Masirah Island
Masirah Island - The Largest Island in Oman Masirah Island is the largest island in Oman and one of the most important tourist destinations in the Sultanate. It is inhabited by approximately 14,000 people distributed across 12 villages on the island. The coastline stretches for 145 km, covering an area of 655 square kilometers. The island boasts around 127 archaeological sites from different historical periods, including prehistoric, ancient, bronze and iron ages, and the medieval era.
Location of Masirah Island:
Masirah Island is situated in the southeastern part of Oman, right in the middle of the Arabian Sea. It belongs to one of the Wilayats in the Eastern Region. The island is surrounded by several smaller islands, including Shannahz, Marssi, and Kalban. The island consists of approximately 12 villages, all of which hold significance due to its historical and tourist importance.
Tourism in Masirah Island:
The beaches of Masirah Island are among the main reasons tourists frequently visit. They are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and cleanliness, providing an ideal environment for windsurfing, fishing, and observing marine turtles, which can be found on the shores. Additionally, many natural springs, like Ayn Bilad and Ayn Qatara -named for the water dripping from the mountains forming drops and gathering in large oases- are spread across the island.
The island's inhabitants are known for various crafts, such as textile manufacturing and fishing nets. Shipbuilding used to be prevalent, but it has somewhat disappeared now. In the time of Alexander the Great, he referred to the island as "Serapis" and used it as a base.
Key Tourist Attractions in Masirah Island:
Tourist attractions on Masirah Island are diverse, including mountainous, marine, historical, and archaeological sites. When mentioning the island, we cannot overlook its beaches, which are the primary destination for tourists.
Beaches of Masirah Island:
Coral reefs are widespread along the island's shores, providing a suitable habitat for marine creatures and adding an irresistible charm to the clear waters. Various species of turtles, including loggerhead turtles and olive ridley turtles, are estimated to number in the thousands. The coastal areas of Masirah Island are also known for dolphin and whale watching, including humpback whales, humpback dolphins, and tropical whales. The island's beaches are also abundant with more than 300 species of seabirds and coastal birds. Among these birds are the seashell hunter, the Egyptian vulture, the falcon, the seagull, and the hook. All of these attractions make Masirah Island a magnet for tourists, in addition to opportunities for windsurfing and diving.
Valleys and Springs:
Masirah Island hosts numerous valleys and springs that deserve to be admired for their stunning views. Some of the valleys include Wadi Al-Awaina, Wadi Madi, Wadi Rasia, Wadi Balad, Wadi Arf, and Wadi Mursid. As for the springs, there are Ayn Balad, Ayn Qatara, Ayn Al-Hamr, and Ayn Marssi.
Archaeological Sites in Masirah Island:
The island's archaeological sites vary depending on the historical period they belong to. As mentioned earlier, around 127 archaeological sites have been discovered on Masirah Island. For instance, human bones dating back to the period between 4800 and 3800 BC have been found, indicating that the island has been inhabited by humans for a very long time. Additionally, a cemetery dating back to 3000 BC has been uncovered. The island is also home to several historical forts, such as Dafiya Fort and Marssi Fort.
How to Reach Masirah Island:
One can reach Masirah Island by taking the daily ferries departing from Shannah to the island. These ferries are dedicated to transporting vehicles, making it convenient for people to reach the island. Shannah city is approximately 15 km away from the island, but the sailing duration may take up to two hours or may be delayed depending on the weather conditions. For those who prefer air travel, reaching Masirah Island by plane is also possible, but it may be costly, and tickets might not always be available.
Cost of Reaching Masirah Island:
Upon arrival in Shannah city, one can board one of the available ferries with their vehicle. The cost of a one-way trip from Shannah to Masirah Island ranges from 8 to 15 Omani Rials, depending on the size of the vehicle. As for carriers and trucks, such as oil tankers and cargo trucks, their cost ranges from 25 to 85 Omani Rials.
