Oman
The Sultanate of Oman is in the Middle East, borders the United Arab Emirates in the northwest. Oman is an emerging dive destination that offers an enticing blend of rich marine biodiversity, unspoiled coral reefs, and dramatic underwater landscapes. Unlike the more famous Red Sea, Oman’s dive sites are less crowded, providing a more intimate and pristine diving experience.
The Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman provide large coral reefs in the deep fjords of Musandam (Gulf of Oman), at Daymaniyat Islands off the coast of Muscat and Hallaniyat Islands off the coast of Mirbat in southern Oman (Arabian Sea) as well as untouched and undiscovered reefs and wrecks.
Oman’s diverse dive areas offer something for every type of diver, from the vibrant coral reefs of the Daymaniyat Islands to the remote and rugged waters of Musandam and the Hallaniyat archipelago. Whether you’re exploring historic wrecks, swimming with whale sharks, or drifting along coral-covered walls, Oman’s underwater world is sure to leave a lasting impression. With its combination of rich marine biodiversity, unspoiled dive sites, and dramatic landscapes, Oman is quickly earning its place as one of the top dive destinations in the Arabian Sea.
Liveaboard Diving Regions :
Daymaniyat Islands - Muscat
Often referred to as the “Jewel of Oman,” the Daymaniyat Islands are a protected marine reserve located just off the coast of Muscat. These nine uninhabited islands are a paradise for divers, offering crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and some of the most colorful coral reefs in the region.
Best Time to Dive: October to May, when the sea conditions are calm, and visibility is at its best.
Key Dive Sites:
Aquarium: True to its name, Aquarium is a vibrant dive site teeming with marine life. Divers can expect to see large schools of fish, including snappers, trevallies, and fusiliers, as well as rays and occasionally leopard sharks. The site also boasts stunning hard and soft coral formations.
Three Sisters: This site consists of three large coral-covered pinnacles that rise from the seabed. The pinnacles are home to a variety of marine species, including moray eels, turtles, and reef sharks. The surrounding sand flats are often visited by stingrays and cuttlefish.
Police Run: Known for its strong currents, Police Run is a thrilling drift dive along a coral-covered wall. The currents bring in a variety of pelagic species, including barracudas, trevallies, and occasionally, manta rays. The site is also home to large schools of fusiliers and snapper.
Bandar Khayran - Muscat
Located just a short boat ride from Muscat, Bandar Khayran is a stunning natural harbor surrounded by rugged cliffs and hidden coves. The area is known for its diverse dive sites, ranging from shallow coral gardens to deeper wrecks. Bandar Khayran’s sheltered waters make it an ideal location for divers of all levels.
Key Dive Sites:
Al Munassir Wreck: is a 3,000-ton vessel intentionally sunk in 2003 to create an artificial reef. The wreck lies at a depth of 30 meters and is now home to a variety of marine life, including barracudas, groupers, and batfish. The wreck’s structure is still intact, making it an excellent site for exploration.
Bander Khayran Coral Gardens: are perfect for beginner divers and underwater photographers. The area is home to an array of hard and soft corals, as well as a variety of reef fish, including angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. The occasional turtle or eagle ray can also be spotted gliding through the water.
Jissah Point: Known for its dramatic underwater topography, Jissah Point features a series of rocky outcrops, swim-throughs, and coral-covered walls. The site is frequented by moray eels, scorpionfish, and the occasional leopard shark.
Fahal Island - Muscat
Fahal Island, also known as Shark Island, is a small limestone island located just off the coast of Muscat. The island’s dive sites are known for their rugged underwater landscapes, rich coral formations, and the frequent presence of sharks and other large pelagics.
Best Time to Dive: October to April, when conditions are calm, and the water is warm.
Key Dive Sites:
Fahal Island North: The northern side of Fahal Island is characterized by steep drop-offs and strong currents, making it a magnet for large pelagics. Divers often encounter blacktip reef sharks, eagle rays, and barracudas. The walls are adorned with colorful sponges, corals, and gorgonians, creating a vibrant underwater scene.
Fahal Island Caves: The island’s rocky coastline is dotted with caves and swim-throughs, providing a unique diving experience. The caves are home to various marine species, including moray eels, lobsters, and schools of soldierfish. The site also offers the chance to see sharks resting in the sandy patches outside the caves.
Fahal Island West: The western side of the island offers a more relaxed diving experience, with shallower reefs and sandy slopes. This area is perfect for spotting smaller marine life, including nudibranchs, octopuses, and cuttlefish. The site is also home to a resident population of green turtles.
Musandam Peninsula - Musandam
The Musandam Peninsula, located at the northern tip of Oman, is one of the country’s most dramatic and remote dive destinations. The region’s rugged coastline, with its towering fjords and deep inlets, creates a stunning backdrop for diving. Musandam is known for its strong currents, nutrient-rich waters, and the abundance of marine life, making it a favorite for experienced divers.
Best Time to Dive: April to September, when sea conditions are calm, and visibility is good.
Key Dive Sites:
Lima Rock: is one of the most famous dive sites in Musandam, known for its steep walls and strong currents. The site is rich in marine life, with frequent sightings of sharks, barracudas, and large schools of jacks. The walls are covered in colorful soft corals, sponges, and gorgonians, adding to the site’s visual appeal.
The Caves: This site features a series of large underwater caves and swim-throughs, offering a thrilling dive experience. The caves are home to a variety of marine species, including moray eels, lobsters, and schools of soldierfish. The surrounding reef is also rich in coral formations and smaller marine life.
Ras Musandam: Located at the very tip of the Musandam Peninsula, Ras Musandam is a remote and challenging dive site known for its strong currents and dramatic drop-offs. The site is frequented by large pelagics, including sharks, rays, and barracudas, making it a top spot for adventurous divers.
Hallaniyat Islands - Salalah
The Hallaniyat Islands, located off the southern coast of Oman, are a hidden gem in the Arabian Sea. This remote archipelago offers some of the most pristine and untouched dive sites in the country. The area is known for its rich marine biodiversity, historic shipwrecks, and the frequent presence of large pelagics, including humpback whales and whale sharks.
Best Time to Dive: October to May, with the best chances of spotting whale sharks and humpback whales between February and April.
Key Dive Sites:
Hasikiyah Island: is one of the most remote and pristine islands in the Hallaniyat archipelago. The island’s dive sites feature vibrant coral gardens, rocky pinnacles, and the occasional sighting of large pelagics, including whale sharks and manta rays. The area is also known for its abundant fish life, including groupers, snappers, and jacks.
Hallaniyat Shipwreck: The waters around the Hallaniyat Islands are home to several historic shipwrecks, including a large merchant vessel that sank in the early 20th century. The wreck lies at a depth of 30 meters and is now covered in corals and home to a variety of marine life, including lionfish, groupers, and moray eels.
Qibliyah Island: is the largest island of the Hallaniyat Islands and offers a variety of dive sites, from shallow coral gardens to deeper, more challenging dives. The island is also a hotspot for large pelagics, with frequent sightings of humpback whales, dolphins, and whale sharks during the migration season.
