Most hotels have swimming pools that are open for public use. Day charges range from RO 2.500 (at Al Falaj) to RO 10 (at the five-star hotels), but expect to pay a bit more at the weekends and keep in mind that the beach clubs tend to be more expensive. You can also swim off the beaches, whether at a public beach or hotel beach club. Remember to be modest in your choice of swimwear and to wear it only on the beach. The tides and currents here can be surprisingly strong, so do not underestimate them. With this in mind, take due care when swimming on quiet beaches. For your own safety it’s better to choose somewhere with a few people around.

In summer, jellyfish can be a problem, both in the water and when washed up on the beach. All varieties are somewhat poisonous but one particular variety, the box jellyfish, can be lethal. Stone fish and sea snakes are also not creatures you want to tangle with, but they’re shy, retiring types and do tend to keep well away from the more populated areas. Swimming lessons are widely available and prices of these will vary.