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Ras al-Jinz

Archaeological Site

On Oman's eastern coast, Ras al‑Jinz is a protected turtle nesting beach where guided night visits allow observation of green turtle nesting, alongside coastal scenery and small fishing villages.

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Ras al-Jinz essentials

Address: Ras al-Jinz, Ash Sharqiyah Region, near Sur, Oman
Website: rasaljinz.com
Hours: Visitor centre typically 9am-5pm; guided turtle-watching tours nightly (times vary seasonally)
Admission: Guided night turtle-watching tours typically OMR 3-6 (~$8-$15) per person; hotel and museum prices vary
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About Ras al-Jinz

Ras al-Jinz is a coastal turtle-nesting area on Oman’s eastern seaboard, recognised as one of the region’s important beaches for green sea turtles. It is part of a protected area dedicated to sea turtle conservation.

Small visitor facilities and nightly guided beach walks are focused on observing nesting females and hatchlings; educational displays explain the species and conservation measures. The site draws wildlife-focused visitors rather than large-scale tourism, and activities are timed to minimise disturbance to the animals.

The beach has been used by sea turtles for nesting for many years and was set aside to protect those nesting sites and the surrounding habitat. Conservation work and controlled visitor access aim to reduce threats from lights, predators and human disturbance.

The site sits on Oman’s eastern coast on a rocky headland near the village of Ras al Hadd, on the Arabian Sea. It is located on the Ash Sharqiyah coast, roughly east of the port town of Sur.

  • Guided night visits: Night-time guided walks are the standard way to see nesting turtles; flash photography is restricted and guides control beach access to protect wildlife.
  • Season and booking: Nesting activity peaks in the warmer months, so book tours in advance during the local nesting season to improve chances of seeing turtles.

What to See#

  • Visitor centre: Located on the reserve coastline, the protected visitor complex includes an interpretive centre with displays about local sea turtle biology and conservation, plus a small overnight facility for guests.
  • Turtle nesting beach: The adjacent nesting beach is the primary site where guided night walks observe green sea turtle nesting and hatchling releases on the sand.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Ras al-Jinz

Visit between May and October to see nesting green turtles; daytime visits are warm and quiet outside tour hours.

Nesting season (best for turtles)
May-October · 25-35°C (77-95°F)
Warm nights when green turtles come ashore to lay eggs; most reliable months are June-August.
Off-season
November-April · 18-28°C (64-82°F)
Cooler, drier days; fewer turtles but still pleasant weather for coastal walks.

Weather & Climate near Ras al-Jinz

Climate

Ras al-Jinz's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in June) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 17°C to 38°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 90 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
NovemberMarchDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
38°
Warmest Month
16°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 17° - 26° 22° 16 mm mostly sunny 66% 3.3 m/s 1.2 high 10.8h
February Ideal 18° - 27° 23° 18 mm mostly sunny 68% 3.6 m/s 1.6 very high 11.3h
March Ideal 20° - 30° 25° 14 mm mostly sunny 69% 3.8 m/s 2.0 very high 11.9h
April Excellent 24° - 34° 33° 7 mm mostly sunny 68% 3.8 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.6h
May Excellent 27° - 38° 42° 1 mm mostly sunny 70% 4.2 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.1h
June Very Good 28° - 38° 44° 5 mm mostly sunny 75% 3.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.4h
July Very Good 26° - 36° 41° 8 mm some cloud 78% 4.4 m/s 2.0 extreme 13.2h
August Excellent 25° - 34° 36° 5 mm mostly sunny 79% 4.0 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.8h
September Excellent 24° - 35° 35° 0 mm mostly sunny 77% 3.7 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.2h
October Ideal 23° - 34° 31° 2 mm mostly sunny 67% 3.3 m/s 1.7 very high 11.5h
November Ideal 20° - 30° 25° 6 mm mostly sunny 65% 3.0 m/s 1.3 high 10.9h
December Ideal 18° - 27° 23° 11 mm mostly sunny 65% 3.1 m/s 1.1 high 10.7h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Ras al-Jinz

Ras al-Jinz is about 45-60 minutes east of Sur by car, accessible via Route 17 and local roads. Most visitors travel from Muscat (roughly 4-5 hours’ drive) or arrange a transfer through the reserve’s hotel. Public transport is limited; hiring a car or joining an organized trip is recommended.

Tips for Visiting Ras al-Jinz

  • Book a night tour in advance during nesting season (May-October) - spaces fill fast.
  • Wear dark clothing and keep voices low during turtle watches; flash photography is prohibited.
  • Bring insect repellent and a small flashlight with a red filter for walking to the beach.