Visiting Bimmah Sinkhole, Oman: Everything You Need To Know

Updated May 2025, Visiting Bimmah Sinkhole was originally written in February 2020

If you’re plotting an adventure in Oman and wondering whether Bimmah Sinkhole is worth the detour, let me assure you: it absolutely is. This stunning natural pool, tucked away just about 90 minutes south of Muscat o the way to Sur, is hands-down one of the coolest stops you can make in northern Oman.

The first time I laid eyes on the Bimmah Sinkhole, with its shockingly turquoise waters set inside of a craggy limestone sinkhole, I was in awe.

It’s easy to see why the famous sinkhole of Oman is high on so many travelers’ wishlists. It’s easiest to visit if you have your own wheels.

If you’re planning your own Oman road trip, don’t miss this gem. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Bimmah Sinkhole, from getting there to swimming tips and even a bit of local legend.

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Start planning your Oman adventure here: The Ultimate Oman Travel Guide

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How Did The Bimmah Sinkhole Come To Be?

Bimmah Sinkhole, or Hawaiyat Najm Park, as the site is officially called, is a natural depression in the limestone that’s partially filled with vibrant blue-green brackish water from the ocean only 600 meters away.

Local folklore claims it was created by a falling star (Hawaiyat Najm translates to “meteor”), but in reality, it’s a sinkhole formed by the collapse of the limestone surface.

Bimmah Sinkhole is also affectionately called Bayt al Afreet, or “house of the demon,” thanks to stories of mythical creatures lurking in its depths.

Whatever you believe, one thing’s for sure: Bimmah Oman is a sight to behold.

How To Get To Bimmah Sinkhole & Hawaiyat Najm Park

Bimmah Sinkhole is one of the easiest sites in Oman to get to, being located about 130 kilometers south of Muscat, right off the Muscat-Sur Highway near the village of Dibab.

Bimmah Sinkhole is located about 130 kilometers south of Muscat, right off the well-paved Muscat-Sur Highway, near the village of Dibab.

There are clear signs along the road, making it almost impossible to miss.

We rolled up easily as part of our Oman road trip, but if you don’t have a car, there are both group and private tours that include stops at the sinkhole.

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Don’t wanna visit on your own? Check out this Bimmah Sinkhole & Wadi Shab group tour
Private tours are also available here

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Hawaiyat Najm Park

BImmah Sinkhole itself, sits within Hawaiyat Najm Park, a well-maintained area with shaded picnic tables, paved walkways, clean toilets, and even a playground.

The sinkhole is partially fenced for safety, but you’ll see locals hopping over the barrier to dive in from the cliff tops.

There’s a sturdy set of stairs leading down into the sinkhole that make getting down to the water pretty easy.

Parking is free, and the park is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm.

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Wanna see Oman but only have limited time? Check out my one week in Oman road trip itinerary

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Swimming In Bimmah Sinkhole

Swimming here is a must-do. Modesty is appreciated, so keep it respectful.

We swam in our clothes, which dried ridiculously fast under Oman’s blazing sun.

The water is wonderfully refreshing, and, bonus, there are tiny Garra fish living in the sinkhole. If you feel little nibbles on your feet, it’s just these guys giving you a free fish pedicure (yes, just like the ones you’ve seen advertised in Thailand and Cambodia).

A friendly reminder: Avoid wearing sunscreen in the water unless it’s a reef-friendly sunscreen to protect the local ecosystem.

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Don’t miss nearby Wadi Shab

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Cliff Diving

You’ll notice locals, especially teenage boys, diving from the top of the cliffs surrounding the Bmmah Sinkhole.

With heights up to 30 meters (about 100 feet), it’s not for the faint of heart. If you’re like me and prefer something a little less terrifying, there’s a rope on the far side that lets you climb up for lower jumps (around 2 to 6 meters).

As always, use caution. The depth varies from shallow areas to over 90 meters deep in places.

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Looking for more ideas on what to do in Oman? Check out my post: 12 best adventures in Oman for ideas

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How Much Time Do I Need?

You could do a quick visit to Bimmah Sinkhole, snap a few photos, and head off in 15 minutes, but I recommend carving out at least an hour.

Bring a picnic, go for a swim, and soak in the atmosphere. Bimmah Sinkhole makes for a fantastic day trip from Muscat, especially if you pair it with other nearby spots like Wadi Shab.

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Explore nearby dunes: Camp in the Wahiba Sands

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The Best Time To Visit Bimmah Sinkhole

Oman’s peak tourist season runs from October to April, and this is also when the weather is bearable (trust me, summers here are no joke).

To beat the crowds, aim to arrive right when the park opens at 8 am. We showed up around 9 am and shared the place with just a small group of other travelers before having it all to ourselves for a glorious half-hour.

My first visit to Bimmah was in 2016, so Oman wasn’t quite as popular a destination as it has become more recently.

What To Pack For Visiting Bimmah Sinkhole

• Water shoes/sandals: The bottom of Bimmah Sinkhole is rocky and can be quite sharp. If you have tender feet, water shoes will make swimming and wading more enjoyable.
• Organic sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun without causing harm to the inhabitants of the sinkhole.
• Microfiber towel: A lightweight microfiber travel towel will come in handy, especially if you’ll be participating in a lot of outdoor activities and camping on your Oman trip.
• Swimsuit + sarong (for women): A one-piece swimsuit with a sarong is a good choice for women trying to swim in more modest options. I swam in my t-shirt and harem pants over my swimsuit and found that to be perfectly acceptable.
• Swim shorts (for men): I noticed that local men and boys tended to swim (and cliff dive) in typical men’s swimshorts.
• Drinking water: I recommend packing your own water bottle and water purification system to reduce plastic waste.
• Picnic lunch or snack: Make use of the picnic pavilions around the park.
• Bradt Oman Guidebook: Handy for planning your travels in Oman.

Final Thoughts on Bimmah Sinkhole

Whether you’re road-tripping around Oman or looking for a quick escape from Muscat, Bimmah Sinkhole is a highlight you shouldn’t skip.

The combination of striking natural beauty, a dash of local folklore, and the chance to cool off in one of Oman’s most unique swimming holes makes it a must-see.

Have Any Questions About Visiting Bimmah Sinkhole?

Have you visited Bimmah Sinkhole? Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments below—I’d love to hear your experiences or help you plan your visit to this gorgeous Oman sinkhole.