Blowholes draw huge crowds at Al Mughsail

SALALAH, JULY 28
The iconic Al Mughsail Beach and the natural blowholes of Al Marnif Cave are roaring back to life this khareef, with a surge in visitor numbers driven by the cool monsoon weather and Dhofar’s lush transformation.
Tour operators, local vendors and road officials report a sharp increase in footfall compared to last year.
Oman Observer field observations confirm that traffic to western Salalah has surged in recent days, with parking lots near the site reaching full capacity by early afternoon.
Families, adventure seekers and tourists from across Oman, the Gulf and beyond are flocking to witness the dramatic sea geysers — water columns erupting from underground rock chambers — alongside sweeping cliff views.
“I’ve travelled across the Gulf, but I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Yousif Ali, a Kuwaiti visitor. “It feels like the Earth is alive.”
In response to growing numbers, authorities have ramped up facilities at the site. Roads now have clearer signs and improved safety turns. New shaded viewing decks and railings have been installed near Al Marnif Cave, while municipal teams ensure cleanliness and smooth crowd movement.
The Royal Oman Police and Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority have increased their on-ground presence, especially during peak hours, ensuring visitor safety.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Dhofar Municipality are enhancing multilingual signage and visitor materials.
Al Mughsail’s fame soared earlier this year after Condé Nast Traveler named it the 5th best beach in the world. The international recognition has boosted Dhofar’s profile among eco-tourists, photographers and nature lovers, and is now central to Oman’s seasonal tourism campaigns.
The blowholes, which can erupt as high as 30 metres during high tide, create a thunderous roar that resonates along the cliffs. The adjacent Al Marnif Cave provides the best viewing point, now upgraded with accessible walkways and smoother paths.
Beyond the blowholes, visitors can explore khareef gems like Wadi Darbat, Ayn Jarziz, Old Salalah’s heritage souqs and Unesco-listed Frankincense sites.
While Al Mughsail’s wild beauty draws crowds, officials remind the public that swimming is prohibited at the beach between June 21 and September 21 due to strong currents and high waves.
Tourism experts are calling for sustained, responsible development. Their main recommendations include highlighting seasonal and natural uniqueness, strengthening eco-friendly infrastructure, improving waste management and emergency response and training local guides and supporting small tourism businesses.
“This place doesn’t need malls or towers — it just needs to be protected and shared,” said Yousif. “Everyone should see this part of Oman at least once.”
As visitor numbers climb, Al Mughsail stands as a shining example of Dhofar’s sustainable tourism future, combining raw natural power with thoughtful stewardship.