Diving in Oman
By Hasan Kamoonpuri
A diver enjoying the company of fish in Muscat area
Diving and snorkeling in Muscat area one can find extraordinary sites and undersea scenery. Diving in Muscat provides not only perfect recreation but also an absolutely stimulating experience, awakening a thirst for discovering more scenic sites in the lively environment that lies beneath the sea surface, hidden from our eyes.
Dive tourism thrives all year-round in Muscat. However, during the peak season, from September to June, Muscat usually attracts a greater number of divers and snorkelers. Most divers agree that unlike other dive centres in the Gulf, dive sites in Muscat are not crowded. They are more clean and the condition of diving equipment superior.
In fact, the variety and number of diving sites are the main attractions of the city's diving tourism. Ronald, a Dutch diver, said diving in Muscat provides adventure and enjoyment with dramatic wall drop-offs to scenic coral lined fjords, ranging in depth from six to 40 metres. Last month a sperm whale was spotted off Fahal island. You stand a good chance of seeing dolphins on the way to dive sites, but for a certainty if you take half-a-day for dolphin/whale watching.
According to Ronald and his buddy John Muscat has good sea conditions with average visibility of 12-20 metres, and its international reputation for diving is growing tremendously. It is now seen as one of the best undiscovered marine sanctuaries open to diving tourists. Under the water, said John, divers feel happy to see the corals intact and fresh in this country. John admits that his group of divers was amply rewarded when they saw turtles and big morays. Black tip reef sharks and other types can be spotted. A full range of small fish like groupers, lion fish, golden cardinals, frog fish and sea horses and many more are exciting to see.
Diving is the perfect activity for people seeking a more emotionally, physically and culturally enriching travel experience. Diving being a social sport offers you opportunities to make new friends because on the boat you meet people from all walks of life, age groups and nations. It also helps strengthen the bonds of friendship and relationship with existing friends and relatives, says Bernard.
Nothing transports you to 'another world' faster than stepping off the stern of a dive boat.
Mixed coral communities in the clear shallow waters of the Damaniyat Islands create a scenic environment.
The undersea realm of coral heads, blue holes and plunging canyon walls is better than escape. It is discovery. Unlike many other popular recreations, diving holds the potential for teaching us about the connections that sustain life on earth. Everything you see happening on a coral reef - a clownfish hiding amid the venomous tentacles of an anemone, a lionfish hovering motionless in camouflaged ambush, a parrotfish crunching corals - seems especially crafted to awaken our innate human curiosity.
Hooni Bay in Dhofar has beautiful spectacles in store for divers and snorkelers
If anything comes close to realising the ideal of 'eco-tourism', it is probably diving, as long as divers remember to use responsible techniques. Another important aspect of diving is how it changes people, something ordinary travel sometimes no longer does. Once you have come to appreciate the beauty of the underwater world, and understands its fragility, you will return home more mindful of protecting the environment. Muscat area is rich in coral but the centre of diversity is at Bandar Khayran and Fahal Islands.
Ras al Hamra is known for its unique coral community. Exposed rocky shores facing north and east is the hub of soft growth, for example at Cat Island, Fahal Island and Cemetery Bay. Other lively dive sites in Muscat area are Qantab reef, Jissah Island bumps, Jissah Island, Public Island, Jissah reef, Jissah Point, Seahorse bay, Mermaid cove, First entrance, Cockleshell bay, Cave site, Novice bay, Coral garden, Decorator bay, Plug point, Democracy bay and Paul's point.
Snapper below the surface creating a spectacular scene
The growing snorkeling and diving tourism in Oman owes its success to the richness and diversity of its luxuriant coral growth and marine creatures. Some of the loveliest diving and snorkeling sites in Oman are Bandar Jissa, Bandar Khayran, Fahal Islands, Damaniyat Island, Barr al Hikman and Masirah Islands. Tourists admit that diving and snorkeling offer strikingly closer contact with nature, and this unique opportunity to observe marine creatures and scenery beneath the sea's surface broadens the mind. Oman Dive Centre, located near Bandar Jissah in Muscat has been functioning effectively for the past 12 years. It attracts more than 3, 200 divers and snorkelers every year, according to Bernard Radvaner, Manager of ODC. Most of its clients are expatriates and locals from the UAE. Tourists from Europe are mainly English, Dutch, French and Italian. In addition to Oman Dive Centre, other diving centres in Oman are Bluezone, DivEco and Moonlight Diving.
Blue box fish: one of the most beautiful marine creatures
ODC is a modern resort, offering the services and amenities today's sophisticated diver appreciates. For many, ODC's diving site is that first experience beyond the swimming pools, lakes and sandy shores of home. It was for me, too. Moments into my first dive there, drifting effortlessly with the fish, I understood the joy of diving. Diving enchants everyone. The real national treasure of dive sites in Muscat is their spectacular reefs. Marine life has flourished here.
Hundreds of different fish species of varying colours, sizes and designs inhabit the reefs in Muscat. Groupers, eels, lobsters and blue box fish are abundant.Jissah reef and Jissah Point in Muscat area are frequently visited by dive boats. With mild currents and an average depth of 6-10 metres, this is a good area for novices. Marine life is abundant and it's one of the best sites to spot the splendid blue box fish and other wonderful species. Corals and sponges decorate the gently sloping reef and divers regularly sight groupers and barracuda. Of the 25,000 different species of fish in the world, a considerable number of them are found in Oman.
Marine environment in Oman enjoys special status due to the country's strategic location with its coasts extending to more than 1,700 km facing three seas, the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean.
Some 15 species of Whales and Dolphins have been found worldwide. Of these, 13 have been sighted in Omani waters. Similarly, of the 125 different species of butterfishes, 13 have been spotted in the waters of Oman. Marine environment in Oman enjoys special status due to the country's strategic location with its coasts extending to more than 1,700 km facing three seas, Marine environment in Oman enjoys special status due to the country's strategic location with its coasts extending to more than 1,700 km facing three seas, the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. Some 15 species of Whales and Dolphins have been found worldwide. Of these, 13 have been sighted in Omani waters. Similarly, of the 125 different species of butterfishes, 13 have been spotted in the waters of Oman.
A reef from corals growing on a framework formed by the remains of past colonies.
One of the most beautiful fishes in Omani waters is the Arabian butterfish. Anyone who has had the occasion to snorkel in Muscat area must have seen this stunningly beautiful orange and black fish. The oval-shaped body is bright orange and edged in black. This fish also has black eye stripe, which conceals the eye to confuse predators. Found only in the Arabian Gulf and Southern Arabia, this magnificent fish is highly regarded internationally for its beauty and playful behaviour.
Of all the special environments at Omani coastline such as mangroves, lagoons, wadis (dry river valleys), flood-plains, rocky coastal views, beaches, dunes, islands, seagrassbeds, inlets, bays and coves to mention only a few, it is the coral reefs that stand out as unique artefacts of nature. Snorkelling and diving are popular activities on reefs in Muscat, says Steffi, a diving instructor at ODC, adding that divers most frequently visit the Daymaniyat Islands, Bandar Jissah, Bandar Khayran, and particularly Fahal Island reefs.
The coral reefs along with lovable marine animals and plants such as sponges, anemone fish, fan worm, crabs, starfish, snails, sea urchins, seaslugs, turtles and dolphins provide wonderful opportunities for recreation and leisure activities such as diving, snorkeling, camping, picnicking, sunbathing, swimming, windsurfing, water-skiing and boating.
Oman Observer, 5th November 2001
