Overview
Fact File
Capital | Muscat |
Population | 4,800,000 |
Languages | Arabic |
Time | GMT +4 |
International Dialling Code | +968 |
Currency | Omani rial (OMR) |
Tourist Board | |
International Airports | Muscat international Airport (MCT), Salalah International Airport (SLL), Sohar International Airport (OHS) |
About The Diving
Oman is a scuba diver’s paradise, offering a unique underwater experience with its diverse marine life and pristine dive sites. The Arabian Sea’s warm and clear waters provide excellent visibility, making it an ideal destination for enthusiasts of all levels. The Daymaniyat Islands, a protected marine reserve, boast vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine species, including turtles, rays, and colorful fish. The underwater caves and canyons of the Musandam Peninsula provide thrilling exploration opportunities. The Al Munassir wreck, intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef, is a popular dive site teeming with marine activity. Dive operators in destinations like Muscat and Salalah ensure safe and enjoyable experiences, catering to both beginners and experienced divers. Oman’s underwater world, coupled with its cultural richness, makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking a captivating scuba diving adventure.
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Dive Highlights
Daymaniyat Islands
A protected marine reserve with vibrant coral gardens, diverse marine life including turtles, rays, and reef sharks, and excellent visibility, perfect for both beginners and experienced divers.
Al Munassir wreck
An intentionally sunken ship lying off the coast of Muscat, now an artificial reef covered in colorful corals and home to a variety of marine species, providing an adventurous dive experience.
Musandam Peninsula
Known for its dramatic underwater landscapes, this area offers cave diving, steep drop-offs, and the chance to spot larger marine creatures like whale sharks and dolphins.
The Aquarium
Situated in at the Daymaniyat Islands, this site lives up to its name with an array of colorful fish, turtles, and stunning coral formations at shallower depths, suitable for all levels.
Lima Rock
Found near the Daymaniyat Islands, this pinnacle dive site is famous for its impressive coral formations, attracting pelagic species and offering thrilling drift dives.
Ras Abu Daoud
Located one hour away from Muscat, it features steep walls, overhangs, and caverns, providing an opportunity to spot larger marine life such as hammerhead sharks and manta rays.
Martini Rock
Situated in the vicinity of Bandar Khayran, this pinnacle dive site showcases a wealth of marine life including moray eels, reef sharks, and schooling fish, surrounded by beautiful corals.
Lima East and Lima West
Two additional sites near the Daymaniyat Islands known for their stunning coral formations, diverse fish species, and occasional encounters with leopard sharks.
Fahal Island
An island in the Muscat area with a thriving marine ecosystem, offering encounters with reef sharks, turtles, and schooling fish among impressive coral formations.
Octopus Rock
A dive site near Salalah known for its underwater topography, including caves and swim-throughs, hosting an array of marine life from nudibranchs to larger species like eagle rays.
When To Go
The ideal time to explore Oman’s underwater wonders through scuba diving is during the cooler months, from October to May. These months offer fantastic diving conditions with warm waters, excellent visibility, and calm seas. Imagine immersing yourself in crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life, from colorful fish to stunning coral reefs.
Diving during this period not only lets you indulge in the incredible underwater world but also allows you to enjoy the beauty of Oman’s coastal landscapes without the scorching heat of summer. The pleasant weather creates a perfect backdrop for memorable diving experiences and the opportunity to discover the country’s diverse marine ecosystems.
Photos: Avalon.Red