The Bimmah Sinkhole, known locally as Hawiyat Najm ("the falling star"), is a collapsed limestone cavern just inland from the sea, about 1.5 hours south-east of Muscat. Around 20 metres deep, it holds a pool of brilliant turquoise water, fed by both the sea and groundwater.
A small public park with walls, picnic shelters and toilets surrounds the hole, and a concrete staircase leads down to the water’s edge, where you can swim. Legend has it that the hole was made by a meteorite; geologists prefer the slow dissolution of limestone.
Top things to do at Bimmah Sinkhole
Swim in the sinkhole
Climb down the steps and take a dip in the clear, slightly salty water. Small fish nibble at your feet — a strange but harmless sensation.
Photograph it from above
The view from the rim, looking down on the turquoise water, is the classic shot. Late morning, when the sun is high, gives the brightest colour.
Combine with the coast
Bimmah sits on the way to Wadi Shab and Fins beach, so almost everyone combines it with one or both.
How to get to Bimmah Sinkhole
- By car: about 1.5 hours from Muscat on the coastal highway towards Sur; exit at Hawiyat Najm Park.
- With a tour: included in the Wadi Shab day trips.
Insider tips
- Entry to the park is free.
- Swim modestly — a T-shirt and shorts over swimwear is appropriate.
- Jumping from the rim is dangerous and discouraged.
- The park can be busy with families at weekends; come early or on a weekday.
Best tours & tickets for Bimmah Sinkhole
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Bimmah Sinkhole:
Day trip from €35 From Muscat: Wadi Shab & Bimmah Sinkhole Full-Day Tour
The best day out from Muscat. A coastal drive south, a short boat hop across the first pool, then a hike between towering canyon walls to a chain of emerald pools — swim the last stretch and squeeze through a gap into a cave with a waterfall. Bimmah Sinkhole on the way home.
- Hike about 40 minutes into the Wadi Shab gorge
- Swim through the pools to the hidden cave waterfall
- Stop at the turquoise Bimmah Sinkhole
Overnight tour from €374 From Muscat: Wadi Shab, Ras Al Jinz & Wahiba Sands 2-Day Tour
The classic eastern loop in two days: the sinkhole and Wadi Shab on the way down the coast, Sur and a guided visit to the green turtle nesting beach at Ras al Jinz, then inland to the Wahiba Sands before returning to Muscat.
- Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab
- Night turtle watching at Ras al Jinz
- The Wahiba Sands and Bedouin life
