Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Sur Overview

Located to the east of the Arabian Peninsula, Ras Al Jinz is a serene fishing village that is situated in the Ras Al Hadd. The Ras Al Jinz turtle reserve houses the endangered turtle, Chelonia mydas. Apart from researching about this endangered species, this eco-tourism environment also adeptly combines educational projects and tourism services. This turtle reserve is also the only place in the world where people may witness the miraculous nesting process of these gigantic sea creatures.

Entry Fee

Tourists and Non-Omani Visitors:
Adults - OMR 8
Children (5 to 12 years) - OMR 6
Children below 4 years - Free

Omani Visitors:
Adults - OMR 4
Residents - OMR 6
Children (5 to 12 years) - OMR 2
Children below 4 years - Free

Best Time to Visit the Turtle Reserve

The hatching season of the turtles takes place between May and September. Even though turtles migrate to Oman throughout the year, spotting them is not as common as it is during these months. During the peak season, one may even be as lucky as being able to witness twenty sightings, if not more. It takes about two months for the turtle eggs to hatch, and from there begins the miraculous journey of the baby turtles into the sea.

Things to Do at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

With an exciting museum named the Turtle Visitors Centre, a library, a thrifty gift shop, and a conference room, the reserve is made up of thirty-one rooms and aims at transforming itself into a complete eco-lodge in the future.

Usually, tours are conducted during the morning and evening. However, the chances of spotting turtles are better if you join the evening tour.

Know Before You Go

Flash photography is strictly prohibited in the evening tour but is allowed in the morning.
Morning tours may begin as early as 5 AM, while evening tours mostly start from 9 PM.
Slots usually get filled very quickly; hence, it is best to book one for you early.

How To Reach Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

From Oman, Ras Al Jinz lies at an approximate distance of seven hundred kilometres, and it takes about eight hours by car to reach there if you follow route 17. Other courses, such as 23 and 31 also link these two places.
With two hundred and fifty kilometres between Muscat and Ras Al Jinz, it takes about three hours to reach the latter by car.

From Sur, it takes about fifty minutes to reach Ras Al Jinz by car.