Boat rides are the latest tourist attraction in Sur

The increasing number of tourists is a clear reflection of that people are enjoying the pleasant weather, less road traffic and silent atmosphere

Sept 25: Pleasant weather, less road traffic and noise, and the location of a number of tourist spots has made Sur, in the South Sharquiyah Governorate, a popular tourist destination. Now, one more attraction has been added to that list: boat rides.

And tourists are loving it. The increasing number of tourists is a clear reflection of that. Says an expat from Muscat: “Sur is a picturesque town surrounded by mountains. The shape of old Sur is like a lagoon. A boat ride adds to the pleasure. It is getting popular among tourists.”

Boat rides have become popular among Omanis and expatriates alike. “People visiting Sur like to enjoy boat rides as it is an additional activity for tourists,” said Said al Bulushi, a resident of Muscat who was enjoying a boat ride with his family.

Boats of different sizes are available for the tourists. “A small boat can accommodate five to seven people and big ones up to 15,” according to a boat owner at Khor al Batah.

Charges depend upon the duration of the rides, which vary from 30 to 45 minutes. One young tourist said: “Since Sur is famous for building dhows, it should offer dhow rides to tourists. Such rides will give tourists a different experience… a feel of the olden times,” he said.

“It’s a great feeling to visit Sur any time of the year,” said an expatriate from Barka. The weather is always pleasant, especially early mornings and after sunset. A boat ride is an added advantage for tourists.”

An Omani tourist from Ibri said he preferred Sur more than any other place for vacationing. “Weather is pleasant these days. People from different parts of Oman come to Sur to enjoy its weather,” he said. Meanwhile, an Omani tourist expressed some concerns over the safety aspect. “I don’t find any passengers wearing life jackets during the boat rides,” he said.