There is also a Turkish restaurant in Hilf.
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What is the best way to reach Masirah island?
The island does not have its own airport, so you will need to arrive at Shannah first, and take a ferry to the island.
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What are the places near Masirah island?
The top places near to Masirah island are Muscat which is 364 km from Masirah island, Wahiba sands which is located 125 km from Masirah island, Sur which is located 263 km from Masirah island, Barka which is located 383 km from Masirah island, Bahla which is located 328 km from Masirah island
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