Diving in Gulf of Oman
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Gulf of Oman's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Gulf of Oman, ecoregion. This region features 46 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Gulf of Oman has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Gulf of Oman (6)
Popular Spots in Gulf of Oman (46)
Al Munassir Wreck
The Al Munassir wreck is an 84-meter-long Navy vessel that was intentionally sunk in 2003. It rests in a navigation position at depths ranging from 25 to 30 meters. The wreck serves as a habitat for a variety of marine life, including yellowtail snappers, honeycomb moray eels, and various species of nudibranchs, as well as grey peppered morays. This site offers divers the opportunity to explore the structure while observing the diverse aquatic species that inhabit it.
Aquarium
Aquarium is a dive site with a depth range from 8 to 27 meters, although it is advisable to remain in shallower waters up to 18 meters. The site features large rocks adorned with a variety of colorful corals. It is structured as a two-way dive, divided into left and right shoulders. Divers can expect to encounter a significant population of moray eels and marine turtles, along with opportunities to see cuttlefish, squids, stingrays, and, during the appropriate season, whale sharks. Clownfish and stonefish are also present in the area.
Aquarium
Aquarium is a dive site characterized by an underwater mountain located approximately 15 minutes by boat from Daymaniat Island. Divers can enter from the shore, and it is advisable to use a shotline for descent rather than anchoring. The site can be explored on either the left or right side, with optimal diving depths ranging from 8 to 15 meters. Marine life includes a significant population of moray eels, a large resident hawksbill turtle in the northern shallow area, and opportunities to see cuttlefish and squid. During the appropriate season, this site is also known for sightings of whale sharks.
Bill's Bumps
Bill's Bumps is situated on the west wall of Fahal Island, approximately a 30-minute boat ride from the nearest launch point. This dive site features a variety of underwater tunnels and holes that can be explored while diving in shallow waters along the wall. Marine life commonly observed here includes various species of triggerfish, butterfly fish, sea turtles, moray eels, and rays, making it a vibrant spot for divers.
Black Tip Reef
Black Tip Reef features significant coral formations at the entry point, leading to a wall that includes a large plateau at approximately 18 meters, adorned with coral bushes. The northern wall reaches a maximum depth of about 23 meters. Divers may encounter various marine life, including rays, blacktip sharks, and moray eels that can be found in the caves beneath the rocky structures.
Cat Island
Cat Island is located near the Marina Bandar Al Rowdha and is accessible by boat within a 10-15 minute ride from the dive center. The dive site features a maximum depth of approximately 12-15 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of coral life and numerous reef fish species, including Moray eels, Clown fish, and Picasso Triggerfish, among others.
Cave Site
Cave Site is the deepest dive location in the area, reaching depths of 32 meters along the wall. The site offers various diving options due to its expansive nature. In favorable weather conditions, a drift dive along the right shoulder from the outside to the inside is recommended. The site is known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of rays and numerous moray eels present throughout the dive.
Cockle Shell Bay
Cockle Shell Bay offers a unique diving experience characterized by a mix of rocky boulders within the bay and a wall adorned with corals outside. Divers can explore a notable forest of Green gorgonia located between depths of 22 and 24 meters. The site is known for easy sightings of honeycomb moray eels, and during days with good visibility, rays may also be observed. In the summer months, the area becomes a notable location for whale shark encounters.
Decorator Bay
Decorator Bay features a varied underwater landscape with depths ranging from 3.5 meters to 14 meters. The site begins with a sandy bottom, making it suitable for training and course dives. As divers explore further, they encounter a mix of soft and hard corals. Under the boulders, divers can find lobsters, while around the 10-meter mark, schools of sergeant majors are commonly observed. Additionally, macro life such as nudibranchs and shrimps can be spotted throughout the area.
Democracy Bay
Democracy Bay is situated in the same area as the Munassir wreck. The dive site features a rocky slope that descends from the shallows to depths of 18-19 meters. Divers can explore this site as either a drift dive or a two-way dive. It is known for its macro life and is home to moray eels. When visibility is good, divers may encounter schools of Indian mackerel and Suez fusiliers.
Dibba Rock
Dibba Rock features a diverse underwater landscape with walls, rocky formations, and sandy slopes, complemented by a coral garden. The dive site ranges from depths of 10 to 40 meters. Divers should be aware of the current, which can be strong during significant tidal changes, and it is advisable to check conditions prior to diving. Marine life commonly observed includes a variety of coral reef fish, jackfish, fusiliers, barracuda, angelfish, lionfish, moray eels, sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks.
