Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Ras Al-Jinz

Ras Al-Jinz Scientific and Visitors Centre is located on the eastern shores of the Arabian peninsula in the Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve, approximately 1 hour's drive from Sur. The area is world renowned for the nesting endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas), probably the most important nesting concentration in the Indian Ocean. The centre offers a unique experience: the fascinating spectacle of sea turtles nesting in a completely natural environment. Guided excursions are conducted every night to view the turtles and the nesting process. Within the Ras Al-Jinz Scientific and Visitors Centre is a small, simply furnished hotel. All of the 14 rooms are air conditioned and have an en suite bathroom, and are equipped with a mini refrigerator and flatscreen television. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, the evening meal usually being a three-course set menu. A gift shop displays a range of local handicraft items, pictures and postcards, and for guests of the Visitor Centre, the night-time guided turtle viewing excursion is included in the room cost. Morning excursions are also available, and should be booked and paid for locally.