Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 26 795545;
www.alsawadibeach.com
)
A variety of water sports, snorkelling and diving (OR33
for two dives plus OR4 for the permit and OR15 for equipment hire) is on offer from the
professional and experienced Extra Divers, including boat trips to the nearby Damanayat
Islands. The dive centre operates from the resort's beach. In the winter months, this is a
good place to learn to dive; a three- to four-day open water course costs OR175 (plus
OR38 for book and certificate). Kite-boarding, jet skiing and kayaking (OR6 for one hour)
are also on offer.
Horse-Riding
HORSE RIDING
( 26 795535, ext 215; 30min/1hr OR10/15; 7am-1pm & 2-6pm)
A local enterprise manages a small
stable of horses (and an occasional camel) from the Al-Sawadi Beach Resort. Galloping
along the beach at sunset is possible for experienced riders. Short trips on a horse or camel
are available for children (OR5 for 15 minutes).
Sleeping
Al-Sawadi Beach Resort$$
RESORT
(
26 795545;
www.alsawadibeach.com
; half board r with garden view OR76, with seaview OR81;
)
Forty minutes west of Muscat International Airport, Al-Sawadi Beach Resort makes a
peaceful alternative to city accommodation. With a limitless beach peppered with pink
top-shells, bungalow-style rooms set in landscaped gardens of cacti and aloe, and lots of
user-friendly services and amenities including a spa (a three-treatment package costs
OR65), gym and tennis courts, this old favourite offers good value for money.
There are several bars, including a beach bar - almost unheard of in Oman! Sawadi
makes a good base for outdoor activities. The resort is run by Extra Divers who also or-
ganise 4WD excursions into the nearby wadis through an in-house tour agency.
Getting There & Away
From the turn-off to Sawadi off the Sohar-Muscat Hwy, it's a further 12km to the coast.
The resort is 1km before the end of the headland. There is no public transport to Sawadi.
An engaged taxi from Muscat is OR25.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Damanayat
