The Sultanate of Oman has a magnificent coastline and waters teeming with rich marine life that attract water sports enthusiasts from different parts of the globe. Diving is a popular activity in Oman because of the amazing Omani dive sites such as Daymaniyat Island, Al Munassir Wreck, and Al Fahl Island. For the best scuba diving Oman experience, get in touch with Nemo Diving Center to join our Muscat, Oman dive trips.
Daymaniyat Island
Daymaniyat Island is a 30 to 40-minute boat ride from Muscat which offers great snorkeling and diving experiences. The turquoise waters are home to a plethora of fish species, turtles, rays, Moray eels, and leopard sharks. The dive site has a visibility of 15-30 meters and an average depth of 25 meters.
Daymaniyat Island has been a protected Nature Reserve since 1996 to promote the conservation of corals, turtles, and different species of fish in the area. From May until the end of October, no visitors are allowed to enter the island to protect the nesting sites of turtles and nesting grounds of indigenous and migratory birds.
Al Munassir Wreck
Al Munassir was a warfare vessel commissioned in 1979. It was used by the Royal Navy of Oman to transport cargo, tanks, other equipment, and troops. The vessel was purposely sunk on April 21, 2003, to serve as an artificial reef for marine life. This popular diving site lies off the coast of Muscat (Bandar Al Khayran Reserve) at a depth of 10-30 meters.
The 3,000-ton wreck is noted for its amazing density of fish, such as angelfish, lionfish, triggerfish, parrotfish, snappers, sergeant fish, and schools of batfish. You can also come across turtles, rays, and eels. Al Munassir Wreck has multiple levels which include the gun platform and the helicopter. From the stern, you can follow the trail of the anchor chain which descends into the sand. You are likely to spot seahorses clinging to the chain. The wreck has average visibility.
Al Fahl Island
Al Fahal Island is located 2.5 miles off Al Qurum Beach in Muscat. It is ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and deep sea diving. Al Fahal Island is also called Shark Island because of the numerous black-tip reef sharks that may be found in the shallow sandbank. This unique island is well-known for its fossilized limestone formation with three jutting pinnacles seen above sea level. The Eocene limestones are 55 to 35 million years old and were originally part of the sea floor.
This dive site has a visibility of 10-30 meters. It attracts enthusiastic divers because of its wide variety of fish and soft and hard coral gardens. You may also encounter black tip reef sharks, barracuda, Moray eels, boxfish, scorpionfish, clownfish, Mobula rays, and giant eagle rays. There’s also a chance to spot whale sharks if your timing is right.
At the southern end of Fahl Island, there are shallow Reef Balls that serve as artificial reefs for marine life. These sustainable aquatic habitats provide sanctuaries for marine creatures including different fish species and eels. For experienced divers, Al Fahal Island features a cave swim-through and wrecks worth exploring.
Join us in exploring the beautiful diving sites in Muscat
Come and explore the wonders of scuba diving Oman with us. Sign up on our next trip to Muscat, Oman and we’ll take you to the best dive sites such as Daymaniyat Island, Manaseer Shipwreck, Fahl Island, and more.