Wadi Shab, Oman – A Stunning Hike, a Hidden Pool and a Bit of a Squeeze (2025)

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Wadi Al Shab is a popular destination in Oman, especially among hikers and nature lovers. The hidden canyon surprises visitors with turquoise pools, rocky paths, lush palm groves and more.

To get there, you first need to take a short boat trip. Finding Wadi Shab Oasis is easy once you take the Tiwi exit off the highway and follow the coastal road until you cross the bridge over the wadi.

Once you’ve found a space, join the queue for the boat, which costs one riyal. Hold on to your ticket as you’ll need it to get back. The crossing only takes a minute so be quick with any photos.

You’ll meet lots of guides on both sides offering to take you up the wadi. You can go by yourself as the path is clear but hiring a local guide can enrich your experience as he’ll give you lots of information, point out things you may not have seen and you’ll also be supporting the local economy.

If you have young children, you might need to hold their hands at some points. If you’re used to European health and safety standards, remember you won’t find them here. Although we saw families with young children, I’d say it’s more suited to those eight and above.

We spent quite some time sitting high up on the rock edge above the pool, just watching everyone having fun, kids splashing, some diving, and someone doing yoga and meditating. There was a cave where we sat that you could climb up into. I couldn’t help thinking how many stories it held over the centuries.

I recommend doing the hike to get the best out of Wadi Shaab. If you want to continue to the hidden Wadi Shab cave and waterfall after the big pool, take a waterproof bag for your valuables. You can leave clothes and shoes on the rocks.

Make sure you have appropriate footwear as you’ll be climbing over rocks and walking on slippery wet surfaces. A decent pair of trainers or similar with a grip is fine most the way.

There are no shops or vendors on the way, so pack plenty of water and some snacks in your backpack. If you forgot, there’s a small cafe before the boat crossing to stock up before you go.

We really enjoyed our time here, and the number of visitors didn’t take too much away from it, so I still recommend it. The scenery was fabulous and I’d go back for sure. The earlier you get there, the better to avoid crowds and the heat.

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Key tips for Wadi Ash Shaab

• Go early if possible to avoid crowds and the heat
• Wear shoes with a grip and preferably ankle support, and a hat or other head covering
• Take plenty of water and some snacks
• Take a waterproof bag if you want to go to the cave and waterfall
• Don’t forget your camera for some fabulous shots!
• Consider hiring a guide at the wadi for a richer experience.

✅ See the other areas visited on this road trip in Oman

Where to stay at Wadi Shab/Tiwi?

• The most popular place to stay is Wadi Shab Guest House (9.2 on Agoda and Booking) If you stay here, you can enjoy the beach and pool in the afternoon and start your hike early next morning. Book your room at Wadi Shab Guest House
• Chalet in Tiwi – relax with a private pool, hot tub and beach view (9.2) – Book this ultra relaxing stay now
• Wadi Shab Beach House (8.8)- Book your room with ocean view or see more

FAQS Wadi Al Shab

• What are the boat timings at Wadi Shab? 7am to 4:30pm
• What is the distance from Muscat to Wadi Shab? It’s around 150km or just under 100 miles from Wadi Shab to Muscat and takes about an hour and a half.
• How to get to Wadi Shab from Muscat? Take Route 1 heading south, then exit onto Route 17 and keep going until the exit for Tiwi. Go through the underpass and go right. Keep going until you reach the wadi.
• How long is the Wadi Shab hike? Around an hour each way
• Is Wadi Shab parking free? Yes, it is. There’s limited space, so you’ll probably just have to find somewhere to park along the road.

🛏️ Find places to stay in Muscat and near near Wadi Shab, Wadi Arbiyeen and Sur on the map below. ⬇️