OMAN
A desert country located on the northeastern tip of the Arabian peninsula, the Sultanate of Oman is a relatively new scuba destination. With a long rocky coastline, and offshore reefs in the rich Arabian Gulf, diving in Oman is characterized by quite good visibility, and the chance to encounter large pelagic species, and dolphins. Though the sea life is not as diverse as the Red Sea, schools of rays, shark, barracuda and jacks are common.
Aside from diving, visiting desert oases, complete with atmospheric forts; these include Nizwa, and are short drives away from Muscat. Further south, trekking and hiking are becoming popular, and because the country receives so few visitors, guests can enjoy the genuine hospitality of the Omani people.
DIVING
Around Muscat: Bandar Jussa, Bandar Khairan, and Fahal Island
Just thirty minutes from Muscat, these three dive sites offer reefs and boulders populated with spiny lobster, cuttlefish, eagle rays, mantas and several species of sharks.
Wreck of the Al Munassir
Oman’s first artificial reef, the Al Munassir was sunk in April 2003, and has already attracted sea life and coral growth on the ship’s superstructure. Just fifteen minutes from Muscat, the Al Munassir is easy to access year round.
Musandam
Actually closer to Dubai than Muscat, Musandan is a rugged peninsula where the Arabian Sea meets the Gulf of Hormuz; remote and isolated, diving here is best done via liveaboard.
Daymandiyat Islands
About 100 kilometers north of Muscat, lie the Daymandiyat Islands, easily Oman’s best diving. Here, a small cluster of islands foster thick soft and hard coral growth, and swirling clouds of fish.
Getting there:
From North America and Europe, convenient connections can be made with major European airlines. From Asia and Australia, connections via Bangkok and Singapore offer the best means of travel.
What to expect:
Visas are available upon arrival. Oman is not an inexpensive country, and hotels, food and accommodation are at European levels. Summer is extremely hot and dry, with winters cool and dry; rain is rare here, though flash floods can be dangerous out in the desert.
Questions? Email Dave, who dived Fahal Island off the coast of Oman, and has visited the interior of Oman; or Email Brenda for details on Musandam.
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