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Table of Contents
OMAN DIVE GUIDE
In this guide to scuba diving in Oman we’ll cover:
- Why dive in Oman: what you can expect to see, and when to visit
- The best Oman liveaboards: at a glance
- The 4 best Oman liveaboards: in depth
Why scuba dive in Oman?
The waters surrounding Oman was largely untouched until the early 1980s, and it still is not a crowded diving destination today. It certainly is underrated when it comes to diving but those who venture here are rewarded with an abundance of marine life and incredible views of the Musandam Peninsula in the background. While the land surrounding the sea is largely barren and deserted, its a stunning contrast to the life that exists in the water below.
Average water temperature: From 24C to 31C (75F to 87F).
Best time to dive in Oman: It’s possible to dive all year long, but the best months are April to June.
Visibility: 5 to 10 meters (15 to 30 feet) with the best visibility month being in May.
Dive ability: Beginner to advanced. Currents are mild.
What you can expect to see on an Oman liveaboard trip: Most trips will venture to the Dimaniyat Islands, the regions only marine park where fishing is prohibited. The sites of Bandar Khayran and Salalah are also well worth a visit. Because of the unique climate, kelp forests exist for a short time at the same time! Expect to see turtles, many types of coral, rays, reef sharks, tuna, jack, eels, octopi, dolphins, and there are a few wreck dive sites.
The Best Oman Liveaboards: at a glance
| LIVEABOARD | ROOMS | NITROX | WIFI | RENTAL GEAR | LENGTH | COST | PADI TRAVEL | LIVEABOARD | DIVEBOOKER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OMAN AGGRESSOR | 11 | Yes | No | Yes | 45m | $$$ | NA | Check | NA |
| BROWN DHOW | 6 | No | No | Yes | 22m | $$ | Check | N/A | Check |
| RED DHOW | 8 | No | No | Yes | 23m | $$ | Check | N/A | NA |
| QUEEN OF MUSANDAM | 6 | No | No | Yes | 23m | $$ | Check | N/A | NA |
The Best Oman Liveaboards: Reviewed
OMAN AGGRESSOR
One of the newest liveaboards to the beloved Aggressor fleet, the Oman Aggressor is 45 meters long and was built in 2017. Trips frequent Bandar Khayran, Musandam, Daymaniyat Islands, Fahal Island, and the Hallaniyat Islands — all around the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.
Rooms are spacious and modern. Each of the 11 cabins has a private bathroom, window, wardrobe with a mirror, bathrobes, hair dryer, and air conditioning. Each room also has a flat-screen TV with access to over 400 movies. Each TV has a USB port where you can plug in and watch your own entertainment or view your pictures from the trip on a big screen.
In the common areas, you can enjoy lounging on the shaded area of the sun deck or soothe your muscles in the Jacuzzi. The crew often hosts games, marine identification sessions, movie nights in the air conditioned saloon, and more. There is also a camera station for photo editing!
Food aboard the Oman Aggressor is famously delicious. Breakfast and lunch is served buffet style while dinner is a healthy and delicious three-course served meal. All snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are included in your trip as are limited servings of beer and wine.
Check prices and trip dates for Oman Aggressor: Liveaboard
BROWN DHOW
The Brown Dhow liveaboard offers an intimated and customized diving experience as it welcomes just 12 divers on every voyage. The wooden vessel is 22 meters long and was built in 2005. It’s a great liveaboard for both experienced and beginner divers. Most trips last from one to six nights and go to Sheesah Bay, Red Island, and the Gulf of Oman.
There are six rooms on board and all feature an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, and two twin beds. Two of the rooms are configured as bunk beds.
On the main deck, you can enjoy reading a book in the shaded area or spend time in the main saloon that has air conditioning, a TV, and movie library. The dive deck has enough space to put on your kit without feeling crowded as well as rinse tanks.
Meals are served three times a day and you’ll surely get enough food to fuel up and feel satisfied after a long day of diving.
Check prices and trip dates for Brown Dhow: PADI Travel | DiveBooker
RED DHOW
The Red Dhow is a quaint wooden Arabic sailing vessel that is 23 meters long and built in 2002. It offers one to seven night trips that cruise around Sheesah Bay, Red Island, and the Gulf of Oman — stopping at all the best dive sites. This liveaboard caters to both advanced and beginner divers.
There are eight rooms on the Red Dhow liveaboard that can host up to 16 guests. You can choose between twin or double bed configurations. Each room comes with air conditioning and some have a private bathroom.
Between dives, you can sunbathe on the decks or read a book under the shaded dining area. The main saloon has an entertainment system and air conditioning to tuck away from the heat.
Hearty meals are served three times a day.
Check prices and trip dates for Red Dhow: PADI Travel
QUEEN OF MUSANDAM
The Queen of Musandam is a 23-meter long sailing vessel and the flagship of the Al Marsa Musandam sailing fleet. It typically embarks on six to seven night dive trips around the Musandam Peninsula — though custom trips are possible. The liveaboard was built in 2006, and has had touch-ups over the past few years. The wooden, traditional exterior blends well with the more modern interior. It typically ventures around Sheesah Bay, Red Island, and the Gulf of Oman.
There are six rooms on the Queen of Musandam to welcome 12 guests. The rooms are double occupancy and have air conditioning and a private bathroom.
On board, you’ll enjoy spending time on the deck where you can soak up the sun or tuck under the shaded area to cool down. Many guests stay out after dark to stargaze. The main saloon is spacious with natural lighting and has an entertainment system. On the bottom deck, you can relax with a cool drink at the bar.
Meals are served three times a day and tend to be a mix of international and local cuisine.
The Brown Dhow, Red Dhow, and Queen of Musandam are all part of the same fleet.
Check prices and trip dates for Queen of Musandam: PADI Travel
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