Exploring Oman › Beaches in Oman › Bandar Khayran
Photo: Erfan.arafat · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Bandar Khayran
The snorkel and kayak playground near Muscat.
A maze of coves, mangroves and little islands just south of Muscat, and some of the best snorkelling near the city. Calm, clear water and reefs you can reach by boat or kayak.
| Best for | Snorkel / kayak |
|---|---|
| Time needed | Half day |
| Swim | Yes |
| Access | Boat/kayak only, no road access |
| Best time | Morning (calmest water) |
| Entry | Boat/kayak hire |
Open Bandar Khayran in Google Maps
How to get to Bandar Khayran
- 2WD parks at the pin; a 4×4 gets a bit further in.
- Decide at the viewpoint whether you're hiking down or staying for the view.
What you'll do
- Stay at the viewpoint for sunset with tea and snacks, one of the best views in Oman.
- Or drop down to the water: the coves below are the beaches from the reel.
Tell us your dates and how many you are and we'll connect you with an MHT-licensed tour operator, who organises and runs the trip.
WhatsApp Explores OmanThe guide is free. If you'd rather hand the planning to a licensed guide, send me your dates and I'll build your route: the order, the drives, where to sleep and what it costs. Every trip is different, so I quote each one.
Request a quote on WhatsAppTips from a local guide
- Morning, the water is glassiest before the wind picks up.
- Bring your own mask. A leaking hire mask ruins the day.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, or a rash vest instead.
What to bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Water
- Hat
Good to have
- Your own mask & snorkel, hire gear is hit and miss
- Rash vest instead of sunscreen
- Dry bag
- Waterproof camera
Bandar Khayran: questions people ask
How long do you need at Bandar Khayran?
Half day.
Can you swim at Bandar Khayran?
Yes. Half a day in and out of the water.
Do you need a 4x4 to reach Bandar Khayran?
No, a normal car gets you there.
Is Bandar Khayran good for kids?
Yes, it works with children.
Open Bandar Khayran in the guide app →
More near Muscat
- Qurum Beach, The city's beach, and better than a city beach has any right to be.
- Sidab & its hidden coves, The 100/10 coves. My favourite hike in Muscat, with some of the most beautiful views.
- Marjan Beach (Ras Al Hamra), Turtles grazing metres from the sand, inside the city, for free.
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, The one thing every visitor should do in Muscat.
- Mutrah Souq & Corniche, Old Muscat, best at dusk.
- Daymaniyat Islands, Oman's best reef, a boat ride from the city.
From Exploring Oman, a guide to Oman by Hussain, a licensed Omani tour guide (@hussain_explores). 67 places and two 1-day plans, free to read; the 3, 5 and 7-day routes are in the app.
If you face an issue or something is incorrect, please contact us and we will make the necessary adjustments.