Exploring Oman › Beaches in Oman › Sidab & its hidden coves
Photo: Nadeem Sait · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
Sidab & its hidden coves
The 100/10 coves. My favourite hike in Muscat, with some of the most beautiful views.
Behind the fishing village of Sidab, a short rough hike drops you into coves you'd swear were photoshopped, clear turquoise water, empty sand, snorkelling straight off the beach. The two reels everyone asks about were filmed here.
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Time needed | Half day |
| Hike | 20–40 min each way |
| Swim | Yes, snorkelling is the point |
| Vehicle | Any car to Sidab |
| Best season | Oct–Apr |
| Entry fee | Free |
Open Sidab & its hidden coves in Google Maps
How to get to Sidab & its hidden coves
- Drive to Sidab village, 10 min past Mutrah on the harbour road.
- Park in the village near the graveyard and the football court.
- The trail is unmarked in places, wear real shoes and go with daylight to spare.
What you'll do
- Up over the headland: the first climb is the steepest, take it slow to the stairs and the first viewpoint.
- Carry on to the first beach; the best of it is behind the second headland: the views, the snorkelling, Elephant Rock.
- Snorkel straight off the sand, the rocks at the edges hold the fish.
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
- Go on a weekday morning and you'll likely have a cove entirely to yourself.
- There is no shade and no water out there. Carry everything.
- Take your rubbish back out, these coves are clean because people care.
- Stay for sunset from the second beach.
What to bring
- Proper shoes for the rocky path
- 2L water, there is zero shade
- Snorkel and mask
Good to have
- Dry bag
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- GoPro
Sidab & its hidden coves: questions people ask
When is the best time to visit Sidab & its hidden coves?
Oct–Apr. Oman's summer (roughly May to September) is extremely hot inland, so plan outdoor places for the cooler months and go early in the day.
How much does Sidab & its hidden coves cost?
Free.
How long do you need at Sidab & its hidden coves?
Half day.
How long is the walk at Sidab & its hidden coves?
20–40 min over the headland, rough and rocky.
Can you swim at Sidab & its hidden coves?
Yes. 1–2 hrs, bring a snorkel or regret it.
Do you need a 4x4 to reach Sidab & its hidden coves?
Any car to Sidab.
Is Sidab & its hidden coves good for kids?
It's better for adults and older teens who are comfortable with the walk and the swim.
Open Sidab & its hidden coves in the guide app →
More near Muscat
- Qurum Beach, The city's beach, and better than a city beach has any right to be.
- 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.
- Royal Opera House Muscat, Arabia's opera house, worth seeing even with no ticket.
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.
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