Name me cynical however after I hear someplace described as a ‘must-visit’ I instantly decrease my expectations. That is what I did earlier than our go to to Wadi Shab – one of the standard wadi day journeys from Muscat in Oman.
Wadi Shab has been talked about to us numerous occasions since we moved to Oman. So I used to be intrigued, particularly after getting extra of a wadi expertise than we bargained for at neighbouring Wadi Tiwi in January.
However I used to be additionally able to be upset after visiting the equally lauded however very industrial Wadi Bani Khalid just a few weeks earlier than.
So, was it a waste of time? Did we chunk off greater than we may chew visiting with children? Or did now we have an excellent time?
On this publish I’m going to share our expertise of visiting Wadi Shab with our kids together with some suggestions for doing it your self.
*This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks*
Why go to Wadi Shab?
Wadi Shab is a straightforward day journey from Muscat – about one and a half hours from town centre by street – and has been arrange for vacationers, albeit in a really gentle contact manner.
Don’t anticipate a lot of security measures or flashy amenities, however do come able to expertise Oman’s extraordinary pure magnificence.
Your go to will embody a ship journey throughout the wadi entrance, skyscraper gorge partitions, a enjoyable hike, lengthy clear swimming pools and a cave you may swim inside to discover a hidden waterfall.
We spent three hours exploring and all agreed that it was time nicely spent.
Right here’s our information to visiting Wadi Shab with kids together with some suggestions for doing it your self.
Greatest time to go to Wadi Shab
We visited the wadi on a Saturday in March – a doubtlessly busy time throughout the winter season when a lot of folks vacation in Oman.
So we determined to rise up early, and get to the wadi earlier than the push and the warmth of noon.
After we arrived at 8.30am there have been only a handful of different automobiles within the automotive park beneath Freeway 17. The ferry solely begins working from 8am so there’s not a lot level in arriving sooner than this.
By the point we returned three hours later the automotive park was full, and automobiles and coaches had been parked alongside the street.
Individuals had been nonetheless arriving and we handed heaps coming in to the wadi as we left.
The variety of folks later within the morning made the hike rather less nice on a few of the narrower sections with an extended drop.
I don’t imagine it could be doable to keep away from the 2 manner mountain climbing site visitors till after 2pm on a weekend. So we had been glad we arrived initially of the day to drift in a minimum of one route.
In the event you do determine to go to afterward remember that the wadi just isn’t accessible after late afternoon (see ferry occasions beneath). 2pm might be the newest you need to arrive, notably in case you intend to swim within the swimming pools on the finish and go to the cave.
The optimum days to go to are from Sunday to Thursday when there shall be fewer locals, like us.
Ferry boat at Wadi Shab
That is the one wadi in Oman the place now we have needed to take a ferry to discover. On the day we visited there have been two small motorboats working from the automotive park.
They take you on a brief crossing, beneath the viaduct to the place the wadi path begins on the opposite aspect.
The price of a return journey is 1 OMR per particular person, however we had been charged 500 baisa (half a rial) for the youngsters. You pay this upfront in money.
The ferries run day by day from 8am, so that is the earliest you may go to Wadi Shab.
The final ferry runs between 5pm and 6pm relying on the season. In case you are visiting within the afternoon verify when the ferry stops as you’ll be stranded with out it.
The hike into Wadi Shab
About quarter-hour into the stroll the trail turns from mud and shingle into rock. Be very cautious on the slippery rocks which have been polished by 1000’s of pairs of ft.
The trail has been improved for guests with most cracks within the rock cemented over however you continue to want to look at your step, particularly because the route begins to rise alongside the aspect of the wadi.
There’s no hand rail between you and a few massive drops. In case you are visiting with younger kids you will want to carry their fingers so you already know the place they’re always.
It’s at this level that you simply see the primary part of turquoise water beneath. It’d look inviting however this half isn’t for swimming. There’s no straightforward technique to enter and exit it – one more reason to maintain maintain of little ones.
