Muscat

Diving out of Oman's capital, Muscat, is well established and there are over 40 dive sites accessible from the dive centres based at Nabucco Extra Divers resort (south Muscat), and Al Sawadi Beach Resort (north Muscat), where the dive operation is also run by Extra Divers.

Dive Sites

Just a few minutes away from the Nabucco Extra Divers' resort jetty there are 5 excellent dive sites at Bandar Jussa. They are shallow, sheltered dives, which are great to dive in all conditions and afford a lovely, simple 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 into a beautiful artificial reef dive.

Fahal Islands towards the north 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 is organised as a once weekly dive trip from the Nabucco Extra Divers resort; more frequently if diver numbers allow. Trips from Al Sawadi Beach resort in north Muscat are more frequent.

Both these resorts work as fantastic twin centres to Mirbat and Salalah in the south of Oman.

To see a little more of this fascinating country, why not combine diving with our Mountain Desert Sea tour?
Mountain Desert Sea PDF >

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Clients booked in the Nabucco Extra Divers resort dive with the Extra Divers Oman Dive Centre.

Clients booked in the Shangri-La Barr al Jissah resort dive with Euro Divers.

Clients booked in the Al Sawadi Beach resort dive with the Extra Divers Al Sawadi Dive Centre.

The dive centres are located a short transfer from each other, so if you have a strong preference for one or the other this can be organised. Ensure you state this at time of booking. It is more convenient for you to take the dive centre at your accommodation.

OMAN DIVE CENTRE

Extras Divers manage both the dive centre and the resort at Nabucco Extra Divers resort,  an SSI training facility. They have an onsite pool for training and floating jetty, where their 3 boats depart accessing the numerous sites within 15 - 60 minutes.

As well as their 2 fast 'wet' boats, the day boat 'Sting Ray' gives the ability to do further ranging trips and coming soon a new mid-size catamaran with toilet for more day long dive trips. All boats offer some protection from the elements.

A nitrox membrane system provides mixed gas fills and a wide range of equipment is available to hire locally.

Stable diving conditions and excellent staff makes Muscat a great place to learn to dive, take further courses and increase your dive experience or practise your photography in less challenging dive conditions.

Dive Packs

The centre operates a two tank dive every morning and a third dive most afternoons. Night diving is available on request with 3 generally scheduled each week.

Dive Pack Prices

Incl. 2 unguided morning boat dives per day, air tanks & weights. Divers with less than 25 logged dives in their log books require a guide, or those requesting a guide, pay the supplement locally (2 0MR / USD 6 per person per dive). All dive pack prices are valid for new bookings from 17th August 2009.

Dive Courses

* Incl. equipment, log book, boat dives and dive permit.  ** Incl. boats dives, air tanks & weights.  Prices valid for new bookings from 17th August 2009.

PADI courses also available - supplement applies for course materials.

Additional Costs:
SSI Open Water manual: $52
Certification fee paid locally:  OMR 22 / $60

Extras in Resort

• Local marine tax:  OMR 3 / USD 6 per person per day.
• Daymaniyat Islands:  On request - OMR 12 supplement
• Snorkel excursions morning:  OMR 16 (Includes fins, mask & snorkel)
• Snorkel excursions afternoon:  OMR 12 (Includes fins, mask & snorkel)

Equipment rental per day:

• Full kit incl. computer:  €28
• Regulator:  €7
• BCD:  €7
• Wetsuit:  €7
• Mask, snorkel & fins:  €7
• Dive torch:  €7
• Computer:  €7
• Nitrox fills (12l):  OMR 2.5 or OMR 20 for 10 tanks

(£1 = 0.65 OMR approx.)

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EURO DIVERS

Euro Divers run this new centre at the plush hotel complex and has a highly professional PADI set up; boats leave a step away from the dive centre.

A refresher dive is included free of charge for clients pre-booking their diving with Regaldive and repeat Euro Divers clients receive additional dives in resort on presentation of their logbooks.

Their fast boats are reasonably spacious with side seating and part cover from the elements, with space to store your equipment. Nitrox fills (32%) are provided free of charge for those qualified.

Muscat a great place to learn to dive, take further courses and increase your dive experience.

Dive Packs

Accessing the numerous sites within 10 - 60 minutes and the dive centre generally runs 2 dives in the morning and a single dive in the afternoon.

Dive Pack Prices

Incl. 2 boat dives per day, air or nitrox (32%) tanks, weights & guide.  All dive pack prices are valid for new bookings from 17th August 2009.

Dive Courses

Includes: Eqpt &  certification fee. Prices valid for new bookings from 17th August 2009.

Other courses available in resort.

Extras in Resort

• Local marine tax:  OMR 3 / USD 6 per person per day.
• Govt. tax: €5
• Night dives & Daymaniyat Islands:  On request, supplement applies
• Snorkel excursions: OMR 12 (includes fins, mask & snorkel)

Equipment rental per day:

• Full kit incl. computer:  OMR 14
• Regulator:  OMR 3.50
• BCD: OMR 3.50
• Wetsuit:  OMR 3.50
• Mask, snorkel:  OMR 2
• Fins:  OMR 2
• Dive torch:  OMR 5.50
• Computer:  OMR 3.50

(£1 = 0.65 OMR approx.)

