Oman’s coastline connects sheltered reefs, offshore islands, seagrass beds and open-ocean beaches. Together, these habitats make the country an important sanctuary for sea turtles in the Indian Ocean.
Five of the world’s seven sea-turtle species occur in Omani waters. Four of them also nest along the country’s shores. For divers and snorkellers, a turtle encounter may feel like a single magical moment, but it is part of a much longer journey between feeding areas, migration routes and nesting beaches.
Five species found in Oman
Green turtle
Adult green turtles are large, powerful swimmers that feed mainly on seagrasses and algae. Oman supports one of the most significant green-turtle nesting populations in the Indian Ocean, and the species is regularly encountered around suitable feeding habitat.
Loggerhead turtle
Loggerheads are recognised by their large heads and strong jaws, which help them feed on crabs, clams and other hard-shelled prey. Masirah Island is internationally important for loggerhead nesting.
Hawksbill turtle
The hawksbill is smaller, with a narrow beak and a patterned shell. It feeds heavily on sponges around coral reefs, linking its survival closely to healthy reef ecosystems. Hawksbills also nest on quiet offshore beaches, including areas around the Ad Dimaniyat Islands.
Olive ridley turtle
Named for the olive colour of its shell, the olive ridley is one of the smaller sea-turtle species. In Oman it nests in smaller, steady numbers rather than the enormous mass-nesting events seen in some other regions.
Leatherback turtle
The leatherback is the largest living turtle and differs from the others because it has a flexible, leathery covering rather than a hard shell. Leatherbacks do not nest on Oman’s beaches, but they travel through Omani waters while feeding, particularly on jellyfish.
A network of nesting and feeding habitats
Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz form a major green-turtle nesting area on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula. Farther south, Masirah Island supports globally important loggerhead nesting as well as smaller numbers of other species.
Near Muscat, the Ad Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve combines undeveloped beaches with coral-reef feeding habitat. Green and hawksbill turtles use this connected environment, while the southern beaches of Dhofar and the Al Hallaniyat Islands support additional seasonal nesting populations.
These places should not be viewed in isolation. A turtle may feed in one area, migrate through another and return to a particular beach to nest. Protecting the journey means caring for the whole network.
How divers can help
Give resting and feeding turtles room. Avoid chasing, touching or blocking their route to the surface. Keep good buoyancy around reefs and seagrass, secure loose equipment, and take every piece of waste back to shore. On nesting beaches, follow reserve rules and use authorised, low-impact viewing practices.
A respectful encounter lasts longer than a close photograph. When we observe without interfering, turtles can continue the ancient journeys that make Oman’s coastline so extraordinary.
Explore responsibly. Choose an Omanta experience and ask your guide how to approach marine life with care.
Adapted for the Omanta Blog from “Omani Waters’ Treasure: The Sea Turtle Story,” Ocean Frontier, September 2026, Issue 01.