Sur & Dhow Shipyard★★
Sur — The City of Seafarers
Sur was one of the most important seafaring centers of the Indian Ocean for centuries. From here, Omani dhows sailed to East Africa (Zanzibar), India, and even China — a trade network that made Oman a maritime power. The city is picturesquely located on a lagoon, 260 km southeast of Muscat.
Dhow Shipyard (Sur Dhow Factory)
The highlight: The last traditional dhow shipyard in Oman. Here, the elegant wooden boats are still built by hand according to centuries-old tradition — without nails (the planks are tied together with coconut rope), using imported teak wood. You can watch the craftsmen at work and learn about the different types of dhows: from small fishing boats to large booms (trading ships).
The shipyard is freely accessible and located on the western shore of the lagoon. Most work is done in the morning (8–12 am).
Other Highlights in Sur
- Ayjah Lighthouse: On the eastern shore of the lagoon, with views over the city and the dhow shipyard. The walk along the lagoon to the lighthouse is especially beautiful at sunset
- Sunaysilah Castle: 18th-century fortress on a hill with panoramic views over Sur. Well restored and freely accessible
- Maritime Museum: Small but informative — tells the story of Omani seafaring
Dhow Types — The Ships of Oman
In the shipyard of Sur, various dhow types are built, each designed for a different purpose. The craftsmen are happy to explain the differences to you:
| Type | Size | Use | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boom (Bu) | 15–25 m | High-seas trading ship | Elegant, curved bow. The "queen" of dhows. Sailed to India and East Africa |
| Ghanja | 15–20 m | Trading ship | Massive bow, high freeboard. Typical for the route to Zanzibar |
| Baghla | 20–30 m | Large trading ship | The largest dhow type. Could carry 200+ tons of cargo. Now extinct |
| Badan | 5–10 m | Coastal fishing | Small, agile, for shallow waters. Still in use along the coast |
| Shasha | 3–5 m | Coastal transport | Simplest type, made of palm leaves and wood. Still built in Musandam |
Construction
Traditional dhows are built without nails — the planks are tied together with coconut rope (Koiwara). The wood is imported teak from India (the most saltwater-resistant wood in the world). A large boom took 2–3 years to build. Today, the few remaining dhow builders also use screws and nails, but the basic technique has remained unchanged for centuries.
A finished, seaworthy boom costs 30,000–100,000 OMR — mainly for tourist cruises in Musandam or as commissioned work for the Gulf states.
Sunset at Ayjah Lighthouse
The Ayjah Lighthouse on the east side of the lagoon is the most beautiful viewpoint in Sur — and one of the best sunset spots in all of Oman.
The way there: From the old town over the bridge to the Ayjah side, then up the hill. Along the way, you pass the historic Ayjah watchtowers — four square defensive towers that once guarded the harbor. From the lighthouse, you have a 360° view: To the west, the lagoon with the dhow shipyard and the old town, to the east, the open sea and the fishermen's houses of Ayjah, with the rugged mountains in the background.
Come 30 minutes before sunset — the light turns golden, then orange, then red, and the entire lagoon reflects the colors. A few minutes after sunset, the watchtowers and mosques begin to light up — the transition from day to night in Sur is one of the most magical moments of a trip to Oman.
