RAS AL JINZ, Nov. 22, 2022
On the road that runs south from Sur we encounter a beautiful deserted beach and some panoramic points.
As soon as we arrive at Ras Al Hadd, after checking in at the Turtle Guesthouse, upon suggestion of the friendly owner, we immediately go to book at the Ras Al Jinz Scientific and Visitors Centre. The cost is 20 OMR per person, at 21.00; visitors are divided into groups, and visits are scheduled at different times, not to crowd too much the beach all together. The Scientific and Visitor Center houses a hotel, which is quite expensive. We return to the guesthouse for dinner (perhaps the best of the whole holiday, certainly cooked by the manager’s wife, who is of Indian origin); it must be booked in advance, and costs around 15/16 Eu per person. We return to the Center at 21.00, and we notice that the guests of the inner hotel are also with us. I doubt they can be free to roam around the beach as they please at any time, they would certainly disturb the animals. Each group, at the pre-arranged time, accompanied by a ranger, heads to the beach, about a 10 minute walk. The only lights allowed are the red ones, which do not bother turtles. Unfortunately, despite the scheduled visits, there is a lot of groups and confusion on the beach. However, we are all lucky, at least 2 large turtles are identified, and a group of very cute little ones, which are moving towards the water. A third one, then, is in the egg-laying phase.
There is also a beautiful starry sky. I would really like to stay a little longer, and walk away from the confusion, but unfortunately it’s not possible.
OVERNIGHT STAY
Turtle Guesthouse, 60 Eu for a very spacious double room with bathroom. Excellent dinner and breakfast. Very nice manager. Truly recommended.