About 30 minutes into the wadi you rejoin the valley ground. That is the place the trail turns into much less apparent. You are able to do a little bit of bouldering or hunt down the better path to the left, which runs alongside the Aflaj.
Nevertheless, there’s no probability of getting misplaced. Simply maintain following the valley ground.
It took us about an hour to achieve the principle wadi swimming pools. At this level it’s important to swim to progress additional.
Swimming at Wadi Shab
You’ll must excuse the standard of my footage throughout our swim at Wadi Shab. They’re all taken by way of a water-proof cellphone case (important gear for this wadi).
However I assumed they had been price together with to offer you an concept of the problem forward of you.
You understand you’ve reached the swimming space while you spot a ‘welcome’ signal that appears prefer it has seen significantly better days. It explains that you simply can not stroll from this level and it’s important to be swimmer to achieve the cave on the finish.
Having visited just a few wadis now (and kicked ourselves for not being fairly as ready as we wanted to be once we went to neighbouring Wadi Tiwi) we had been ready with waterproof luggage and buoyancy aids for the children.
My ladies have each come on leaps and bounds with their swimming since we moved to Oman however if you end up doing this type of outside journey further precautions by no means harm.
There’s loads of house within the space across the first pool to go away any belongings you don’t need to take with you.
Please keep in mind to choose them up, together with any empty water bottles and meals packaging, while you depart. Littering is unfortunately a giant drawback in magnificence spots like this.
The swim from the primary pool to the place you enter to the Wadi Shab cave is just a few hundred meters. There are sections the place you may wade by way of the water, the place the water flows ankle deep over shingle and components the place the underside is nowhere in sight.
Check out my Wadi Shab Reel on Instagram that shares video from the swim.
It’s additionally price mentioning that there’s slippery algae on the rocks. Take it slowly out and in of the water.
Simply earlier than the ultimate pool you will want to climb up over a small waterfall had been it could be doable to harm yourselves if not approached rigorously.
This part was notably slippery on the return journey when it was moist from the elevated variety of guests arriving after us.
See my record of what to put on beneath for strategies on footwear.
The Wadi Shab cave
In the event you make it to the top of the final deep pool you may expertise Wadi Shab’s hidden cave. Be warned, this isn’t advisable in case you expertise claustrophobia.
The cave entrance solely turns into clear as you strategy as a result of it’s largely underwater. There’s only a slender opening above the waterline that isn’t a lot greater than your head in some locations.
You gained’t be capable to contact the underside as you enter the cave or inside it. As we felt beneath the water line the partitions disappeared outwards and it turned clear that we had been floating on the prime of an enormous cavern.
There have been about 12 different folks within the cave once we arrived, all taking it in turns to climb ropes up the largely dry waterfall to leap again into the water.
Mr Tin Field couldn’t resist a go and one of many native guides helped our two ladies as much as soar from a decrease ledge.
To the correct of the waterfall you will discover a slender channel that has been eaten into the rock across the again.
Making it to the cave was an actual spotlight for us. We’d suggest giving it a go however you’ll want to come ready with the correct clothes and gear.
What to put on at Wadi Shab
We’d suggest arriving at Wadi Shab carrying swimming costumes beneath your garments as there’s nowhere to alter while you attain the swimming pools.
You might additionally slip in your swimwear within the public bathrooms within the automotive park in case you don’t need to put on them throughout the drive to Wadi Shab.
Right here’s the opposite issues to put on throughout your go to:
Conservative outside clothes
Oman is a Muslim nation the place dressing conservatively is a authorized requirement. Usually it is best to put on garments that cowl higher arms and knees.
A brief sleeve t-shirt and cropped exercise leggings for ladies and a t-shirt and lengthy shorts for males is completely acceptable for the mountain climbing part of Wadi Shab.
When it got here to the swim we wore rash vests with quick sleeves* and swim shorts*. These could be worn beneath different clothes and likewise assist to guard in opposition to the solar.
