Hotels near Bimmah Sinkhole

Bimmah Sinkhole is a collapsed limestone crater about 40 metres across and 20 metres deep, filled with green-blue water that mixes fresh groundwater and seawater seeping in from the coast 600 metres away. Omani folklore says a meteorite made it, which is where the park's name Hawiyat Najm, the falling star, comes from. Geologists point to limestone dissolution instead. A concrete staircase runs down to a small ledge at water level.

Entry to Hawiyat Najm Park is free and it stays open through the day. The water is cool year round and deep enough to jump into from the lower ledge, though the small fish that nibble at your feet surprise most first-timers. Facilities are basic: shaded picnic tables, toilets, no cafe, so bring your own water. Forty-five minutes is enough. Pair it with Wadi Shab, which is another 30 minutes further down the same highway.

Pro Tip: Stop here on the way back from Wadi Shab rather than on the way out. The afternoon sun sits directly over the crater between about 1pm and 3pm and that is when the water reads properly turquoise instead of grey.