Oman is one of the most fantastic places to go diving, as it has the Arabian Sea, whose nutrients attract many species, including whales, dolphins, and the famous sea turtles which nest at several points along its coastline. The country also has several nature reserves where you need nothing more than a snorkel to appreciate the undersea paradise.
- Why Oman is a diver’s paradise
- The best diving sites in Oman
- Advice and recommendations
- Where to stay in Oman
Why Oman is a diver’s paradise
Oman, with over 3,000 kilometres of coastline, is one of the best countries in the world for diving enthusiasts — thanks to both the quality of its waters and to the range of diving sites it offers, perfect for beginners and for experienced divers alike.
The secret of this paradise is the Arabian Sea which, due to its wealth of nutrients, is a gathering place for many species of whales, dolphins, sharks and the famous turtles that come here to lay their eggs.
In addition, some of the most important diving sites are nature reserves that allow visitors to experience unspoilt settings, where the water temperature is pleasant all year round.
Another of the benefits offered by Oman is that the diving is suitable for beginners, so it is the perfect destination for your first underwater experience.
The best diving sites in Oman
Several spots in Oman are popular with divers due to the quality of the waters, the coral reefs, and the number of different species to be found. One of the most famous is the Daymaniyat Islands, an uninhabited nature reserve that you can visit either on a sailing excursion or privately.
These nine islets, that lie around 100 kilometres from Muscat, are popular spots for watching turtles nesting and (especially from July to October) whale sharks. Throughout the rest of the year, you can also find zebra sharks and black tip sharks.
Very close to the capital lies the little island of Fahal, known as Shark Island, which has an incredible coral reef.
A little further away from Muscat is Musandam peninsula, which is Omani territory despite being surrounded by the United Arab Emirates. This mountainous area with a few coastal villages is where divers come to visit the reefs and the area’s wealth of marine life.
In the south, in Salalah (near the border with Yemen), is Mirbat, where you can find up to 22 species of whales and dolphins swimming close to the coral reefs. This is a more difficult area, and therefore only recommended for experienced divers.
Advice and recommendations
The best time to go diving in Oman is between October and February, when the water temperature is at its best, and the marine life at its richest due to the abundance of floating nutrients. But it also depends on the area.
You should know that the Daymaniyat Islands are closed during our summer from May to October, so you cannot go diving then, and it is advisable to visit at some other time.
The summer months are also a bad time to visit the Salalah area, because it is the monsoon season and there are lots of currents, which makes diving more difficult and dangerous.
The quietest area is the Mundasam peninsula, where you can dive practically all year round.
Having said that, to see the hawksbill turtles that come to nest in this area, the best months to visit are from March to June when they lay their eggs.
Where to stay in Oman
The best hotel for your stay is the Barceló Mussanah Resort, Sultanate of Oman, a four-star hotel, located right on the Gulf in the Al Batinah region.
This exclusive resort with 234 guest rooms and 74 luxury apartments has good connections with the port of Muscat, so that you can visit the Daymaniyat Islands for a unique diving experience.
The hotel has a private beach surrounded by palm trees and cabins for sunbathing, as well as four swimming pools with sea views, and another pool just for children.
The hotel has three excellent restaurants, the Mydan serving international cuisine, the Azure specialising in Mediterranean dishes, and a fantastic Italian restaurant, the Dolce Vita. In addition, there are three other places where you can enjoy a cocktail and a snack while gazing at the sea views: Compass Bar, the Pool Bar and The Deck Bar & Lounge.
For relaxation, we recommend the Zayna Spa and Health Fitness Club, with 10 treatment rooms plus a spa, sauna, steam baths, Jacuzzi and gymnasium.
