Musandam Scuba Diving, Dubai


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The Musandam is very isolated and sparsely populated - and the diving here is brilliant! Most of the dive sites in the Musandam are sloping sides descending from the Hajar Mountain fjords. Coral reef is abundant in this remote area, reef fish, rays, dolphins, sea turtles and whale sharks are frequently sighted. The sloping sides at most dive sites make the sites suitable for all level of diver, as you can choose your depth.

We classify the Musandam area into Zone 1 (which refers to dive sites between the Dibba Port and Leema Rock); and Zone 2 (which refers to the further dive sites from Leema Rock up to Khor Hablane). Currents in the area, make it advisable for Zone 1 divers to have the Open Water certification with 20 logged dives, and Zone 2 divers to be at least PADI Advanced Open Water certification holders. Musandam trips by speedboat run daily. From Sunday to Thursday, the speedboat will visit Zone 1 or Zone 2, depending on demand. On Fridays and Saturdays, the speedboat will visit Zone 2 dive sites. On Fridays and holidays, we offer a leisurely dhow trip to Zone 1. On most holidays, when the weather is good, we run an overnight dhow trip in Zone 1. The speedboat departs from the Golden Tulip Dibba at 8:30am, returning by 3pm. Al Boom Divers have complimentary use of the beach and pool facilities, as well as 25% discount on the food and beverage. A full dive centre is currently under construction.

Details

Price Includes

(SD-25677-P)

1 night accommodation on a twin sharing basis at Golden Tulip, Dibba

Breakfast at the hotel

Two dives with all permits and full kit in the Musandam (guided dives), gourmet sub sandwich

Return Transfers: Dubai / Musandam / Dubai (2 hr drive)

Price Excludes

Medical/Travel Insurance, Any visa fees.

Suitability / Level

All Levels

Itinerary & Highlights

Looking for new dive sites?
Al Boom Diving is now offering daily dives in the Musandam by speedboat. We still run the Friday dhow trip as well.

Dive Sites in the Musandam

Most of the dive sites in the Musandam are sloping sides descending from the Hajar Mountain fjords. Coral reef is abundant in this remote area, reef fish, rays, dolphins, sea turtles and whale sharks are frequently sighted. The sloping sides at most dive sites make the sites suitable for all level of diver, as you can choose your depth. Currents in the area, make it advisable for Zone 1 divers to have the Open Water certification with 20 logged dives, and Zone 2 divers to be at least PADI Advanced Open Water certification holders.

Ras Haffa:-
A classic Musandam dive site, with sloping sides and as yet un-spoilt; Ras Haffa is close to the Musandam fishing village of Haffa. Ideal as a second, shallower dive of the day, this site has colorful corals and reef fish. Look out for sea turtles, black tip reef sharks and all of the characters from Finding Nemo!

Depth: 5 – 15m

The Caves:-
A Musandam favorite, this dive site has it all: coral reef; reef fish; and a selection of swim-throughs. A rock overhang, gives the site its name. Popular as a shallow, second dive of the day, this dive site is great for all level of divers. Look out for the entrances to the swim throughs and watch your buoyancy as you proceed through them!

Avg depth: 5 – 12 m

Ras Alfie:-
We don’t know the real name for this site, but that’s the adventure of the Musandam – if you find a new dive site, you can name it! Found by our instructor, Alfie, this previously unknown dive site is in pristine condition. The sloping sides that are so barren above the water descend to a rich reef that is home to hard and soft corals, angelfish, jacks, Moorish idols (or Al Boom Fish) and cuttle fish.

Avg depth: 5 – 22m

Ras Samut:-
Also known as ‘Wonder Wall’, Ras Samut is situated close to Leema Rock. Ideal as a first dive of the day in Zone 1, the sloping sides of this dive site are home to everything from big batfish and spotted eagle rays, to Arabian angelfish and colourful clown fish. There can be strong currents at the top point of the site, so it is best to dive towards the point and surface in the shallows around the corner in the sheltered bay. Don’t forget your fish ID cards to identify all that you see on this dive!

Depth: 5 – 25m

Leema Rock:-
Another Musandam must see, Leema Rock is situated close to the Musandam village of Leema. The barren rock juts out from the ocean, but underwater it is home to a variety of marine life! All sides of Leema Rock make for great diving, but the seaward side of the rock is prone to strong currents and is best avoided. In the summer months, juvenile whale sharks are often spotted in the area. Sea turtles, jacks and reef fish are abundant. The sloping sides of the island mean that it is possible to do two dives on Leema Rock, the south side at depth and the north side at a shallower level.

Avg depth: 3 – 27m

Pearl Island:-
Just past Leema Rock is Pearl Island. One of the easier dive sites of Zone 2, Pearl Island offers great reef diving, and is ideal as a second dive of the day. Average depth is 10m around the island, descending to 20m further from the rock. Daisy and teddy bear corals in oranges, red and pink cover the reef. Parrot fish, clown fish and a variety of reef fish can be seen on this busy reef.

Depth: 5 – 12m

Ras Marovi:-
Interesting rock formations on the surface descend to produce a varied underwater landscape at Ras Marovi. Just north of Pearl Island, Ras Marovi is made up of four islands, with the best diving in the channels between the islands. Current can be strong running along the channels making for good drift dives. Ras Marovi is home to a variety of sharks such as white tips, grey reef and leopard sharks. It is not unheard of to see manta rays on occasion.

Depth: 6 – 30m

Octopus Rock:-
One of the northern most dive sites of Zone 2 is Octopus Rock. Named because of the rocks resemblance to an octopus, the circular island on the surface stretches out in ‘tentacle’ shapes underwater. Most divers start the dive at the tentacle edges where it is deepest and end the dive close to the island. Here you will see big fish – grouper, batfish and sunfish. Shoals of jacks and barracuda can be seen as well as a nurse shark or two if you are lucky! This is a great dive for advanced divers.

Depth: 5 – 20m

Khor Hablane:-
One of the most northern dive sites of Zone 2, this dive site is well worth the longer boat ride. Khor Hablane refers to an area north of Octopus Rock where sloping sides and small bays before Zone 3. Pebble beaches are common in the area, and a variety of dives await your exploration.

Depth: 3 – 30m

Accommodation & Centre Details

Golden Tulip Resort Dibba

Welcome home to Golden Tulip Resort Dibba. Welcome to your leading four-star family resort destination, offering a full range of leisure and business hotel facilities delighting the senses of every guest.

Golden Tulip Dibba invites you to 'disconnect' in pristine natural surroundings of unspoiled coastal and mountainous landscapes. With 54 well appointed charming rooms and suites, each with their very own private terrace or balcony offering breathtaking panoramic views on the Gulf of Oman. Your ideal destination for the one's romantic getaway, family vacation, relaxation escape or company retreat.

Al Boom Divers receive preferential hotel rates (not available on public holidays):
500 Dhs per room, bed and breakfast
700 Dhs per room, dinner, bed and breakfast

Terms & Conditions

Offer valid till April 30, 2010
All rates are subject to availability on promotional rate.