We took a 5-day family road trip from Dubai to Oman – and it was one of the best things we've ever done.
From swimming with sea turtles to jumping into a natural sinkhole, exploring ancient forts and haggling in souks, Oman felt like a completely different world – even though it's just 5 hours from home.
If you're planning a similar trip, here's everything we learned along the way.
The Route: Dubai → Kalba → Muscat
The drive from Dubai to Muscat takes about 5 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
Our Stops
- Kalba, UAE – About 1 hour 20 minutes from Dubai. Right near the border. We stopped at Starbucks (yes, there's one there!) and the scenery was beautiful.
- Border Crossing – Smooth and polite. Everyone was helpful.
- Mall of Oman – Quick food stop in Muscat. Massive mall with 350+ stores, VOX cinema, Magic Planet. They're even opening a snow park.
- Jumeirah Muscat Bay – Our base for the trip.
Border Crossing: What You Need
Documents required:
- ✅ Passports (all family members)
- ✅ Emirates IDs
- ✅ Car registration ID (the small gold card you get with the car)
Without these, you WILL be turned away.
Speed Limits Warning
In Dubai, there's typically a 20km/h tolerance above the speed limit. Once you leave Dubai, this changes. In Abu Dhabi and other emirates, there's often zero tolerance. Stick to posted limits.
Where We Stayed: Jumeirah Muscat Bay
We booked a suite with two extra beds for the boys. First impressions:
- Super modern and clean – Nothing like we expected from other reviews
- Stunning setting – Cliffs behind, bay in front
- Half board – Breakfast and dinner included, worked perfectly
- WhatsApp concierge – Scan the QR code on your room key and you can book restaurants, ask questions, anything
"I was doubting this stay based on someone else's video. But it's nothing like I expected – super modern, super clean, super happy."
The Weather Surprise
Even in August, we could sit outside at 3pm in a nice breeze. Coming from Dubai where it's unbearable, this was amazing. We actually ate dinner outside by the ocean.
The Highlight: Dimaniyat Islands (Sea Turtles!)
This was hands down the best part of the trip.
A friend recommended the Dimaniyat Islands, and it was on every "things to do in Oman" list we found. We booked a private boat through Marmar, with captain Mark and guide Muhammad.
What We Did
Part 1: Sea Turtles
We jumped in expecting to maybe see one turtle if we were lucky. Instead – crowds of sea turtles. Swimming right past us. One of the best family travel memories we've ever made.
"I went under, took my snorkel out, went down, saw a sea turtle, swam very close to it. It was very fun." – Riley
Part 2: Coral Reef
Reggie took his life jacket off and swam underwater for the first time. There was a fish that kept following Adam around his flippers. Lots of "Nemo fish" (clownfish).
Part 3: Jet Skis & Kayaks
Riley's first time on a jet ski – he loved it. Adam and Reggie tried kayaking and tipped over. Classic.
Practical Info
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Company | Marmar |
| Type | Private yacht (sounds bougie, was bougie) |
| Beach access | Not allowed May-November (turtle nesting season) |
| Snorkeling | Available year-round |
| Worth it? | 100% – one of the best experiences we've ever had |
Tip: If you've done jet skis before, you might skip that add-on to have more chill time on the boat. Sara wanted more time to relax on the yacht front (she found it late and did full starfish on the bow).
Muttrah Fort & Souk
The Fort
Built around 1500 AD with stunning views over Muscat. There's a little café at the top – pistachio latte, slushies, milkshakes. Worth the climb.
Entry cost: 6.6 Rial (~£13 / ~50 AED) for the family
The Souk
This is everything you'd expect from a Middle Eastern market – and more.
Within 30 seconds of walking in, we were offered:
- Magnets
- Perfume
- Fake jewellery
- Louis Vuitton bags
- Rolex watches
- Frankincense (lots of frankincense)
"If you took these salespeople and put them anywhere in the Western world, they would absolutely crush it. As a salesperson at heart, I'm always impressed."
Souk Tips
- Bring cash – ATMs available nearby
- Haggle – It's expected and part of the experience
- Don't be nervous – A polite "no thank you" is enough. They don't push.
- Enjoy the theatre – These markets are an experience in themselves
Reggie got a full masterclass on how to wear a traditional head covering. The shopkeeper called him "King of Oman." 👑
Bimmah Sinkhole
A natural limestone crater filled with turquoise water, about 1.5 hours from Muscat Bay.
The Drive
The drive itself was an adventure. We weren't on proper roads for 45 minutes – rocky mountain roads, going 30km/h, with incredible views. We got nervous about fuel at one point (literally middle of nowhere).
"I thought the sinkhole was going to be the activity. But the drive felt like an experience on its own."
The Sinkhole
Nothing like we'd ever seen or experienced. Turquoise water, fish swimming around, completely unique.
Note on swimwear: Sara felt a bit out of place in a bikini. If you're visiting, consider more modest swimwear out of respect for local norms. Not strictly required, but you'll feel more comfortable.
Other Moments
Early Morning Crabbing
We spotted crabs at sunrise by the beach. The boys were fascinated watching them disappear into their holes. Simple but memorable.
Swimming to the "Love Boat"
There's a floating platform off the hotel beach. We grabbed pool noodles and swam out as a family. No agenda, just quality time.
Cat at the Fort
Adorable café cat at the top of Muttrah Fort. The boys were delighted.
Currency & Costs Quick Guide
| Conversion | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 Omani Rial → GBP | ~£2 (just double it) |
| 1 Omani Rial → AED | ~10 AED (times by 10) |
Cards accepted most places, but bring cash for souks and small purchases.
Practical Tips for Families
What to Pack
- ✅ Snorkels and masks (or rent on the boat)
- ✅ Reef shoes (rocky areas)
- ✅ Pool noodles (the boys used them constantly)
- ✅ Sun cream (lots of it)
- ✅ Cash in Rials
- ✅ All border documents
Driving Tips
- ✅ Fill up fuel before leaving Dubai – service stations can be sparse
- ✅ Mountain roads can be rough – take it slow
- ✅ Speed limits are strictly enforced outside Dubai
- ✅ The scenery makes the drive enjoyable
With Kids
- ✅ McDonald's is a great breakfast stop (nuggets and frappes at 7:30am, apparently)
- ✅ Mall of Oman has Magic Planet if you need a kid break
- ✅ Book restaurant tables in advance via WhatsApp concierge
- ✅ Kids adapt fast – Reggie was snorkeling without a life jacket by day 2
Our Verdict: Would We Go Back?
100% yes.
Oman is calmer and slower than Dubai, with landscapes and experiences you simply can't get in the UAE. It felt like a completely different world – and it's just a 5-hour drive.
| Family Member | Favourite Moment |
|---|---|
| Riley | Going underwater without snorkel, face-to-face with a sea turtle |
| Reggie | Coming up from a deep dive to find a massive turtle right in front of him |
| Sara | Being on the yacht – just special |
| Adam | Swimming underwater with the boys in that incredible setting |
"The sea turtle day was unforgettable, the sinkhole was stunning, and even the drives between places felt like an adventure."
Planning Your Trip
Best time to visit: November to April (cooler weather, beach access at Dimaniyat Islands)
Minimum days: 3-4 days to do it justice
Key bookings:
- Hotel with half-board (saves planning meals)
- Dimaniyat Islands boat trip (book in advance)
- Restaurant reservations (they fill up)
Living in Dubai? Oman is one of the best family adventures you can do from here. And if you're still planning your move, take my neighbourhood quiz to find the right area, or check out my relocation package for personalised help with the whole process.
Got questions about the trip? Drop them in the YouTube comments – we're always happy to help!