Things to Do in Taqah, Dhofar
Travel advisory: Oman has been drawn into the 2026 regional conflict involving Iran, and in March 2026 drones struck the Port of Salalah, about 45 km west of Taqah. At the time of writing the UK Foreign Office does not advise against travel to Oman, but it warns that the risk of sudden escalation in the region is high and that terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out. The US State Department rates Oman Level 3, “Reconsider Travel”, and says do not travel to the Yemen border area, Duqm or Musandam. Dhofar’s 2026 khareef season ran normally, yet flights and airspace can change at short notice. Read the UK FCDO advice and the US State Department advisory before you book and again before you fly.
Taqah is a small fishing town in Dhofar, about 33 km east of Salalah, with the green Dhofar mountains rising behind it. It is not a resort. The things to do here are slow and local: watching the sardine crews on the beach, rowing on the lakes of Wadi Darbat, looking for flamingos in the lagoons and picnicking the way Omani families do. Prices are in Omani rials (OMR), worth about US$2.60 each.
Watch the sardine season on Taqah Beach
From roughly October to April, Taqah’s fishermen work the shallows for sardines, a trade known locally as al-dhawaghi. Crews gather on the beach at dawn and haul seine nets in by hand while a lead boat follows the shoal. The catch is spread over the sand in silver sheets to dry, and most of it goes to animal feed and fertiliser. Come early, stay out of the way of the nets and the trucks, and ask before you photograph anyone.
Boat on the lakes of Wadi Darbat
Wadi Darbat, inland just after Taqah, holds a ribbon of small lakes that refill each khareef (the June to September monsoon). When the water is high, operators at the lakeside rent pedal boats for about OMR 3 per 30 minutes and run power boats for about OMR 5 a ride, with life jackets provided. Boats run mainly during and just after the khareef, so check on arrival in the dry months.
Never swim or wade in Wadi Darbat. People drown in its lakes and pools, warning signs are posted, and Civil Defence warns visitors every season to keep out of springs, pools and waterfalls. Enjoy the water from a boat or the bank.
Birdwatching at Khor Taqah and Khor Rori
Two lagoons bracket the town. Khor Taqah sits by the town itself and Khor Rori lies to the east, below the ruins of Sumhuram. Both are protected coastal nature reserves, and Khor Rori draws greater flamingos, herons and other waterbirds, especially in the cooler months. Bring binoculars, but keep them away from any military or government site, where birdwatching can be misunderstood.
Picnic like a Dhofari
Weekend picnics are a family ritual here. The meadows of Wadi Darbat fill with families during and after the khareef, when camels, cows and goats graze the green slopes, and Taqah Beach has shaded shelters and picnic areas. Pack water and food, take your rubbish home and dress modestly, with arms and legs covered to below the knee.
Dolphins and a sunset sail from Hawana
Boat trips of about two hours to look for dolphins, and short sunset dhow cruises, are sold from the Hawana Salalah marina, about 15 km west of Taqah. Prices vary by seller, so compare before you book, and make sure there is a life jacket for every passenger. Search options on GetYourGuide .
The sea and the seasons
During the khareef, roughly 21 June to 21 September, stay out of the sea. Police and Civil Defence warn every year of high waves and strong currents on Dhofar’s beaches, and drownings happen each season. From October to April the sea is calmer, but Taqah Beach has no lifeguard service, so treat it as a beach for walking and picnics. For a swim, Hawana Aqua Park is the safe choice. Taqah has no dive centre, kayak rental or jet-ski operator.
Read more: Sightseeing in Taqah and Taqah with children .