Ras Al Jinz (Oman) and Sharqiya Sands (Oman) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Ras Al Jinz | Sharqiya Sands | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Oman | Oman |
| Type | Coast | Desert |
| Approx. area | 120 km² | 12,500 km² |
| Best time | June to September | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Muscat International Airport (MCT) | Muscat International Airport (MCT) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Ras Al Jinz | Sharqiya Sands |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Ras Al Jinz if
- you are travelling in May to October
- you want turtle watching
- you hope to see sea turtles
Choose Sharqiya Sands if
- you are travelling in November to March
- you want dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, quad biking and hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see camels and foxes
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ras Al Jinz or Sharqiya Sands?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ras Al Jinz is stronger in May to October. Sharqiya Sands is stronger in November to March.
When is the best time for each?
Ras Al Jinz: June to September. Sharqiya Sands: December to February.
Sources: 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 · Experience Oman – A'Sharqiyah Sands · Wikipedia – Wahiba Sands · oman.de – Wahiba Sands · Weather Spark – Badiyah (Bidiyah) climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.