The Musandam Peninsula is detached from the rest of Oman by the UAE’s east coast. This rugged exclave ofOman can be explored by boat. It earned the nickname “Norway of the Middle East” for its stunning fjords and wide biodiversity of marine species. Scuba diving is a favorite activity in this region because of its bountiful underwater life. Here are the top four reasons why you should visit Musandam.
Ride a traditional dhow boat
Cruise along Musandam on a traditional dhow boat while enjoying delicious lunch and snacks. You can sit back, relax, and marvel at the panoramic views of the fjords. Don’t be surprised if you spot dolphins frolicking in the waters and racing with your dive boat.
Camp in the glorious outdoors
With its warm climate and picturesque landscape, Musandam is a camper’s paradise. There are several camping areas at Acacia Forest, Bassa Beach, and Khor Najd. Enjoy a nice day picnic by the sea with family or friends. How about a romantic sunset picnic with your special someone? You can even pitch a tent and spend the night under the stars.
Appreciate stunning geography.
Where else in the world can you see majestic pink-toned cliffs dropping vertically into the sea but in Musandam? Divers can explore towering cliffs that extend vertically into the depths. When you descend beneath the waves, you’ll discover extensive coral gardens and walls that are great for drift diving.
Dive and encounter amazing marine creatures
The rich waters of the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman surrounding Musandam are home to a wide variety of marine creatures. The deep drop-offs and upwelling of nutrient-rich water attract big and small creatures from cleaner wrasse to mighty whale sharks. There are more than 900 species of fish that thrive in these rich waters including triggerfish, parrot fish, lionfish, baitfish, angelfish, and more. Pelagics also roam these waters that range between 12 and 20 meters such as marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, big trevally, and kingfish.
If you’re lucky, you might spot the strange-looking ocean sunfish (also known as mola mola). You might also come across moray eels, honeycomb rays, and eagle rays. Playful green turtles love gliding through these warm waters. Keep an eye out for macro marine residents such as colorful nudibranchs and other small creatures like lobster, crayfish, and cleaner shrimps. The marine life in Musandam continues to thrive because of large marine parks and strict fishing conditions.
Book a Musandam Diving Trip
Want to spend the day diving in Musandam? Get in touch with our dive center to know more about our scuba diving Oman packages. Some of the dive sites we visit in Oman include Lima Rock, Raj Sukan, Ras Sanot, and Octopus Rock. Dive locations may depend on the diver’s level of certification. Open Water divers can enjoy an average of three dives.
Our dive trip includes three or more guided dives, snacks, lunch, and drinks. Give us a call to know the requirements for residents and travelers. Overall, Musandam is a great destination for adventure lovers because it features great wilderness, incredible dive sites, and amazing wildlife encounters.