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Tall, rugged rock walls of Wadi Shab canyon under a partly cloudy sky.

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Wadi Shab Trail & Pools

Hike 5 kilometers through a rocky canyon and swim into a deep cave featuring a waterfall.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

Wadi Shab requires physical effort to reach its main attraction. The journey involves a short boat ride, a 45-minute hike over uneven boulders, and a 150-meter swim through deep pools.

There are no facilities on the trail itself. Bring a minimum of 2 liters of drinking water per person, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and pack water shoes for the final swim. Begin your hike early to ensure you return before the boat stops running between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM.

Sun shining brightly over the deep canyon walls and greenery of Wadi Shab.
Photo: tour listing on Viator
01

The Boat Crossing

5 minutes1 OMR cash

Your hike begins with a mandatory boat shuttle across the wide river mouth. The ride takes just a few minutes and costs 1 OMR per person in cash. Keep a close eye on the time during your hike. You must catch the last boat back by 5:30 PM to avoid being stranded.

Wide view of Bimmah Sinkhole with its vibrant turquoise water and surrounding landscape.
Photo: tour listing on Viator
02

The Canyon Trail

45-60 minutes5 km round trip

Walk 45 to 60 minutes along the wadi floor to reach the water. The path navigates irrigation channels, palm plantations, and difficult rocky boulder fields. Wear sturdy hiking shoes for this section. The rocks are very slippery and uneven.

Tourists relaxing and swimming at Bimmah Sinkhole, accessed by a long staircase.
Photo: tour listing on Viator
03

The Open Pools

30-60 minutesPack water shoes

You will encounter a series of three main pools. The first pool is shallow enough for wading, while the second and third require swimming. Leave your dry gear and hiking boots on the rocks here. Switch to water shoes before entering to protect your feet from sharp stones.

A painted welcome sign for Wadi Shab on a concrete pillar under a bridge.
Photo: tour listing on Viator
04

The Hidden Cave & Waterfall

20 minutesStrong swimmers only

The final section is accessed by swimming roughly 100 to 150 meters through a narrow, shoulder-width crack in the rock wall. The water is deep here, and there is nowhere to stand. You must be a confident swimmer, though there is a rope to hold onto once inside the cave near the waterfall.

Hike the Trail with a Guide

Tourists walking and wading through the rocky canyon of Wadi Shab.
Wadi Shab & Bimmah Sinkhole from Muscat – Hike & Cave Swim3 h to 8 h 5.0 (25)from $50
hike & cave swimfrom $50 on Viator
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