MUSCAT SCUBA DIVING HOLIDAYS

• Resort
• Hotels
• Sport Centers
• Map
• Images
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
• Offers

Just 7 hours away from the UK, Oman is situated on the south-eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula and was until recently something of an enigma, closed off to the outside world. Over the past few years the country has opened its borders to travellers and is rapidly gaining a reputation for the quality and variety of its diving. Oman enjoys great natural assets. Breathtaking mountains plunge directly into the Arabian Sea along large sections of the countries 1700 km of coastline. Once inland, the mountains give way to extensive sand dune fields, desert and forts. The country has a rich history, much of which is visible to visitors.

Divers of all experience levels can enjoy the dive sites accessible from Muscat, the capital of Oman. The diving here is well established, with over forty recognised sites. There are few currents and dives range in depth from ten to thirty metres, along coral flanked stony walls. Plankton rich waters attract a large amount of marine life, which includes many pelagic species Dive boats occasionally encounter both Pilot whales and Whale sharks. Five species of turtle are found in Omani waters, including the elusive Hawksbill. In addition to turtles, divers often see both Devil and Eagle rays. Ultimately though, the sheer amount of life and quality of different corals found on the reefs of Oman leaves the most lasting impressions on the memories of most divers

Temperatures remain high throughout the year. The coastal areas have a hot and humid season from May to September (average 32-40 degrees C). The humidity during the hottest months can affect air visibility. From October to April air temperatures are pleasant during the day and cool at night. The annual rainfall in most parts of Oman rarely exceeds 125mm and generally the weather is good.

Just a few minutes away from the jetty there are 5 excellent dive sites at Bandar Jussa. They are shallow, sheltered dives, which are superb in all conditions and afford a great night diving experience. Fifteen minutes away from the centre, Bandar Khairan is an area of outstanding beauty, boasting rocky outcrops, deserted beaches and small islands accessible only by boat. The underwater scenery is similarly dramatic with picturesque walls and reefs festooned with healthy finger and fan corals in purples and green, teeming with marine life. In 2003 the Al Munnassir, a 3000 tonne vessel, was sunk at Bandar Khairan and is beginning to develop in to a beautiful dive. Thirty minutes away from the centre, Fahal Island boasts an incredible variety of coral species. There are two small wrecks, which draw a large amount of marine life, including the occasional black tip reef shark, various rays and turtles. The Daymaniyat Islands helped place Oman on the world dive map. This string of offshore islands North of Muscat has been placed under the protection of UNESCO and provides divers with pristine coral gardens, walls and abundant fish life. Various shark species are encountered here, including the occasional leopard sharks. The Daymaniyat Islands may be organised on request locally, according to conditions, minimum divers and available boats.

Muscat offers a great standard of accommodation. The hotels that we have chosen to offer are only in the higher end of the market as this is where the best value and service is to be found.

Other activities include desert safaris, exotic bird watching and rock climbing.

Travelling into Muscat or Salalah British passport holders may purchase an Oman tourist visa for 6 OMR. Please always check your own entry requirements regardless of your nationality. Your passport should always have at least 6 months validity on date of return from travel.

Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic or GP. Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider. There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Oman, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio.