Oman Liveaboards

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.

What to see when

Oman’s diverse reefs are fed throughout the year by nutrient-rich seas. While this can bring variable visibility, it also ensures an abundance of marine species on every dive.

Large grouper, leopard shark, stingray, barracuda, turtle and rare moray eel species can be observed on many dives, with an abundance of mid-water fish species and occasional larger visitors.

Whale sharks

On northern Oman itineraries, it's possible to see whale shark, particularly between September and November. These friendly wanderers are drawn to the area by the abundance of food.

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.