Dibba Rock
Dibba Rock features a shallow reef with a maximum depth of 15 meters (50 feet), comprising rocks, walls, and sandy slopes. Divers can encounter various marine species, including jawfish, clownfish, cornetfish, lionfish, turtles, moray eels, and reef sharks. Visibility averages around 10 meters (30 feet), and it is advisable to dive at high tide if planning to circle the islet.
Fahal North
Fahal North is located at the northernmost point of the island, approximately 45 minutes from the dive center. This dive site is accessible from the shore and caters to both beginner and advanced divers, allowing for dives at varying depths, with a maximum depth of 20 meters. The underwater landscape features large boulders adorned with coral and a variety of colorful fish. Notable marine life includes several species of Triggerfish, various types of Moray eels such as the Honeycomb Moray, Groupers, Lionfish, and other reef fish. Divers may also have the opportunity to encounter larger species like Stingrays, adding to the site's appeal.
First Entrance
First Entrance is a channel dive accessible from the shore, with depths ranging from 4 meters in the inner fiord to 23 meters at the channel's entrance. Divers may experience a drift dive or opt for a two-way dive. Common marine life includes turtles, and there is a possibility of encountering Whale Sharks. Various species of crabs can be found taking refuge among the hard corals.
Garden Of Eden
Garden Of Eden is located next to Kismah Island within the Daymaniyat Islands. This dive site features a sandy bottom with both soft and hard coral reefs, reaching a maximum depth of 23 meters. Divers can expect to start at a depth of around 12 meters and may experience drift diving conditions. The area is home to a variety of marine life, including numerous species of coral, various fish, stingrays, and leopard sharks. Notable sightings include the distinctive pink soft corals, batfish, and triggerfish.
Guno’s Trace
Guno's Trace is situated on the northwest side of Police Island, featuring a wall dive that reaches a maximum depth of approximately 26 meters. The marine environment varies significantly with depth; for instance, the ecosystem at 10 meters differs from that at 18 meters. Divers can encounter larger species such as Queen Fish, guitar sharks, and leopard sharks. The site also showcases soft corals resembling large trees, creating a unique underwater landscape. The dive site offers an intricate layout, making it an engaging experience for curious divers.
Hamburger
The Hamburger dive site is located on the eastern side of the island, offering a depth range from 5 to 20 meters. The underwater terrain transitions from sandy areas to pebbly sections, culminating in large boulders that are adorned with a variety of corals. Divers may encounter various reef fish, as well as larger species such as stingrays and eagle rays. This site is suitable for both beginner and advanced divers.
Hayut
Hayut is situated at Al-Kharaba Island within the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve. The dive site features an average depth ranging from 5 to 23 meters. The dive consists of a wall section and an open ground area, providing a diverse underwater landscape. The marine environment is characterized by a variety of soft and hard corals, showcasing numerous colors. Divers may encounter various species of marine life, including tiger sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and multiple species of moray eels. The site is accessible via shore entry.
Hole in the Wall Fujairah
Hole in the Wall Fujairah is a shallow dive site ideal for open water divers, characterized by rocky walls adorned with coral and sandy bottoms. Divers can explore a small swim-through located within the rocks, providing an engaging experience. As divers venture to deeper areas, they may encounter large stingrays foraging on the seafloor.
INCH CAPE 1
Inch Cape 1, formerly known as Gray Swift 2, is a vessel constructed in the United States by Halter Marine and transported to Dubai in the early 1970s. Initially serving in Ras al-Khaimah, it was relocated to Dubai in 1991 and renamed. The ship was primarily used by Inchcape Shipping Services for the transportation of crew and supplies to various ships, oil platforms, and rigs in Dubai and Fujairah. It was decommissioned in 2001. This dive site is accessible by boat and is categorized as a wreck dive, providing divers with an opportunity to explore the remains of this historical vessel.
Inchcape 1
Inchcape 1 is a wreck dive site located in Al Fujairah, UAE, at a depth of approximately 30 meters (100 feet). The wreck, a U.S. boat originally named Gray Swift 2, was sunk in 2001 to create an artificial reef and is now home to various marine life, including pink and purple Dendronephthya soft corals.
Jissah Island
Jissah Island is accessible via a 5-minute boat ride from the nearest dive center. The dive begins at a depth of 5 meters and reaches a maximum of 12-13 meters. Divers will explore an artificial reef that is home to various marine life, including giant moray eels, clown fish, parrot fish, and occasionally lobsters. The reef also features a diverse array of corals, particularly notable for its beautiful table corals, making it suitable for introductory dives and open water courses.
Jissah Point
Jissah Point is a dynamic dive site accessible from the shore, located at coordinates 23.557800, 58.659400. The dive begins at a depth of 8 meters, featuring boulders covered with soft purple gorgonian. As divers progress, the terrain transitions to a slope at 9 meters, where soft corals, cushion sea stars, and a sandy bottom can be observed. Marine life includes schools of snappers, big-eye barracuda, and striped eel catfish, with occasional sightings of turtles, cuttlefish, and various stingrays such as the fantail and jenkins.
