KHALID ABDULMALIK
Damaniyat Islands, fondly dubbed 'The Aquarium', have earned a reputation as the Sultanate of Oman's diving paradise. These pristine islands are part of the UNESCO tentative list of world natural heritage sites. They are just one jewel among many along Oman's extensive 1,700-kilometer coastline.
In the last couple of decades, Oman has been steadily welcoming travellers, gaining recognition for the exceptional quality and diversity of its diving experiences. The country boasts long stretches of unspoiled white sandy beaches, and its crystal-clear waters host 40 recognised diving spots, stretching from the northernmost Musandam peninsula, where the Arabian Gulf begins, to Salalah in the southern Dhofar region, bordering Yemen.
Several sites have been designated as natural reserves, safeguarding precious ecosystems like the Bar al Hikman peninsula south of Muscat and the Hallaniyat Islands in Dhofar. These areas are home to endangered species, including green turtles and the Arabian humpbacked whale.
The Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea in Oman teem with vibrant coral reefs, creating a unique habitat for many marine creatures, as noted by environmental scientist Glyn Barrett. Barrett, who has explored some of the world's most spectacular diving locations, including the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Astrolabe Reef in Fiji, and national parks in Thailand, attests that the Damaniyat Islands in Oman stand out with their diverse and colourful underwater life.
While Oman's waters offer regional variations in marine life, they are renowned for their resident stingrays, eagle rays, and torpedo rays, along with various species of reef sharks, moray eels, snake eels, and lion and scorpion fish, in addition to a rich diversity of reef fish.
Barrett also notes that Oman's waters exhibit seasonal variations, making it possible to spot charismatic marine life, such as whale sharks, most active from July to September. However, he mentions that visibility might not be at its clearest during this period, affecting the spectacle of the corals.
Divers of all skill levels can reveal the accessibility of dive sites from Muscat and along the coastline to the south. Oman's coral growth remains remarkably healthy, offering an array of coral types and plankton-rich waters that attract many marine species. With few strong currents, dives typically range from 10 to 30 meters along coral-adorned stony walls.
Oman is gaining recognition as the top scuba diving destination in the region, with the Damaniyat archipelago listed as the fifth-best diving site globally. In recent years, the number of diving centres has surged, catering to residents and holidaymakers alike.
As awareness of environmental conservation continues to grow, Oman is also witnessing the emergence of highly professional and knowledgeable Omani dive instructors, ensuring the sustainability of the sport and the protection of its pristine underwater ecosystems.
Moreover, diving in Oman is relatively affordable, with a boat trip, including two dives, equipment, snacks, and excellent company, costing less than RO 50 (approximately $130). This represents excellent value for money compared to many other diving destinations worldwide.
While diving can be enjoyed year-round in Oman, seasoned Omani diver Saeed al Lamki recommends the months of May and August for the most comfortable water temperatures, even though visibility might not be at its best. He notes that Oman's reefs boast an unparalleled richness of colours and species, creating a unique and captivating diving experience.
For Lamki and many others, 'The Aquarium' remains an unforgettable dive site, along with other remarkable experiences like shark dives in the Bahamas and cave dives in Fiji. Despite the challenges posed by past storms and typhoons along Oman's coast, experts like Barrett assure us that the corals are recovering quickly.
In the hearts and minds of divers, it is the sheer abundance of marine life and the dazzling, vibrantly coloured corals in Oman's reefs that leave indelible impressions. It is recommended to dive into Oman's underwater world to discover a hidden treasure trove of aquatic wonders waiting to enchant and amaze.
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