Al Areen (Bahrain) and Ras Al Jinz (Oman) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Al Areen | Ras Al Jinz | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Bahrain | Oman |
| Type | Reserve | Coast |
| Best time | December to February | June to September |
| Suggested stay | 1 days | 1 days |
| Main gateway airport | Bahrain International Airport (BAH) | Muscat International Airport (MCT) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Approx. area | — | 120 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Al Areen | Ras Al Jinz |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| April | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| December | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Al Areen if
- you are travelling in November to March
- you want game drives and birdwatching
- you hope to see oryx and gazelles
Choose Ras Al Jinz if
- you are travelling in May to October
- you want turtle watching and cultural visits
- you hope to see sea turtles
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Al Areen or Ras Al Jinz?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Al Areen is stronger in November to March. Ras Al Jinz is stronger in May to October.
When is the best time for each?
Al Areen: December to February. Ras Al Jinz: June to September.
Sources: Wikipedia – Al Areen Wildlife Park · Gulf News – Al Areen Reserve renamed after Sheikh Mohamed · Weather Spark – Manama climate · Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve (official) · Omran – Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve · Oman Observer – The birthing phenomenon in Ras al Jinz · Weather Spark – Sur climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.