Bandar Khayran

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Beyond Mutrah, the headland close to Muscat shatters into a series of khors (inlets) and bandars (natural harbours), the most extensive of which is Bandar Khayran. It’s possible to reach the bandar from the Yiti–Jebel Seifa road, but the mangrove-fringed lagoon is more usually visited by boat from Bandar Jissah or Bandar Al Rowdha. It's a popular spot for snorkelling, and at sunset the sandstone and its reflection in the water seemingly vibrate with colour.

Three-hour guided kayaking trips (OR25) through the bioluminescent plankton are offered here at sunset through Husaak Adventures or you can hire your own kayak for OR15.

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Nearby attractions

1. Yiti

3.34 MILES

Yiti boasts a beautiful, sandy beach surrounded by craggy mountain scenery that makes an attractive spot for a swim or picnic. The beach is at the end of…

2. Sea Arch

4.85 MILES

Created by rough seas working against the sandstone, this sea arch at the end of the Bandar Jissah headland is a famous landmark of this coast. Fishermen…

3. Wadi Mayh

6.92 MILES

For a taste of a typical Omani wadi within an afternoon’s drive of Muscat, look no further than Wadi Mayh. With towering limestone cliffs forming a canyon…

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This viewpoint (yet to be properly developed) on the road between Al Bustan and Bandar Jissah offers a fine panoramic vista of the chocolate-coloured…

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