Delights of Daymaniyat

Al Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve, an archipelago of nine islands located between Seeb and Barka, and is characterized by its pristine beaches with white sand and clear blue waters. Countless number of migratory and endemic birds visit these islands. It has many types of coral reef and marine fish in bright colors. These give good opportunities for diving enthusiasts to to enjoy the treasures of the sea.

Visit to these islands are banned from May to October due to the nesting season of migratory birds.

The Environment Agency said 25,998 people visited these islands in 2021compared to 19,783 visitors in 2020. The fall in visitors is due to Covid-19 lockdowns.

The authority said camping is allowed in Al Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve after getting paid permits from November to April.

A visitor to these islands can see green turtles, bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, humpback whales, sharks, Adham falcon, Black Sea tern and the small crowned sea tern.

Al Dimaniyyat Islands Nature Reserve is surrounded by rocks and shallow seas which lie only 16-18 kilometers from the coast and can only be reached by boat. The islands were designated as a nature reserve in 1996 with the aim of conserving turtle nesting beaches, natural scenery, coral reefs and birds, as well as promoting ecotourism.

According to Unesco, Al Dimaniyyat Islands support a multitude species of coral reefs in the area, which grow densely because of the abundant and un-polluted substratum of the shallow seas. Coral shoals that grow in these shallow seas protect the island beaches. Coral grows mainly on exposed rocks, forming a multi-meter frame. In addition, there are many coral species that grow on either the rocky plains or the shattered coral reefs. They provide excellent habitat for the abundant reef fishes that provide the bulk of the harvest by fishermen.

At least one or two species of terrestrial snake live on the islands, whilst marine snakes can often be seen in the surrounding waters. Two species of turtle, the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), are frequent visitors in the reserve. From 250-300 Hawksbill Turtles nest annually on the sandy beaches of some of the islands whilst the Green Turtles are feeding in the shallow seas. By providing shelter for these endangered species, the islands acquire international importance.

Unesco says the reserve has 15 species of wild plants that densely cover parts of Al Kharaaba Island and Al Jibaal al Kibaar Island, making these islands the most important habitat for nesting birds. Island birds normally seek nesting cover which are just beneath thick ground vegetation.