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EXTRA DIVERS AL SAWADI

Extra Divers have a growing reputation in Oman, and now add its dive centre in Al Sawadi to its more long-standing dive bases in south Muscat (Nabucco Extra Divers Resort ODC), Musandam, Salalah and Mirbat.

SSI accredited, the centre offers recreational diving by boat and courses for beginners and improvers.  The centre offers diving from 3 fast, rigid hulled ‘wet’ boats with some sun cover, plus a day boat suitable for longer trips will soon be available.

Diving is offered as 2 morning dives, with snacks and water in between, returning lunchtime or early afternoon depending on the location of the site.  Longer day trips and third dives may be offered locally if diver numbers allow on the day.

Dive Packs

Incl. 2 unguided boat dives per day, air tanks & weights. Divers with less than 25 logged dives in their log books require a guide, or those requesting a guide, pay the supplement locally (2 0MR / USD 6 per person per dive). All dive pack prices are valid for new bookings from December 2009.

Dive Courses

* Incl. equipment, log book and dive permit.  ** Incl. air tanks & weights.  Prices valid for new bookings from December 2009.

Additional costs, paid locally:

• SSI course manual: From OMR 15
• Certification fee:  OMR 25

Extras in Resort

• Local marine tax:  OMR 3/day
• Snorkel excursions:  OMR 20

Equipment rental per day:

• Full kit incl. computer:  OMR 15
• Regulator:  OMR 3
• BCD:  OMR 3

Local payment:  Euros, Omani Riyal. Credit cards accepted, local bank charges apply

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The Sultanate of Oman is the gateway to the Arabian Gulf and was for thousands of years the focus of the frankincense trade route.  An ancient nation of maritime traders Oman’s empire at one point extended down the East African mainland as far as Zanzibar.  Strategically situated between India and Europe, the influence of Oman’s historical trading partners has left its mark on the population, which is both tolerant and cosmopolitan. Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken in some areas.

Muscat features a historical waterfront and small but interesting souk area, located near the Royal Palace. Other activities include desert safaris, exotic bird watching and rock climbing which may be arranged locally.  For a more modern look at Omani way of life, visit one of the larger shopping malls the Middle East is well known for, on the outskirts of northern Muscat where the locals hang out over strong cups of coffee.

Getting Around

Local taxis can easily be arranged from any of the resorts by your hotel reception to any of the main areas in Muscat.

Climate

Temperatures remain high throughout the year.  The coastal areas have a hot and humid season from May to September (average 32-40 degrees C). The humidity during the hottest months can affect air visibility. From October to April air temperatures are pleasant during the day and cool at night.

The annual rainfall in most parts of Oman rarely exceeds 125mm and generally the weather is good.

Water Temperature 

From November to April average water temperatures vary between 22 degrees centigrade and 26 degrees centigrade, with some thermoclines. Over the summer month’s temperatures can rise above 30 degrees C.

In the summer months, Regaldive recommend divers use a 3mm full wetsuit and a 5mm full wetsuit in the winter months. The full suit is recommended due to the small stinging hydroids prevalent in the Indian and Arabian ocean. Although unlikely to cause any damage, it makes the dives more comfortable should there be anything in the water.

A unique feature of Oman’s diving are the number of endemic corals that have learnt to survive in temperatures above their normal temperature range.

Currents and Visibility

Muscat and Mirbat/Salalah offer something for every level of diver and both are excellent options as places to learn to dive.

Muscat: Visibility is in a range between 10 to 25 metres. Reduced visibility in Muscat is caused by plankton blooms, which attract greater numbers of fish and marine mammals. Sightings of Mantas and other pelagic plankton feeders more frequent than the Red Sea because of this.

Mirbat/Salalah: Water in Salalah is typically more blue and slightly clearer, having more in common with its neighbours further south than the Arabian Sea. Average visibility 15 - 35 meters.

Passports

Travelling into Muscat or Salalah airport British passport holders may purchase an Oman tourist visa for 6 OMR.

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.

Time

Oman is +4 hours ahead of GMT.

Currency

The Omani Rial. £1 = 0.65 Rials (approx.)
United Arab Emirates Dirhams £1 = 7 AED (approx.)

Sterling and US Dollars are also widely acepted. We recommend taking some money in cash. ATMs are available in Dubai airport and in Khasab town. Major cards are accepted at all hotels.

Travellers cheques can be cashed in Oman, but banks and exchange offices do tend to charge a high exchange rate.

Tipping

Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to travellers for personal recognition of the services offered.  If you do not have local notes in small denominations, use foreign USD notes.

Activities

Other activities include desert safaris, hiking, exotic bird watching, historical interest forn the Frankincense route and rock climbing.

If flying with Emirates, stopovers in Dubai are available either your outbound or inbound flight.

Oman Factbox

Flight Information

Into Muscat & Salalah: Flights with Oman Air direct into Muscat from London Heathrow. Connecting flights to Salalah from Muscat.

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).

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: Approx. 7  - 8.5 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 Muscat or Salalah: British passport holders may purchase an Oman tourist visa for 6 OMR.

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.

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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