MUSCAT, MAY 6 - Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve in Sur is attracting the attention of global tourists, with the total number of tourists who visited the unique nesting site of green turtles touched 41,244 in 2017. Of the total visitors, as many as 76 per cent or 31,412 tourists were foreigners coming from across the world. Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve hotel offers air-conditioned rooms and cottages, along with private beaches – all in a complete natural environment. The visit to world’s rarest nesting site of green turtles offers an unforgettable experience as the tourists will be able to watch the turtles in their natural surroundings — a unique opportunity only available in Oman.
“Last year and this year first quarter have been very encouraging. There is a growth in number of tourists every year. Winter being a peak tourist season, we do very well. Although summer period is high season for turtles, we get fewer tourists,” says Vijay Handa, Cluster Manager at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve hotel. There has been a robust 37 per cent growth in total number of visitors in the last seven years — from merely 30,002 in 2010 to 41,244 visitors in 2017. In fact, Ras Al Jinz is renowned for the nesting of endangered green turtle, probably the most important nesting concentration on the Indian Ocean. This is the only place where public can watch the nesting process of these amazing sea-giants.
Oman is home to several important nesting sites for four different species of turtle — the endangered Green Turtle, the Olive Ridley Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle, and the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle. The best time to travel and see the turtle hatching is during summer time, between May and September.
Turtle nesting tours at Ras Al Jinz allow visitors to witness the spectacle in an intimate fashion without fear of interrupting the creatures themselves. The turtle sanctuary at Ras Al Jinz combines an interactive museum with research laboratories and a wide range of amenities for visitors to learn all about the wonders of these ancient creatures in a family-friendly environment.
Handa added that tourists get to see plenty of turtles. “There were hardly any days when we did not get to see any turtles.”
The hotel, he said, always comes out with innovative and attractive offers to attract visitors for all seasons.
“Guest satisfaction level is extremely good. We had some comments in the rooms, we are now going for total refurbishment next month onwards,” noted Handa.
The visitors can wake up early and go for turtle watch in the morning. It is a magical feeling to have the sunrise on this beautiful beach, see the last mama Turtle leaving their nest and heading for the sea. It is impressive to see how many holes have been dug in the sand... so how busy the night must have been.
It is also incredible to see those tiny baby turtles heading to the water for their first swim.
The tourists who visited the turtle beach are really excited about the attractions and talk about their everlasting impressions. “The turtle reserve has a welcoming staff and the Omani guide was well informed and engaged in interactive sessions while taking us on spotting turtles. We were lucky to spot one big turtle in the night and proper care was taken to get few shots of turtle. The restaurant serves delicious dinner and the staff are more than helpful,” says Ashok P, an Indian tourist who visited the turtle beach this month. “The museum gives a good insight and the place is a must-see for visitors coming to Oman. Well done, the team at the turtle reserve,Ras Al Jinz,” added Ashok.
Echoing a similar experience, Kate C, a tourist from the United Kingdom, said; “We stayed as a family of four in one of the eco tents. The tent is well-equipped with air-conditioners, water, TV toiletries and filtered water. The food was excellent in buffet style restaurant and lots of choice for everyone. We have visited the low season, but still saw two turtles.”
“It was a busy tour in the evening, but the turtle guide was fantastic, informative and I felt like we were the only ones there. It was a once in a life-time experience,” added Kate, who enjoyed every moment of the trip.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
