Muscat, the capital of Oman, is both upscale and rooted in antiquity. When thinking about things to do in Muscat from a cruise ship, start with a tour on a dhow, a traditional Omani wooden boat. You’ll travel along the coast, taking in Portuguese and Omani architecture and modern day skyscrapers.

Go dolphin and whale watching while on your Muscat cruise, where you’ll have the special chance to see these incredible creatures in the waters of Oman. Your guide will provide a detailed overview of the mammals and what attracts them to Muscat. Take an excursion to Nakhl Fort, a prehistoric Islamic fort. In Barkha, you can stop in the souk or bazaar for vegetables and to buy wares from local vendors, like jewelry, silver, and local Omani goods.

There are plenty of museums to visit on Muscat shore excursions, like the National Museum or the family-friendly excursion to the Museum of Illusions. At the Bait Al Zubair, history buffs will love the collections of ancient weapons and Omani artifacts.

For a luxurious afternoon in Muscat, enjoy high tea at the five-star Al Bustan Palace, where you’ll relax at the hotel’s gardens. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon in Muscat before continuing on to shopping at Omani boutiques. On Muscat shore excursions, the views from the Sea of Oman are incredible, where rugged cliffs overlook the ocean.

For a more outdoorsy take on Muscat, head to the Wahiba sands for an adventure through the desert. Take a four-wheeler ride across the sandy dunes to a Bedouin village. Discover the oasis of the Wadi Bani Khalid, where the riverbed flows year round with bright green waters. It’s a desert paradise perfect for swimming.

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