Muscat Scuba Diving Holidays


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Just 7 hours away from the UK, Oman is situated on the south-eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula and was until recently something of an enigma, closed off to the outside world. Over the past few years the country has opened its borders to travellers and is rapidly gaining a reputation for the quality and variety of its diving.

Oman enjoys great natural assets. Breathtaking mountains plunge directly into the Arabian Sea along large sections of the countries 1700 km of coastline. Once inland, the mountains give way to extensive sand dune fields, desert and forts. The country has a rich history, much of which is visible to visitors.

The resort:-
Divers of all experience levels can enjoy the dive sites accessible from Muscat, the capital of Oman. The diving here is well established, with over forty recognised sites. There are few currents and dives range in depth from ten to thirty metres, along coral flanked stony walls. Plankton rich waters attract a large amount of marine life, which includes many pelagic species

Dive boats occasionally encounter both Pilot whales and Whale sharks. Five species of turtle are found in Omani waters, including the elusive Hawksbill. In addition to turtles, divers often see both Devil and Eagle rays. Ultimately though, the sheer amount of life and quality of different corals found on the reefs of Oman leaves the most lasting impressions on the memories of most divers

Details

Price Includes

(SD-25460-P)

Accommodation

Flights

Transfers

Price Excludes

Diving courses and daily diving trips which can be pre-booked or arranged locally

Suitability / Level

Basic Open Water

Itinerary & Highlights

Just a few minutes away from the jetty there are 5 excellent dive sites at Bandar Jussa. They are shallow, sheltered dives, which are superb in all conditions and afford a great night diving experience. Fifteen minutes away from the centre, Bandar Khairan is an area of outstanding beauty, boasting rocky outcrops, deserted beaches and small islands accessible only by boat. The underwater scenery is similarly dramatic with picturesque walls and reefs festooned with healthy finger and fan corals in purples and green, teeming with marine life. In 2003 the Al Munnassir, a 3000 tonne vessel, was sunk at Bandar Khairan and is beginning to develop in to a beautiful dive.

Thirty minutes away from the centre, Fahal Island boasts an incredible variety of coral species. There are two small wrecks, which draw a large amount of marine life, including the occasional black tip reef shark, various rays and turtles. The Daymaniyat Islands helped place Oman on the world dive map. This string of offshore islands North of Muscat has been placed under the protection of UNESCO and provides divers with pristine coral gardens, walls and abundant fish life. Various shark species are encountered here, including the occasional leopard sharks. The Daymaniyat Islands may be organised on request locally, according to conditions, minimum divers and available boats.

Accommodation & Centre Details

Nabucco Extra Divers Resort:

Situated in its own bay, Extra Divers' Nabucco Resort offers good quality, simple and character accommodation on site at the dive centre. The well managed resort benefits from a quiet position outside of Muscat, about 15 minutes drive away from the old port and souk area.

Al Waha Shangri La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa:

Nestled alongside the sparkling bay of Al Jissah, this luxurious resort is home to three hotels, a notable spa and a range of leisure facilities. With the dive centre on site the Shangri-La provides an indulgent base from which to enjoy the range of dive sites on offer.

The Chedi:

The Chedi is a beautiful hotel, which in just a few years has become recognised as one of the world's leading resorts. The clean contemporary design of the Chedi, alongside the impeccable service and fine cuisine, has created an atmosphere of perfect calm.