Wadi Bani Khalid

One of the more touristy spots in Oman is also one of the loveliest.  Wadi Bani Khalid is relatively well-developed, with a sealed road, proper car park and restaurant/toilet facilities.  The lower reaches of the wadi consist of a series of large deep emerald pools.  Although swimming in these is not encouraged due to their depth, people do and confident swimmers should be fine.  However, the real glory of the wadi is further up, away from the tourist throngs.  Follow the path (rocky and at time involving some scrambling) up the wadi and you will find crystalline limestone gorges and pools which eventually reach a set of stairs leading to a cave, which the intrepid may choose to explore (take a torch to get the full experience).

On the way back down the wadi, stop in the many pools to cool off.  There are a couple of places with chains to swing from and there is a great rock to jump off in one of the pools, plus a natural rock slide connecting two of them.  The bleached rock and blue water makes for some great photos.

Directions

Wadi Bani Khalid is off the inland Muscat-Sur road (road 23).  From Bidbid, take the road towards Sur and about half an hour after the Al Mintarib turnoff (one of the main exits to access the Wahiba Sands), the wadi is signposted off to the left.  You follow a sealed road quite a way before hitting a restaurant and then a few minutes further on, the car park.

4WD?

Not needed

Time from Muscat

3-4 hours drive

Walking time

5-45 minutes (depending on how far up the wadi you go)

Type of swim

Swimming, adventure, paddling