Diving in Oman - Top Dive Sites, Best Time & More

With its golden dunes, massive forts, extensive beaches, and calm surroundings, the idea of diving in Oman at first glance may seem unlikely to be a great diving destination. However, Oman has an extensive 1700 km coastline with water filled with epic marine life and pristine coral reefs. There are more than 1400 species in the coastal waters of Oman, many of which are unique to this area, so it offers quite an exciting scuba diving experience. The best part is that it is not a crowded location since divers are still discovering it, and hence, don't be surprised if you have an entire site to yourselves!

Only a handful of dive centers have daily trips to scuba dive sites in Oman, most of which cluster off the shore of Muscat. The main diving sites in Oman are Daymaniyat Islands, Fahal Island, and the Al Munassir wreck and reefs of Bandar Kharyan.

Top Sites Diving In Oman

There are 6 dive sites in Oman. Out of these, 5 are Reef dives, 2 are Pinnacle dives and 2 are Sandy bottom dives.

1. Daymaniyat Island

This site is considered one of the best places for diving in Oman. It is a 90-minute boat ride from Muscat and is enlisted as a World Heritage site. The island boasts beautiful coral gardens, turtle nesting beaches, marine bird colonies, and various sharks ranging from Zebra to Whale sharks. 

Visibility: 85 feet / 26 meters
Dive Types: Reef
Best Time: The best times to spot whale sharks are September to November
Accessibility:  45-minute boat ride from Al-Mouj Marina, Muscat
Permit: Permit required to visit

2. Al Fahal Island

This island is also known as Shark Island and offers a variety of swim-throughs, caves, wrecks, soft and hard coral gardens, and best of all, sharks on the seafloor. It looks like an aquarium with all the varieties of corals that Oman has, making it very versatile and vibrant. You can see the schools of barracuda and Mobula rays swimming above you in the clear turquoise water. And how can we forget giant eagle rays? There is plenty to explore, and many divers consider it to be at the top of their diving destinations in Oman.

Visibility: 40 meters/130 feet
Dive Types: Pinnacle, Reef, Sandy bottom, Wall
Best Time: September to November
Accessibility: Located 4 km off Al Qurum beach in Muscat

3. Al Munnassir Wreck

You can find huge schools of snapper, rays, seahorses, nudibranch, soft corals and more at this gorgeous site for diving in Oman. Al Munnassir was sunk by the Royal Navy of Oman in 2003 and has since developed into a popular diving site. The ship is still in one piece and sits on the sandy bottom, with its top about 6 meters below the water's surface. It is a popular spot for night diving.

Visibility: 10 to 28 metres
Accessibility: Off the coast of Muscat
Caution: You need an advanced Open Water certification card to access this location.  

4. Bandar Khayran

Bandar Khayran is located 25 km southeast of Muscat and is accessible only by boats. This area is lined with sedimentary rocks, which are unique to this area. It predominantly contains shallow coral reefs, honeycomb moray eels, and various fishes. It has an average depth of 15 meters, so it is excellent for those looking for open-water certifications. It is also a popular spot for dolphin watching in Oman.

Visibility: 5-20 meters
Accessibility: 30 min boat ride from Muscat

5. Turtle City

The Turtle City is the best diving site for beginners and is located just adjacent to the Al Munnassir wreck. It has a sheltered cove and various species of sea turtles visit it. You can find hawksbills and green turtles, and this place is visited by 5 of the seven species of sea turtles.

Visibility: 22 feet / 7 meters
Dive Types: Reef
Permit: Permit required to visit Turtle Island

Best Time For Diving In Oman

Diving is done all year round in Oman. However, in the season of Khareef, which is between June and September, diving is not allowed down South. The best time for diving is between April and May or September and November, with ideal weather conditions and moderate temperatures.

Best Operators for Diving in Oman

1. Mola Mola Diving Centre, Muscat
Address: Al Mouj Marina, 18 November St 
Bookings: molamoladivingcenter.com

2. Extra Divers, Daymaniyat Islands
Address: Al Sawadi Beach Resort
Bookings: [email protected]

3. Oman Sail Sailing School, Daymaniyat
Website: omansail.com 

4. Omanta Scuba Diving Academy, Muscat
Address: The Boat House, Hotel Intercontinental
Bookings & Other info: [email protected]

5. Euro Divers, Muscat
Address: Marina Bandar Al Rhowda, Al Saidiyah Street
Bookings & Other info: [email protected]

6. Octopus Diving Center, Muscat
Bookings & Other info: [email protected]

7. Global Scuba
Address: Medinat Sultan Qaboos PC115
Bookings & Other info: [email protected] or visit global-scuba.com

Best Diving Liveaboards In Oman

1. Queen Of Musandam

This wooden boat is built in the traditional Arabian style. It offers incredible adventures in the waters of the gulf with action-packed gullies, drop-offs, gorgeous corals, and the most fantastic marine life. You can spot green turtles, kingfish, barracuda, eagle rays and whale sharks as a crown on the top! It offers an air-conditioned sun deck, BBQ area, and bar for you to enjoy and soak the panoramic views. It has six cabins, and rental equipment is available. 

Duration: Liveaboard cruises range from 1 to 7 days.
Price: Starting from OMR 570 (USD 2999)
Dive Spots: This diving expedition covers the Gulf of Oman, Sheesah Bay and Red Island.
Inclusion: Suit, Training and other equipment

2. Oman Aggressor

It is a large vessel with 11 cabins and a gorgeous body. You can cruise for the search of whales, large pelagics, dolphins, pristine reefs and underwater vistas. It offers a large salon, jacuzzi and free wine, juices and beer. There is a digital photo and video centre onboard for underwater photographers.

Duration: Liveaboard cruises are of 8 days and 7 nights.
Price: OMR 1150 (USD 2987)
Inclusion: Suit, Training and other equipment

3. Red Dhow

It is a small vessel but packs a punch with the best dive spots in Musandam and is suitable for divers of all levels. You can enjoy close-ups with whale sharks, green turtles, kingfish, king barracudas etc. It offers fantastic food services, flexible diving operations, and a beautiful deck to soak in the sun and look out for the most amazing views you have ever seen.

Duration: Liveaboard cruises range from 1 to 6 days.
Price: Starting from OMR 40/day (USD 103)
Inclusion: Suit, Training and other equipment

Tips For Diving In Oman

• Always ensure you know about the facilities provided on the cruise. You might have to carry stuff like towels or drinking water or even rent equipment beforehand to avoid problems during the trip.
• Contact the dive centre and ask your queries. If they do not communicate well with you, it is a good indication that it might not be the right choice.
• Carry your certifications if it are required.
• Try to book for the first dive of the day, as they tend to be the best in terms of visibility.

I hope this guide to diving in Oman helps you choose the best option for your adventure in the alluring country. Bon Voyage!