Musandam Liveaboards
Oman Liveaboards from Al Dibba
Diving in the area of Musandam is available year round, but the preferred months tend to be mid-September through to May to avoid the higher weeks of heat and humidity.
Set in the stunning backdrop of the northern Hajjar mountains, modern constructed vessels built in the traditional dhow style cruise the waters of the eastern Musandam peninsula. The deep drops offs and cool water upwellings provide the ideal conditions for large plankton blooms, in turn providing an ideal feeding ground for a wealth of marine life.
Regaldive offer Al Marsa liveaboards, accessing dive sites only available from the liveaboard and few other divers are encountered during the journey. The boats cruise past villages only accessible by sea, small coves and beaches and between dramatic fjord like peaks.
The Musandam liveaboards are supported by a small dive boat, similar to a ‘dive dhoni’, where most dives are conducted from.
Diving
Some diving in the Musandam area can be challenging due to the nature of some of the drift dives. It is recommended that divers have a minimum qualification of PADI Advanced or equivalent, with around 30 logged dives in order to make the most of the dive sites on offer. However, experienced Open Water divers are not precluded.
Diving is generally encouraged to be undertaken in self-sufficient buddy teams and small groups, and follow the guide for ease of navigation.
Non-diving friends and partners will enjoy the snorkelling opportunities, but you may be in stretches of deep water, with current at times.
Extending Your Stay
Twin-centre holidays are easily arranged. Regaldive offer flights departing every day of the week to and from Dubai on Emirates airlines. You may choose to add a few nights in Dubai for a contrast to the tranquil sites of Musandam, or stay a few nights in the Golden Tulip Al Dibba, for a few days rest and relaxation and the chance to discover a bit more by land. Individual transfers to/from Al Dibba outside of normal transfer times will incur a supplement.
Sample Itinerary
Most boat departures are Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, date dependant. The best time to arrive is a late flight into Dubai, then you transfer to Al Dibba (approx. 2 hours Dubai traffic dependant).
You board the board at 02.00 a.m. (night 1)
Day 1:
02.00 a.m - Depart Al Dibba port for Dawhat Ash Sheesah in a north easterly direction towards the peninsula.
08.00 hrs - After breakfast, commence diving. Morning at a leisurely pace.
13.00 hrs - Lunch and diving p.m.
19.00 Hrs - Evening meal. Enjoy the open skies and starlit nights.
Day 2 - 6:
As above.
Typical sites covered may be: Sheesha Bay: Red island (north & south), Ras Khadra, Ras Khaysah (inside & outside drop off), Abu Al Houl, Habaylayn Bay: Umm Al Fayyarin island, Ras Bashin, Ras Habalayn, Ras Dilla (inside & outside), Al Maktah, Lima Bay: Ras Sarkan, Sarkan Rock, Ras Morovi, Octopus Rock, Lima Rock, Ras Samut.
Day 7:
Haffa Bay - Dependant on clients flights and 'no fly' times, you may be able to dive in the morning.
10.00 - 14.00 hrs - Return to Al Dibba port and transfer back to Dubai. Ensure the flight is a late afternoon or evening departure.
You average 3 dives/day and night dives may be organised and paid for locally at a small supplement.
Itinerary is subject to local conditions, times of year and captain's decision.
Flight Information
Into Dubai: Flights with Emirates into Dubai non-stop from London Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle (conditions may apply on certain regional departures).
Flight Duration: Approx. 7 hours
Into Muscat & Salalah: Flights with Oman Air direct into Muscat from London Heathrow. Connections to Salalah from Muscat.
Flights with Emirates via Dubai from London Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle (conditions may apply on certain regional departures) - Supplement will apply.
Flight Duration: UK - Approx. 7 hours / Muscat - Salalah 1.5 hours.
Departure tax: n/a
Passports
Please always check your own entry requirements regardless of your nationality. Your passport should always have at least 6 months validity on date of return from travel.
Always check for last minute chances in entry requirements and other nationalities should check with their consular office.
Visas
Travelling into Dubai: On arrival in Dubai, UAE, British passport holders will be issued with a tourist visa free of charge.
On arrival at the Oman border British passport holders may purchase an Oman tourist visa for 6 OMR. You also pay 20 AED exit border fee.
Clients departing from Al Dibba may not need an Omani visa, however please go prepared in case of change of regulation.
Travelling into Muscat or Salalah: British passport holders may purchase an Oman tourist visa for 6 OMR.
Twin centres between Musandam, Muscat and Salalah: Route dependant if you are travelling by land, sea or air.
Vaccinations
Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic or GP. Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider. There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Oman, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio.
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