Ras Al Jinz, about 60km from Sur, is nestled at the tip of Oman at the most Eastern point of the Arabian Peninsula and its namesake Turtle Reserve is a sanctuary for the green sea turtle, an endangered species that has existed since the dinosaur age. The Reserve, which also calls itself a Scientific and Visitors Centre as it educates guests about the turtles and offers guided turtle-viewing excursions at night and at dawn. Set amidst the landscape of mountains, and waterfalls, it’s worth visiting here for the scenery alone. The Sur Plaza Hotel is a luxury hotel located close by to the Turtle Sanctuary at Ras-al-Jinz, with 89 elegantly and comfortably furnished rooms and suites. Guests can experience world-class Oman Hospitality at this beautiful and majestic hotel.
This sanctuary is the only site in the world to be visited by sea turtles every night, all year round. Some 13,000 sea turtles come ashore in this sanctuary every year. Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, which is part of Ras Al Hadd’s sanctuary, sits on the rock that forms the easternmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Between the cliffs of Ras Al Jinz lie safe beaches, which have long been a favored nesting site for the green turtles of the Indian Ocean. Within the reserve there are some archaeological sites of historical importance, requiring special investigation with the aim of protection and use of these sites for sustainable tourism. Turtles spend most of their lives at sea, but adult female turtles spend a short time on land each year laying their eggs. They always choose quiet sandy beaches for their nesting. In addition to the turtles, Khaur al-Jarama supports a population of mangrove bushes scattered along the eastern alluvial coast, as well as coral reefs along its rocky shores. Such a fertile productive environment, abundant with crustaceans and plankton, attracts fish to spawn and provides food for the fingerlings.
Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
