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Overview

Oman, a gem in the Arabian Peninsula, captivates with its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Its pristine coastline stretches along the Arabian Sea, offering stunning beaches and waters ideal for diving and snorkeling. The rugged Hajar Mountains provide thrilling trekking adventures and breathtaking vistas. Visitors can explore ancient forts, like Nizwa Fort, and wander through vibrant souks, experiencing the essence of Omani culture. The desert landscapes of the Empty Quarter contrast with the lush greenery of Salalah during the Khareef season. Muscat, the capital, embodies modernity alongside traditional charm with its grand mosques, palaces, and a bustling Corniche. Oman’s cultural festivals, like the Muscat Festival and Salalah Tourism Festival, showcase the nation’s heritage. Hospitality and safety make Oman a welcoming destination, inviting travelers to uncover its hidden treasures.

Fact File

Capital

Muscat

Population

4,800,000

Languages

Arabic

Time

GMT +4

International Dialling Code

+968

Currency

Omani rial (OMR)

Tourist Board

https://visitoman.om/

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.

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 Bandar Khayran near Muscat, 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 in the Hallaniyat Islands, 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.

Shark Island

An islet in Bandar Khayran 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

Dive Centres & Resorts

Liveaboards