The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve in Oman offers the unique opportunity to observe turtles laying their eggs at night or hatching in the morning.
In Oman there are 2 nature reserves for the protection of sea turtles. One of them is the "Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve", the second one is the "Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve" which cannot be visited. Oman plays a special role in the protection of sea turtles, as most of the sea turtles prefer the beaches of Oman to lay their eggs.
There are not many opportunities in the world to see such a natural spectacle live, so you should definitely take advantage of this unique chance here. The fascinating experience is one of our top 10 sights in Oman, and the accompanying sandy beach is one of our top 10 most beautiful beaches in Oman - be sure to check it out!
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PICTURES: Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
Photo Gallery: Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve
Sea turtle nesting and egg laying
First, the female digs a depression about 50 centimetres deep in the sand to lay her eggs. A sexually mature turtle (from about 35 to 40 years!) lays about 70 to 120 eggs. The clutch is then covered with sand again. The whole process takes about 2 hours, then the sea turtles crawl back into the sea.
A female lays eggs two to three times a year, but then takes a break of 2 to 3 years. It is estimated that out of 1,000 eggs laid, only 1-2 animals become sexually mature!
Visit to the turtle reserve in Ras al Jinz
In Ras Al Jinz there is a visitor centre with a restaurant, gift shop and also the possibility to stay overnight in 10 rooms (but at rather steep prices). From here, the guided tours with trained guides to observe the sea turtles are conducted.
There are tours in the evening from about 9 pm (egg laying) but sometimes also in the early morning from about 3 am (hatching of the young sea turtles). The exact possibilities and times must be clarified on site, as they can vary. Between August and October most turtles come ashore (up to 100 per night). But also in all other months sea turtles come to the beach almost every night to lay their eggs.
Tip: The beach is also accessible during the day (entrance fee) and the coast here is one of the most beautiful in Oman. Between 20-metre-high cliffs, there are always dreamlike sections with picturesque sandy beaches. Simply paradise! Most of the time you are alone in the open countryside, which is also a unique experience! You will rarely find more beautiful beaches. The beach is then closed to visitors again at 5 pm.
Overnight accommodation outside the visitor centre
Those who do not want to stay overnight at the Visitor Centre have several options:
- Just before the visitor centre there is a small campsite next to the access road. Very simple.
- 4 km before Ras Al Jinz is Al Naseem Camp. You can stay overnight in reed-covered simple huts. There is a restaurant and sanitary facilities. The camp is only used for turtle watching.
- In Ras Al Hadd, about 15 km away, there is the possibility to stay overnight in simple hotels.
- In the approx. 45 km distant City of Sur there are a sufficient number of hotels. Most tourists on guided tours also arrive from here.
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