Sea
kayak adventures in Oman.
 Over
the past few months Clearwater Paddling has been developing
some new tours. Far from our normal playground of the
North Atlantic these tours offer something completely
new. Imagine paddling in warm waters, hot sunshine and
in stunningly different locations. Now imagine heading
off to the Gulf of Oman or the Caribbean and enjoying
all this in the depth of our winter.
Oman has it all. Stunning mountain scenery, frankincense,
endless white beaches, a rich cultural heritage, warm, friendly
people and diverse scenery and wildlife make it a unique destination
for adventure travellers.
 Without
exception, anyone who goes to Oman cannot fail to be
impressed with what is truly the undiscovered jewel
of Arabia. For thousands of years it has been the focus
of the frankincense and spice routes, and it is a land
of mauve and ochre mountains that reach 9000 feet up
into the sky, ancient forts and mosques that have been
carefully and sensitively preserved, and vast plains
and deserts. Oman occupies the south-east corner of
the Arabian Peninsula, and its 1700 km of coastline
and empty beaches overlook three seas. It is home to
over 400 species of birds, huge colonies of nesting
turtles and even boasts its own population of breeding
humpback
whales. Oman is the only place in Arabia touched by
the
monsoon rains, which turn the area around Salalah into
a
patchwork of multi- coloured flowers and greens each
summer.
Oman enjoys a 5000 year old culture that is unique in the Arab
world, but what makes it really special is the people, who must
rank as some of the most genuinely courteous, warm, colourful and
friendly in the world. The Queen of Sheba reputedly had a palace
here, and the town of Sohar is thought to be the birthplace of the
great Arab explorer Sindbad.
View the gallery to see images from this year's Oman trip
See Chris Wheeler’s images from the recent Oman trip.
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Date 31st Jan-8th Feb 2009 |
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Day
description |
Logistics
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| DAY
1 |
Arrive
in Muscat and transfer to guesthouse. |
Airport
transfer
Accommodation
- Guesthouse B&B |
| Day
2 |
After
a good breakfast we drive south out of Muscat to Sifah / Quariyat where the kayaking begins! After breaking for
a picnic lunch we end the day at a secluded beach where
we make wild camp for the night. |
Breakfast
- Guesthouse
Lunch
– Picnic
Dinner
– Camp
Accommodation
- Wild camp |
| Day
3 |
Over
these three days we paddle up towards Muscat passing fishing villages along the way taking time to stop and take
photos, explore the inlets and bays. Tonight
we make a wild camp and sleep under the stars camping
on a white sandy beach. |
Breakfast
- Camp
Lunch
– Picnic
Dinner
– Camp
Accommodation
- Wild camp |
| Day
4 |
We
continue our journey towards Muscat aiming
to reach the rugged and beautiful fjords of Bander Al
Khayran. With snorkeling kit to hand we can cool off
while observing the teaming marine life in Oman’s waters. Tonight is once again
spent under the stars camping on a white sandy beach. |
Breakfast
- Camp
Lunch
– Picnic
Dinner
– Camp
Accommodation
- Wild camp |
| Day
5 |
Today
we can continue further north or spend more time exploring the fjords depending on yesterday’s arrival time. |
Breakfast
- Camp
Lunch
– Picnic
Dinner
– Guesthouse
Accommodation
- Wild camp |
| Day
6 |
Taking
a break from the water we are met by guides in 4WDs
with well stocked cool boxes and take to the cooler
temperature of Oman’s Hajar mountains at over 2000m. But not before stopping
en route at the guesthouse for much deserved – and needed
– hot showers! Up in the mountains we will explore
the beautiful wadis and mountain ranges on stunning
walks before making a wild camp for the night. |
Breakfast
- Camp
Lunch
– Picnic
Dinner
– Camp
Accommodation
- Wild camp |
| Day
7 |
Over
a good breakfast while enjoying the breathtaking views
of Oman’s Grand Canyon and Nakhr village over 1km below, you can try to spot
today’s walk along the edge of the canyon. Setting off
from Al Kateen village we follow the balcony trail along
the mountain edge to an abandoned village which clings
to the rocks completely hidden from view from above
and below. Just beyond the village we can see the traditional
farm terracing where locals used to produce their food
and a short walk further takes us to the small lake
that feeds the terracing. The walk back along the balcony
trail offers more breathtaking views of the canyon and
we stop to further enjoy the views over a picnic lunch.
We then head back to Muscat and the guesthouse for the night. |
Breakfast
- Camp
Lunch
– Picnic
Dinner - restaurant
Accommodation
- Guesthouse |
| Day
8 |
It’s
up and out early for a tour of Muscat city.
Highlights include visiting the Grand Mosque, the fort,
the Sultan’s Palace and the Bait Al Zubair Museum before
stopping for dates and coffee and a walk along the corniche
to explore the
Muttrah souk. The afternoon is then at leisure for chilling
on the beach, watersports, souvenir shopping etc |
Breakfast
- Guesthouse
Lunch
Dinner - restaurant
Accommodation
- Guesthouse
Afternoon
activities – Not included |
| Day
9 |
Today’s
activities all depends on flight times – it can either
be a much deserved day of leisure or as busy and active
as you want it to be! Take your pick from the vast range
of activities on offer or simply chill out by a pool
or on the beach.
It’s
then time to shower and quick refresh at the guesthouse
in time for the airport departure and flight home. |
Breakfast
- Guesthouse
Accommodation
– N/A
Activities
– Not included |
| NOW ONLY Price £725.00 |
Includes activities, accommodation
and all meals. Excludes flights and any other
activities as mentioned.
Please register interest by the end of November. The minimum
number required to run the trip is six. |
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