Untouched Dive Spot in the Arabian Sea

Oman is a relatively uncrowded dive destination with vibrant macro life, colorful corals, warm waters and a special highlight – whales! Oman’s whales are known as the only whale species in the world, that don´t migrate. So don´t miss them on your liveaboard trip.

Oman is a country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia and the oldest independent state in the Arab world. The coast is formed by the Arabian Sea on the southeast and the Gulf of Oman on the northeast. Oman only opened for tourists in 1970. Since then scuba diving became more and more popular here. Rightly so! Oman has an untouched coastline and rich waters that attract a lot of diverse marine life.

Diving is possible around the capital Muscat, in the northern part of Musandam, or in the southern region around Salalah, where kelp forests appear during the summer. This makes Oman a unique spot to dive in kelp forests and coral reefs at the same time. The marine life of Oman’s underwater world is very diverse and rich. The country has progressive green policies that help marine life to grow and become more healthy. You can expect to see reef sharks, hawksbill and green sea turtles, dolphins and as a special highlight: whales. 

The whales of Oman are one special type because they are the only species in the world that don´t migrate to other waters. The best spot to see the whales is around Hallanyiat Islands. There are only around 11 operators, that offer whale watching tours with high restrictions to protect the animals.

BEST TIME TO VISIT OMAN

October to February is the best time to visit Oman. The water temperature is around 28°C and the visibility is the clearest of the year (average 15 meters). Also, the marine life is more varied.

BEST DIVE SPOTS IN OMAN

In the north of Muscat, the Daymaniyat Islands are located. This chain of rocky islands are surrounded by coral reefs and are a nesting location for turtles. Also reef sharks and rays are common visitors in this area.

In the Hallanyiat Islands, you can explore wrecks and coral reefs but also encounter the grateful resident population of humpback whales. This small archipelago off the southeastern coast of Oman is only visited by liveaboards. Apart from the whales, you can see manta rays, dolphins and other whales.

The caves in Musandam is a dive site for lovers of underwater landscapes. This limestone system of chambers and tunnels is home to spiny lobster, cleaner shrimp and turtles. In the sandy area you can encounter sharks and rays.

LIVEABOARDS IN OMAN

Not many liveaboard operators have Oman on their list of destinations. That means you will be the only ship in many dive spots, which gives you the real explorer feeling. Depending on the time of the year the liveaboards operating in different areas. Between November and April, the boats visit the Hallanyiat Islands and between May and October the Daymaniyat Islands. Now, you just have to decide about the route.