Lagoon
Lagoon is a confined water area located at coordinates 23.548300, 58.656100, providing a calm environment for diving activities. The site features a platform at a depth of 2 meters, where various exercises for diving courses are conducted. On the left side, divers can explore an artificial reef, while the right side presents a sandy bottom. Despite being a controlled environment, divers may encounter a variety of fish species and occasionally spot turtles.
lost reef
Lost Reef is located near the Kharabah Islands at the Daymaniyat Islands, approximately 40 minutes from Wave Marina. The dive begins at a depth of 6 meters, reaching a maximum depth of 18 meters. The dive site features an underwater platform along half of the dive line, followed by a small wall. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including coral reef fish, sea turtles, leopard sharks, stingrays, and devil rays, as well as both soft and hard corals.
Mambo Reef
Mambo Reef is located between Sea Horse and Mermaid Cove and is best explored during a flooding tide, primarily along the left shoulder. The dive site reaches a maximum depth of 24 meters. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of grunt, along with frequent sightings of turtles, scorpion fish, and moray eels in the area.
Mermaid Cove
Mermaid Cove is located approximately 15 minutes from the Dive Centre and features a sandy bottom ranging from 2 to 5 meters, making it an ideal site for try dives and training courses. Within the bay, a coral garden can be found on the right side, extending from 2 meters down to 14 meters. Beyond the bay, divers can explore a steep drop-off that reaches depths of 23 meters. The area is home to a resident school of yellowtail barracudas and a diverse range of moray eels. During the winter months, the site becomes a notable location for nudibranch sightings.
North Bay
North Bay features a sandy bottom that transitions into large bommies and rock formations starting at a depth of 4 meters. This area is known for sightings of stingrays, snake eels, and occasionally needlefish near the surface. As divers descend, the underwater landscape reveals a mix of soft and hard corals, with the maximum depth reaching 22 meters. Divers may also encounter large honeycomb moray eels, cuttlefish, and have the opportunity to see larger fish such as tuna or trevally in the blue waters.
Novice bay
Novice Bay serves as a training site for divers, accommodating depths from 0 to 30 meters. The area features two notable coral gardens, recognized for their beauty within the BK region. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including anemones, turtles, and cuttlefish. In the deeper sections of the bay, nudibranchs are frequently observed.
Oman Aquarium
Oman Aquarium is situated within the Mall of Muscat and is recognized as Oman’s inaugural recreational and educational dive site. The maximum depth at this location reaches approximately 10 meters, allowing for dive durations ranging from 15 to 50 minutes. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including Sicklefin lemon sharks, Blacktip reef sharks, Giant guitar sharks, Bowmouth guitarfish, as well as Eagle rays and Sea turtles. Additionally, numerous species of reef fish, such as Puffer fish, can be observed in this artificial reef environment.
Plug Point
Plug Point features a fringing reef characterized by large rocky boulders, starting at a depth of 4 meters and extending down to 12 meters. A notable coral patch is located centrally, slightly removed from the main reef structure. The site is inhabited by various marine species, including stingrays, turtles, and cuttlefish. This location is suitable for entry-level divers, making it a good choice for training dives or check dives.
Police Run
Police Run is situated on the western side of Police Bay, featuring depths ranging from 6 to 18 meters. The underwater landscape resembles an ancient city, complete with arches that divers can swim through. A prominent wall is present, characterized by numerous holes that serve as habitats for various marine species. Divers may encounter leopard sharks, and with some luck, whale sharks, along with sea turtles, puffer fish, lion fish, stone fish, halfbeaks, and sting rays.
Purple Haze
Purple Haze is a dive site located in Bandar Khayran, featuring a wall that descends to a depth of 30 meters. Divers typically begin their dive within the channel and follow the reef on their left side. The site offers a rich diversity of marine life, with the deepest areas showcasing unique purple coral formations. In shallower regions, divers can observe a variety of corals teeming with numerous fish species. This site is accessible via shore entry.
Qantab Reef
Qantab Reef features a fringing reef that begins at a depth of 5 meters and descends to 16 meters, making it suitable for both one-way and two-way dives. The site is characterized by a variety of hard and soft corals, along with significant rock formations that provide shelter for lobsters in their crevices. Divers may encounter stingrays gliding over the sandy bottom and the elusive crocodile fish. This location is particularly appealing to macro photography enthusiasts, offering chances to observe nudibranchs and shrimp.
