MY Oman Explorer

Extending out from the Arabian Sea into the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, Oman offers liveaboard diving away from the crowds.

Her dynamic and nutrient-rich waters play host to a high diversity of marine life, from thriving coral reefs to whale sharks and humpback whales. It is possible to dive Oman by liveaboard from both her north and south coastlines, with liveaboard itineraries switching during the year to offer the best diving in each region.

Northern itineraries visit sites such as the Daymaniyat Islands with flourishing coral reefs, while southern itineraries offer more adventurous diving for those with some liveaboard experience.

Where's the best liveaboard diving in Oman?

Southern Oman

Discover the extensive reefs of southern Oman and the Hallaniyat Islands! Departing from Mirbat's small harbour, the itinerary will be exploratory in nature, for divers comfortable in a relatively remote location.

Diving from Salalah & Mirbat

Discover the extensive reefs of southern Oman and the Hallaniyat Islands! Departing from Mirbat’s small harbour, the itinerary will be exploratory in nature, for divers comfortable in a relatively remote location.

Situated in the southern area of Oman's Dhofar region, this unspoilt coastline, stretching as far as the eye can see, offering sheltered bays to explore in an area steeped in history and heritage. Set against the stunning backdrop of deserted beaches, with the Jebel Al Qara rising steeply out of the Dhofar mountain chain, this area offers a level of excitement and adventure hard to find in other destinations so close to home.

The Hallaniyat Islands

Sitting in the waters straddling the north Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, the Hallaniyat Islands comprise five islands lying in an east to west string in the south-eastern waters of Oman’s Dhofar district; Al Hasikiyah, As Sawdah, Al Hallaniyah, Shinays & Al Qibiliyah. (The islands may also be referred to as the Khuriya Muriya Islands.)

The largest island is Al Hallaniyah at 56 km², the others being relatively small, but this remote string of islands offers a wealth of dive sites to be discovered. The geography is typical of the rugged desert like peaks typical to Oman, with its highest point at approximately 465 metres.

City of Winchester wreck

Sitting upside down in 28–30 metres of water, this historic 150m long vessel holds the spurious title of the first British ship to be sunk in an act of war by Germany in WWI.

Rumours also abound of other wrecks from the famous fleets of Vasco da Gama. Are you ready to make your first discovery?

Northern Oman

The Daymaniyat Islands

The Daymaniyat Islands helped place Oman on the world dive map and is a wonderful dive safari for those looking to avoid the crowds. This string of offshore islands north of Muscat has been placed under the protection of UNESCO and provides divers with pristine soft coral gardens, walls and overhangs, leopard sharks and abundant fish life. Dive sites such as The Aquarium are aptly named with an incredible abundance of marine life, huge shoals of fusiliers streaming across the reef with honeycomb moray eels poking out of holes. Sira Island offers three dive sites in one, starting with a sloping wall and sandy bottom, ideal for spotting feather rays and marble rays, turn the corner for a carpet of leather and broccoli soft corals, finishing off shallower with colourful hard corals and pulsing anthias. The dive sites in their protected nature reserve show their health with large cuttlefish and vibrant nudibranch, on the islands themselves turtles have been seen nesting and are often spotted under the water. During dive safaris, the resident population of spinner dolphins are often seen during the crossing.

The best diving conditions are found in the area from April to October due to the wind direction and better clarity in the water, plus, June to September are the best months to have the chance to encounter migrating whale sharks.  Water temperature varies due to the thermoclines by drops and rises of +/- 8 centigrade, which fluctuates within the water column and often brings a change of visibility. Due to this, the relatively deep average maximum depth of the dives, and the possibility of strong currents its best suited to the more advanced divers. 

Fahal Islands

The 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 both green and hawksbill turtles.

Bandar Khairan

Bandar Khairan is an area of outstanding beauty, boasting rocky outcrops, deserted beaches and small islands such as Ras Abu Dawud that are only accessible by boat. The underwater scenery is similarly dramatic with picturesque walls and reefs festooned with healthy finger and fan corals in purples and green; all teeming with marine life. The shallow, sheltered dives of Bandar Jussa, which are great to dive in all conditions, afford lovely, simple night diving experiences. Bhandar Khairan is an area where turtles breed, and these beautiful animals can be seen on nearly every dive.

Al Munassir Wreck

In 2003 the Al Munassir, a 3,000 tonne vessel, was sunk at Bandar Khairan and has developed into a beautiful artificial reef dive. Although relatively new, this wreck is already smothered in corals and home to plenty of marine life. Easily accessible, the Al Munassir lies at 26m with her top at just 8m.

Humpbacks, if you are lucky!

On southern itineraries to the Hallaniyat Islands, humpback whale are regularly sighted from the surface, along with some of their smaller cetacean friends; the dolphin. There's also a good chance of manta ray, along with large grouper and superb coral on relatively shallow reefs.

Itineraries

Oman Explorer Sample Itineraries

The Oman Explorer operates seasonal itineraries to the best dive sites in Oman, offering diving experiences away from the crowds and plenty of underwater highlights.

Flight Information

Into Muscat

Flights are offered with Oman Air direct into Muscat from London Heathrow, with BA also serving this route. The duration of direct flights is around 8 hours. Indirect connections are also available with Emirates and others.

Into Salalah

Connecting flights to Salalah are available from Muscat. Overnights may be required dependent on the airline's schedule.

Flight Duration: Approx. 7–8.5 hours

Departure tax: N/A

Visas

Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

Passports

Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.

Vaccinations & Health Advice

Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.

We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.

For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.