Overview
Sur is a city in Central Coastal Oman, best known for its dhow shipyards.
Understand
Sur was founded in the 6th century CE as a trading port and has a long history of ship building, continuing to the present day. In addition to being an interesting destination in its own right, it makes a good base for day trips to Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi, and Ras al-Jinz turtle reserve established in 2008, all described in Central Coastal Oman.
Read Tim Severin, The Sindbad Voyage. In 1980 Severin and a crew of Omanis – including several from Sur – sailed in a traditional dhow from Muscat to Guangzhou, China, in an effort to recreate the legendary voyages of Sindbad. The dhow was built in Sur by Omani and Indian shipwrights using completely traditional materials and techniques, described at length by the author.
Get in
There is no airport in Sur. Although one was in the works several years ago, the project has since been abandoned due to the expected increased frequency of cyclones.
Sur is a 2.5-hour drive south of Muscat, off of Highway 17.
Mwasalat. Runs daily buses to and from Muscat (4 hrs 15 min) along Highway 23 via Ibra.
Get around
There is no public transportation in Sur beside taxis, which charge 150 Bzs for any ride within Sur.
See
Dhow shipyard. Sur is where authentic dhows are still built in the traditional fashion. NOTE: the locals don't call them "dhows" but rather safeena (ship) or suh-fin (ships). If you say "dhow," they'll be perplexed.
Fatih Al-Khair. If you are an enthusiast of hand-made wooden boats and ships, this is definitely worth a visit. Several old dhows are on display, the largest of which is the Fatih Al-Khair, built in Sur 150 years ago and now beautifully restored.
Sunaysilah Fort. If the "natour" (guardian) isn't there, just walk up to the fort itself and he'll see you, come sell you a ticket and then sit in the entrance hall while you look around the displays. It is possible to climb all four towers which offer great views of the town. Don't expect much in the way of history or signs.
Bilad Sur Fort. Built 200 years ago, the fortress is closed for renovation.
Al Ayjah Lighthouse. Built by the Portuguese and now fully restored, this building offers good views of Sur.
Fish market. Visitors can watch fishermen unload and sell the catch of the day.
Corniche. A pleasant seaside promenade.
Buy
Souq. Visitors may find the souq disappointing, as it is filled with everyday Chinese-made goods and Indian-made khangars (daggers).
Dhow models. Dhow models of various sizes, made by the shipwrights, are for sale.
Eat
Sur has several decent restaurants but no five-star menus.
Bawadi Al Ayga. Indian restaurant. A lot of the locals know it but everyone knows where Nadi Sur is so just take a taxi there. Prices are low. about RO 1-1.5 for a vegetarian dish with rice while anything with meat, depending on the type, runs from RO 1.3-1.8. They also have "Chinese" food. Friendly staff, largely English speaking from Kerala, very non-intrusive. Male and family sections available.
Zaki Restaurant. Indian restaurant, with food about the same quality as Bawadi but slightly more expensive. They also have "Chinese" food. The ambiance is extremely noisy. Staff are friendly, and a couple of them speak English. Many Omanis come here with their families, there is a family section in the back of the restaurant.
Sur Beach Hotel Restaurant. Food is okay, not great and a touch more expensive than Spicy Village.
Sleep
Al Ayjah Plaza Hotel. Sur's newest hotel, with restaurant next door.
Sur Hotel. Basic, with free wi-fi and breakfast, within walking distance of the souq and bus stop.
Sur Plaza Hotel. Has wi-fi, pool, and onsite restaurant and bar.
Nearby
Wadi Tiwi. A series of villages and hamlets about a 40 minute taxi ride from Sur (RO 5-6 from the center of Sur) direction Muscat. No restaurants, bring a lunch. There's a Thursday morning market where cheap Chinese made kitchen goods can be bought from Bengalis and Omanis. No restaurant, bring a lunch. Wadi Shab. Right next to Wadi Tiwi, a long wadi, much more spectacular geography than Tiwi and great for a day trip. Bring swimming wear and sandals because the rocks at the bottom of the water are painful on bare feet. Wadi Bani Khalid. Further from Sur than Tiwi and Shab, great spot, tons of tourists; no restaurants, bring a lunch.
Old Castle Museum. An old fort, renovated as a museum. Fourteen thousand artefacts and antiques date back to the 15th century. Accommodates groups (with lunch) on three days notice. Coffee and dates are included after the tour.
Make Sur your own.
Before committing, pick one main reason for this visit and two nearby experiences that support it. Check the guide’s transport sections against current operator information. A convenient base can save more time than adding another attraction.
- Choose your arrival point and one base. Write down the real transfer time, not just the map distance.
- Build a first-day plan with room to settle in. Cluster the places you want to see rather than crossing the city repeatedly.
- Use actual accommodation and transport quotes in your budget. Add fees to the quote before comparing it.
- Keep one uncommitted block. Weather, energy and a good local recommendation can all change your plan.
Source transparency
This guide adapts licensed text by Wikivoyage contributors. It is not a claim that Lakhou has visited or independently verified every listing. We converted the source to plain text, selected practical sections and removed price sentences and private contact information. The planning framework and any related-business booking recommendations above are Lakhou editorial additions.
Original revision 5370538 · Contributor history · CC BY-SA 4.0. Reused text and adaptations on this page are available under that license. Source revision date: 2026-09-24. This is not a date of field verification.
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