WINTER SALE: Save up to $862 on our trips! Book now and secure your adventure!

How to Experience Oman's Exotic Marine Life

Oman Seashore © Gchampeau
Oman Seashore © Gchampeau | Flickr

Oman is surrounded by the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and Oman Sea from three directions; north, east and south, giving it a coastline that is 3,165 km (1,967 miles) long. With its extensive beaches, and crystal waters, Oman has a wealth of underwater treasures to be discovered. Here is our guide to help you enjoy the amazing marine life of Oman.

Dhow cruises

What better way to explore Omani seas than experience the sailing life of Omanis from the past? Head out on a dhow trip and explore the crystal waters and the rich marine life. Dhow cruising is one of the best ways to explore Oman’s marine life, as you go on a trip for an hour or more with a knowledgable Omani guide. These cruises can be taken from the shores of Musandam region by the Khasab Beach, by the shores of Muscat and the old city of Muscat, by the Dhofar region beaches and the shores of Al Wusta Region.

Dhow in Sur, Oman © Arian Zwegers

Dolphin watching

Dolphins are one of the amazing creatures that visit the Omani shores frequently, especially the charming shores of Muscat and Musandam. Among the dolphins that can be spotted swimming in Omani waters are the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins, the Risso’s Dolphins, Common Bottlenose Dolphins, the Spinner Dolphins and the Indian Ocean Dolphins. Several tours organize boat trips and cruises to go dolphin watching which include: Dolphin Khasab Tours, Coral Ocean Tours, and Az’ Zaha Tours.

Dolphins in Musandam © Robert Haandrikman

Kayaking

Want to go for an adventure exploring Oman’s splendid seas? Then, kayaking is the right activity for you. Through kayaking, you can scout about Oman’s coastline, enjoy its crystal waters and watch its amazing creatures like dolphins, fish and coral reefs. Some of the best companies that organize kayaking trips and rent equipment are Sea Oman and Husaak.
Kayaking, Ras Al Hamra, Muscat, Oman @wave_summit #kayaking #kayakingoman #rasalhamra #rasalhamrabeach #rasalhamraoman
A post shared by Hilal Al Jabri (@hilal_aljabri6) on Nov 26, 2016 at 7:43am PST

Scuba diving

Scuba diving is probably the best way to experience Oman’s marine life as you get as close as possible to its hidden treasures. The coral reefs in Omani waters, for example, are among the most beautiful in the whole world. Divers can also enjoy watching some amazing sea creatures like turtles, honeycomb morays, tuna, lion fish, trigger fish, and parrot fish. The best places to dive are in Musandam Governorate in northern Oman, and in Muscat. Many diving tours and adventures are organized by Blu Zone Watersports, Al Jazeera Diving and Swimming Center, and others.
Cuttlefish spotted and photographed off the coast of Muscat, Oman. Followed it for a few minutes in case I could witness a hunt, but, you know what they saying about filming wildlife… #throwback #snorkelling #blueplanet #Oman2017
A post shared by Roaring Blue (@priteshraichura) on Nov 19, 2017 at 10:18am PST

Glass-bottom boat cruise

Take a special cruise in a glass-bottom boat to discover the hidden wonders and amazing creatures of Oman’s marine life. It is a window to all the secrets of the sea, and the mind-blowing beauty of Omani waters. Gulf Leisure and Az’ Zaha Tours organize day and night trips in glass-bottom boats to enjoy this unique experience.
There is a huge diversity of marine life and stunning corals in Omani waters – see for yourself in the Oman Reef section of the #OmanAquarium #MallofMuscat #OmanReef #ExploreOman تمتاز المياه العمانية بتنوع كبير في الحياة البحرية والشعاب المرجانية المذهلة. اختبر ذلك بنفسك في قسم الشعاب المرجانية في #أكواريوم_عُمان #مسقط_مول #الشعاب_المرجانية #اكتشف_عُمان
A post shared by Al Jarwani Group (@aljarwani.group) on Dec 13, 2017 at 10:37pm PST

If you click on a link in this story, we may earn affiliate revenue. All recommendations have been independently sourced by Culture Trip.
close-ad