Sturdy footwear
We at all times put on strolling sandals that we will use in water once we go to wadis. This protects carrying further water footwear which can be important for stoney and slippery sections.
The women and I all have KEEN footwear, which have grippy soles for strolling and have been out and in of the water extra occasions than I can depend.
The youngsters presently have KEEN Unisex Child’s Verano Open Toe Sandals* and I’ve had a pair of KEEN path footwear for about 4 years now. They’ve been discontinued however are nonetheless going sturdy.
Right here’s one other KEEN outside sandal* that I do know would work nicely as the women have had smaller variations prior to now. The youngsters at all times develop out of KEEN footwear earlier than they put on them out, so we frequently go them on.
Buoyancy aids for youths
They’re not only for children. The entire guests on the organised excursions that we noticed had been carrying buoyancy aids.
We determined to place our ladies of their buoyancy aids regardless of them being pretty sturdy swimmers and I’m certain the tour guides had been utilizing the identical logic. Accidents can occur shortly, notably slip ups. So in case you fall it’s significantly better that you simply float.
Your well being and security is your personal duty whichever wadi you go to.
We introduced one of many children’ buoyancy aids with us from the UK and acquired one other at Decathlon within the Mall of Oman the place in addition they promote grownup buoyancy aids.
Mr Tin Field and I’ve Restubes* for paddle boarding however we didn’t use them on the wadi.
Different issues to take to Wadi Shab
After visiting a number of wadis in Oman we’ve put collectively an inventory of advised issues to take alongside.
We’ve kicked ourselves just a few occasions for forgetting apparent issues and gadgets that make the expertise a lot simpler. However I believe we’ve now obtained the definitive record.
In the event you don’t have already got a few of these important gadgets we’ve discovered the next retailers good for outside gear:
- The Sultan Centre, varied places in Muscat
- Decathlon within the Mall of Oman
- Solar and Sand Sport in Avenues Mall, the Mall of Oman and Metropolis Centre Mall. There’s additionally an outlet store in Markaz Al Bahja.
I’ve additionally included hyperlinks beneath the place you may order this stuff on-line in case you’re capable of plan far sufficient forward.
Listed here are some wadi staples to carry with you:
Dry bag
We’ve a rucksack that’s additionally a dry bag. We picked this up at a Sultan Centre store in Muscat and we take it with us in all places now.
It’s straightforward to hold and sufficiently big for a lightweight towel, some snacks and water, goggles for the children, and a primary assist package. It additionally doubles as a helpful flotation machine.
At Wadi Shab it meant that we didn’t want to go away any belongings on the first pool.
You may purchase it on-line*.
In the event you neglect a dry bag sufficiently big simply to your cellphone or pockets you may also purchase these on the wadi automotive park.
Towels
Carry a microfibre towel*. It’s a good suggestion to dry off a bit while you depart the swimming pools so you’re much less prone to slip on the rocky path again to the wadi entrance.
You want one thing small that gained’t retain a lot of water and turn into heavy in your return stroll.
Solar glasses
There’s a lot of shade to be discovered within the wadi however not on a regular basis so defend your eyes with good sun shades.
Solar cream
For precisely the identical causes as you want sun shades, put on issue 50 solar cream in your face and physique. Even within the shade you’ll be selecting up rays.
Goggles
I’m not a fan of placing my face within the water deliberately however my children find it irresistible. Goggles enable them a special perspective on wadis so we at all times carry theirs.
Change of garments
In case you get your mountain climbing garments moist or soiled depart a spare set in your automotive.
Snacks and water
The place would us dad and mom be with out snacks for the children?! Our go to snacks for mountain climbing journeys are apples and small packets of biscuits, which we will simply slip into our rucksack.
We frequently pack a picnic too because it means we will get meals into the children quick once we get again to the automotive. A cool field and ice blocks are helpful for holding meals recent in a scorching automobile.
Water
You’re going to wish lots of water, however gained’t essentially need to carry all of it with you.
