This superb dive centre at Qantab is located directly in the marina close to the luxury hotel of Shangri-La, Muscat Hills and Muscat bay resort, Muscat Bay, surrounded by spectacular cliff formations. From here the most beautiful dive sites of Bandar Al Khairan and Fahal Island can be explored on daily boat trips. An abundance of fish, various species of moray eel, rays, brightly coloured nudibranchs, turtles and a large wreck are just a few of the region’s diving highlights.
Many dive sites are close to the centre; for example, Fahal Island, which delights visitors with its beautiful coral gardens and its abundance of fish. Besides shrimps, anemones and a myriad of fish, there are often various rays, turtles and even reef sharks at the dive sites. Bandar Al Khairan’s variety of dive sites is impressive – from steep walls to gently sloping coral gardens, there’s something for everyone here. Another highlight is the 3,000-tonne, 84-metre-long Al Munassir wreck, sunk in 2003 by the Royal Navy of Oman in Bandar Al Khairan. This marvellous wreck, overgrown with soft coral, lies at a depth of 30m and is home to a large variety of fish species. The dive sites of Bandar Al Khairan and Fahal Island can be reached in 15 to 30 minutes by speedboat.
Altogether there are about 20 different dive sites, with visibility ranging from 5 to 20 metres. Diving is exclusively by boat and in small groups with a maximum of 4-5 divers per guide (depending on experience and level of training). In the mornings there’s usually a two-tank dive, consisting of two dives, and in the afternoons there’s a trip with one dive. Night dives are available on request. The use of a dive computer is compulsory (computer hire available). Dive training is offered in various languages (booking courses in advance is recommended).
A special experience for the whole family – including non-divers – is the daily dolphin watching tours, with a very high probability of encountering the playful marine mammals. As well as dolphin watching, there are snorkelling tours to Turtle Bay, sunset cruises and private boat trips.
