There is a diversity of sports and activities to be found in Muscat: cycling, volleyball, camel racing, diving... Wait a minute! Camel racing? Of course. In a country that camels call home, there's bound to be camel racing, right? There's a race track in Muscat's Al Seeb. Check with the locals for directions. Although it is unlikely that an inexperienced tourist will be allowed to race a camel, it's funny to watch local children on the backs of these long-limbed, sleepy-eyed animals kicking up dust as they vie for finish-line laurels.

Somewhat akin to the excitement of camel racing is driving a four-wheel in and out and over the inland terrain, over wadis, rocky riverbeds, and up sand dunes.

Muscat also offers sports fishing. Contact www.nomadtours.com for fishing and all boating activities.

Take a dive at the Muscat Diving and Adventure Center, where you will be set up with a package to suit you. Family and non-diving adventures are available as well, like climbing, archery, caving, "trekking," bird watching, and historical tours. Determined to show you a good time, the center offers accomodations packages and decent rates.

With all that water, you can jet-ski, snorkel, dive, or hire a boat to go dolphin-watching. Jet-ski rentals are available at most hotels, as are snorkeling and diving equipment. For dolphin-watching, hire a privatel-owned boat or contract an area boating business, and sail away.