Make certain everybody has a small bottle of water for the hike and depart some chilling in your automobile.
Tissues
I don’t go wherever in Oman with no packet tissues. You by no means know if public toilets may have any, particularly in additional rural areas the place squat bathrooms and bum weapons (hoses by the john) are the norm.
First assist package
One thing else we hardly ever journey with out is our small first assist package. This has plasters, together with Compeeds, bug chunk cream and Panadol (paracetamol). That is what we stock with us.
We’ve one other first assist package* together with bandages in our automotive.
Amenities on the wadi
There’s an extended tarmac automotive park and parking is free.
Remember that the automotive park is a hang around for goats who’re very ahead, notably in the event that they suppose they will sniff out a snack. They are going to put their heads in luggage and their our bodies in your automotive in case you don’t regulate them.
On the finish of the automotive park there’s a restaurant with showers (you’ll pay a price to make use of these). We didn’t cease on the cafe as we suspected it could be costly. However in case you are quick on snacks or water it may show very helpful.
There’s free bathrooms in the direction of the automotive park entrance. These have western type loos in addition to a squat bathrooms. Carry your personal rest room tissue. You can too change right here.
The place is Wadi Shab?
Whether or not you’re coming from Muscat or Sur it’s very straightforward to seek out Wadi Shab. It’s signal posted off Freeway 17 one hour 45 minutes (170km) south from Muscat Worldwide Airport and 40 minutes north (50km) from Sur.
Search for indicators for indicators saying ‘Al Shab’.
The pin on this map is the general public bathrooms on the entrance to the Wadi Shab automotive park.
The place to remain at Wadi Shab
We visited from the place we dwell in Muscat however in case you are vacation or an Oman street journey there are just a few choices for locations to remain close to Wadi Shab.
Wadi Ashab Chalets – adults solely
This sea entrance visitor home with personal rooms and shared lounge is the closest lodging to Wadi Shab – you may stroll to the ferry in 5 minutes.
That is an adults solely visitor home however does provide rooms for as much as 5 folks.
Test availability at Wadi Ashab Chalets*.
Wadi Shab Visitor Home – family-friendly
This Omani-style villa lodging is 1km from the wadi entrance, so a very simple drive to achieve the wadi for when the ferry begins working.
It solely affords double and twin rooms so in case you are travelling with kids you’ll have to e-book two rooms as they don’t provide further beds. Nevertheless, it will get nice critiques, has a swimming pool and is correct on the seashore.
Test availability at Wadi Shab Visitor Home*.
Tiwi Dawn – household rooms
This lodge is positioned close to the doorway to Wadi Tiwi and is a six minute drive from Wadi Shab.
It solely has double rooms however you may request further beds for kids. These are free for kids aged 12 and beneath however are topic to availability.
Tiwi Dawn has a restaurant, swimming pool and is positioned on the seashore.
Test availability at Tiwi Dawn*.
Tiwi Seaside Villa – a non-public villa
In case you are travelling with a big group this seashore entrance villa sleeps as much as 10 folks in three bedrooms with a shared toilet.
It has its personal personal seashore and swimming pool.
Test availability at Tiwi Seaside Villa*.
Wild tenting close to Wadi Shab
An alternative choice is to camp. Wild tenting could be very straightforward in Oman as you are able to do it wherever out of sight of homes and a protected distance from roads.
You’ll nevertheless want a 4×4 to entry most wild tenting locations in Oman.
Common tenting locations close to Wadi Shab are Pebble Seaside and Fins Seaside. You’ll discover each simply to the north of Tiwi.
Extra studying about Oman
We moved to Oman in 2022 and are loving attending to know our new, residence.
Right here’s some extra posts I’ve written about Oman and expat life:
Take a look at the #TinBoxOman hashtag on Instagram to see extra of our adventures.
Disclosure: this publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks marked with *. In the event you click on on one among these and make a purchase order I’ll earn some fee. This doesn’t have an effect on the worth you pay.
