Visitors are free to explore Wadi Shab independently. After paying a small fee for a boat to the canyon’s trailhead, you’ll see a path leading through the gorge to several natural pools. Swim through the waters to get to a hidden, semi-submerged cave with a waterfall—the end point of the journey.
For first-time visitors to Oman, Wadi Shab is best explored with a guide. The wadi is a frequent stop on day trips from Muscat, along with other attractions such as Bimmah Sinkhole and Fins Beach. Most multi-day Oman tours spend time at Wadi Shab alongside destinations like the Wahiba Sands, Ras Al Jinz turtle sanctuary, and Nizwa.
Restrooms are available at the entrance to the site.
Wadi Shab isn’t accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Wear a swimsuit under your clothing so you’re ready to get in the water.
Wadi Shab runs inland from the coastal village of Tiwi, 104 miles (168 kilometers) south of Muscat. As public transit is limited, the easiest way to get there is by car via Route 17. The well-marked exit leads to a parking lot under the highway overpass at the wadi entrance. Most travelers, however, opt for a private tour with round-trip transport included.
The ideal time to visit Wadi Shab is during Oman’s peak season (November through January), when the weather is hot but bearable. For fewer crowds and partial shade, get there early in the morning—boats to the trailhead typically start running around 8am. Rain the preceding day can make it difficult to access the wadi.
Wadi Shab’s hiking trail and pools can be challenging. Walking the trail takes about 45 minutes and involves climbing around boulders along one section. The cave, meanwhile, is suitable only for strong swimmers, and you may need to dive underwater to enter it.
