FAQs · Destination Guide
Monsoon-green Arabia topside, shallow wrecks and reefs underwater
Updated Feb 13, 2026 • 14 sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers sourced from research and local operating patterns.
For the most consistent scuba conditions, plan for roughly October to May. This is the drier part of the year, when Mirbat boat diving is usually operating and seas are more manageable. Expect many sites to fall in the 8 m to 30 m range, with turtles and reef fish common highlights. From June to September, the Khareef monsoon often brings rough sea state and many Mirbat dive centers pause operations, so treat that window as a topside-focused trip instead.
Many Mirbat-area operators treat Khareef (June to September) as their off-season because swell, wind, and reduced visibility can make regular dive boats unsafe or impractical. Some centers explicitly close from early June through the end of September, then reopen in late September or October. Dates can shift year to year, so confirm closure windows before you book flights or non-refundable hotels. If you travel during Khareef anyway, plan cultural sites, waterfalls, and viewpoints as your primary activities.
The simplest approach is to treat them as two different seasons. Visit in Jun to Sep for Khareef: green mountains, misty viewpoints, and Wadi Darbat style waterfalls. Then return in Oct to May for diving and snorkeling, when Mirbat boats are more reliable. If you only have one trip window, choose your priority: Khareef topside or dry-season water time. A practical compromise is early October, when landscapes can still look fresh and underwater access begins to improve.
Beginner-friendly options focus on shallow structure and easy profiles. China Wreck sits around 8 m, making it a forgiving site with long bottom time and lots to see. The Marriott Wreck is also relatively shallow at about 12 m and often attracts schools of fish. For reef routes, choose sites with shallow starts (for example Larissa at roughly 4 m to 25 m) and let the operator pick the most sheltered bay based on swell.
True shore snorkeling depends on calm seas and a sheltered entry. Alila House Reef in Hinu Bay is a strong option because the reef is shallow (about 3 m to 9 m) and the bay is relatively protected. China Wreck can sometimes be reached from shore or by a very short boat ride and lies around 8 m. Avoid exposed open-coast beaches when there is surf, and skip most snorkeling plans during Khareef (Jun to Sep).
Salalah to Mirbat is a straightforward coastal drive of roughly 75 km on paved roads, so a normal sedan works for town-to-town travel and most dive logistics. A 4x4 becomes useful if you want remote beaches, mountain tracks during wet Khareef conditions, or desert excursions into the Rub' al Khali. If you are primarily diving, the key decision is not vehicle type but whether you want to overnight in Mirbat for early boat departures.
Mirbat dives commonly feature turtles, rays (including eagle rays), lobsters in crevices, morays, octopus, and dense schools of reef fish. Many operators report frequent dolphin sightings from boats starting in November, and winter to early spring (Jan to Apr) can offer a chance of spotting whales, with occasional orca reports from the surface. Because visibility varies with plankton and sea state, schedule multiple dive days to improve your odds and let the operator choose the best site each morning.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many visitors can enter Oman visa-free for up to 14 days if they meet conditions such as passport validity (often at least 6 months), a confirmed onward or return ticket, hotel booking, health insurance, and sufficient funds. The 14-day entry is generally not extendable. For longer stays or if your passport is not eligible, you will need an eVisa or other approved visa category. Always confirm the latest rules before travel, especially if you are transiting through multiple countries.
Oman uses Type G power sockets (UK-style three rectangular pins) and supplies 240V at 50Hz. Most modern phone and camera chargers are dual-voltage, but you should still check the fine print on high-draw items like hair tools. Bring a Type G travel adapter for your whole group, and consider a small power strip if you have multiple batteries, lights, and camera gear to charge. If you are staying in resorts, you may find multi-sockets in rooms, but do not rely on that.
Dive conservatively and assume that advanced treatment may require coordination beyond a small coastal clinic. Stay well within your training limits, avoid pushing no-decompression limits, and keep ascent rates slow with a clear safety stop. Carry dive accident insurance that covers evacuation and recompression, and confirm your operator carries emergency oxygen. Because sea state can change quickly, do not hesitate to sit out a dive if swell or visibility spikes your stress. A calm diver makes better decisions, especially on wall and wreck sites.