R-BLACK TIP REEF
R-Black Tip Reef offers a diving experience that begins at a depth of 9 meters and extends to 15 meters, with a wall located on the left side during the dive. Divers may encounter blacktip sharks, which are often seen in the corners of the site and can be found at depths reaching 20 meters. The area features large rocks that provide an entrance to the dive site. In addition to blacktip sharks, divers can also observe various species of stingrays, moray eels, clownfish, and lionfish throughout the dive.
Rogers Barge
Rogers Barge is a wreck located approximately 200 meters from North Point, with depths reaching 41 to 42 meters during high tide. Divers should utilize GPS coordinates and a shoot line to locate the wreck effectively. Due to the significant depth, an XR certification is advisable for those planning to dive here. Surrounding the wreck, divers can observe a variety of marine life, including numerous fish, nudibranchs, torpedo rays, and sweepers, along with the possibility of encountering larger predators. The area is also home to a notable population of fan corals.
Seahorse Bay
Seahorse Bay features a sandy bottom that begins at a depth of 4 meters and gradually descends to 16 meters. This site is suitable for divers of all experience levels, making it ideal for training and introductory dives. At the entrance, divers can observe hard corals and may encounter unique marine life, including the scribbled pipefish. Additionally, look for a notable resident known as 'Capt Hook,' a one-eyed puffer fish, which adds to the site's distinctiveness.
Shark Cove
Shark Cove is located approximately 5 minutes by boat from Barr al Jissah Marina. This dive site is well-suited for beginners and is ideal for check dives, particularly during rough sea conditions due to its sheltered position. The underwater landscape features a vibrant reef dominated by large table corals and a variety of reef fish. The maximum depth at this site is around 8 meters.
Sharm rocks
Sharm Rocks, also referred to as '3 Rocks Pinnacles' or '3 Sisters', is situated approximately 15 minutes south of the Meridian Fujairah. The dive site features three small rock formations that rise above the water's surface, with depths ranging from 10 to 22 meters. The area is rich in soft corals, creating an environment that supports a diverse array of marine life, including snappers, large-mouth mackerel, fusiliers, and schools of jacks. This site is accessible from the shore.
Sharm Rocks
Sharm Rocks, also known as Three Rocks Pinnacles, features three prominent pinnacles with a fourth located further away for experienced divers. The site is covered with soft corals and hosts a variety of marine life, including fusiliers, jacks, snappers, and lionfish, making it suitable for divers of various skill levels.
Tito's Run
Tito's Run begins at a visible rock formation at the surface, leading to a wall that descends to depths of 10-12 meters. Divers are encouraged to head left along the wall to discover a large sarcofiton coral garden. This area features several prominent pinnacles adorned with corals. The dive site is home to a diverse community of Arabian angelfish, with opportunities to observe macro life. Additionally, sightings of stingrays are common, and divers may be fortunate enough to encounter a zebra shark.
Titto’s Run
Titto’s Run is located on the northern side of Al Lumiyyah Island, featuring a prominent rock formation that extends into the water. Divers can navigate around the rock wall, which includes numerous large boulders and arches, as well as tunnels suitable for exploration. The marine life here includes leopard sharks accompanied by remoras, various species of stingrays, and sizable moray eels found in crevices. The top of the wall is adorned with a dense growth of soft corals, creating a unique underwater landscape.
Turtle City
Turtle City is a shallow dive site with depths ranging from 6 meters to 12 meters. It is located near the well-known Munassir Wreck. The site is recognized for its healthy coral formations, making it an excellent location for underwater photography. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of turtles throughout the area, as well as rays in the sandy sections.
Turtle City
Turtle City is known for its abundance of sea turtles, with sightings of hundreds possible at times. The site features hard corals and a sandy bottom, reaching a maximum depth of 12 meters, making it suitable for both snorkeling and swimming. In addition to turtles, divers can encounter a variety of fish species, as well as zebra sharks, eagle rays, and devil rays.
Wall Street
Wall Street is a challenging wall dive located in the Bandar Khayran area, characterized by its steep drop-off reaching a maximum depth of 30 meters. Divers should be prepared for potential currents, which can significantly affect the dive experience. This site offers opportunities to encounter large marine predators, including Barracuda and Trevally, as well as sightings of stingrays and Mobula rays. The entry to the dive site is from the shore.
western side
The Western Side dive site begins at the buoy of Bills Bumps. Divers should enter the water and keep the reef on their left side. The site is accessible at depths ranging from 5 to 10 meters, with some areas extending to 20-25 meters where unique marine life can be observed. The dive features a variety of fish species, and divers may encounter resident yellowtail barracuda, various moray eels, nudibranchs, and the possibility of spotting rays. This site is suitable for scuba diving.