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DIVING SITES INFORMATION

The Musandam peninsula is separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates. Geographically, the area is characterized by large mountains, which fall dramatically into the sea. The coastline itself is carved into countless fjords, bays and islands. The stunning scenery above the surface is reflected underwater by impressive drop offs and an incredible diversity of healthy corals. Accessed by a three hour road transfer from Dubai, Musandam is a wild, barren destination, where the small towns of Khasab & Dibba form the only sizable population. Huge cliffs formed into fjiords, that fall dramatically into the sea, define the coast.

Small fishing communities whose only access with the outside world is by boat, have forged a precarious existence from the sea. Musandam is recognized for its exhilarating drift diving. Coral encrusted drop offs plunge to great depths and the swift currents attract many pelagic visitors. The diving is suitable for experienced divers who are looking for a distinctive dive destination.

REEFS AND DIVING

The waters surrounding Musandam and the Straights of Hormuz provide very fine coral reef diving. Plankton rich waters attract over 900 species of fish, ranging from cleaner wrasse through to whale sharks. There are over 25 established dive sites. As the region is remote, and commercial fishing is not permitted, the volume of marine life is immediately noticed upon entering the water, and leaves a lasting impression on divers.

The dive sites themselves range in character from walls to extensive coral gardens. The combination of plankton and strong local currents attract a great range of pelagic species, which includes both manta and eagle rays, along with whale sharks. The dive boats are often accompanied by dolphins, which like the calm waters of Musandam’s fjords. Numerous shark species can also be encountered, as well as most species of turtle. The trade off for the high concentrations of marine life is underwater visibility, which typically lies in a range from 12 and 20 metres. 

The dive sites of Musandam deliver world class adventurous diving to experienced divers. Although the area is remote, access is via non-stop 6-7 hour flights into Dubai from most European airports.

DIVING SITES BRIEFING:

DIVE SITE – 1     RUQQ SWAYAK: 

  • LOCATION: Sunken reef is located up north of Musandam which is 46.6 nm @ 012 degrees from Dibba port of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:Wall combination of slopes with nice soft corals on the reef.
  • DEPHT:10 – 40 meters
  • MARINE LIFE:The most common seen of this beautiful sunken reef are:   king fish, Giant tribally, snappers, sweet lips, shoal of barracuda and fusiliers Turtle, sting ray parrot fishes and damsel fishes in the shallow water.          
  • VISIBILITY: 5 – 15 meters
  • TEMPERATURE:24 – 27 degree Celsius
  • REMARKS: There is always current present in the area, so this is applicable only For an advance diver who has an experience of a drift dive.

DIVE SITE – 2     TAWAKUL     

  • LOCATION: Is located up north of Musandam Peninsula which is 46.9 nm @ 013 degrees from Dibba Port of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE: Wall combination of slopes, vegetation and beautiful corals.
  • DEPHT: 10 – 40 meters
  • MARINE LIFE:The most common seen in the area are fusiliers, turtle, eagle ray, King fish and if you are lucky you might see white tip shark as well.
  • VISIBILITY: 10 – 20 meters
  • TEMPERATURE:25 – 28 degree Celsius
  • REMARKS: Current is present during tidal movements (high and low tide) This will require an Advance Divers to have an experience of a drift Dive in order to have an enjoyable experience of your dives.

DIVE SITE – 3     KACHALU      

  • LOCATION: Is located up north of Musandam Peninsula which is 46.8 nm @ 016 degrees from Dibba port of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:Wall combination of slopes and beautiful soft corals.
  • DEPHT:10 – 40 meters
  • MARINE LIFE: There are so many things to see in the area: Giant tribally, eagle ray, Pinjalo, shoal of jack fish, snappers, sweet lips and if your lucky you might see the hammer head and white tip sharks.
  • VISIBILITY:10 – 20 meters
  • TEMPERATURE:24 – 26 degree Celsius
  • REMARKS:There are always current (we called it washing machine) on each tip of the island coming from the east. Entry and exit should always in the middle of the rocks (west).  The reef will be first on your left and then turned right. Beware of the current on each tip of the rocks.

DIVE SITE – 4   RAS MUSANDAM EAST           

  • LOCATION: It is in Musandam Peninsula which is 45.6 nm @ 017 Degrees from Dibba port of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:The wall drops down to 25 – 35 meters with beautiful soft corals Along the wall.
  • DEPHT:10 – 35 meters
  • MARINE LIFE:Red snappers, king fish, eagle ray, turtle, and shoal of jack fish, Barracuda and fusiliers sometimes if you are lucky you might see Leopard shark in the area.
  • VISIBILITY:10 – 20 meters
  • TEMPERATURE:24 – 26 degree Celsius
  • REMARKS:This will require an advance diver because there is always strong current present in the area. It is not a problem to go along with the Current.  Just beware of the down and up current because this will lead you in danger especially if you are not an experienced diver. Entry from the South east and you could go with the current and swim along the reef which is on your left side.                                                                       

DIVE SITE – 5   MUSHROOM:  

  • LOCATION: Sunken Island is located in between red and Black Island laying at 5m. This is inside Sheesha bay of Musandam Peninsula which is 39.5 nm @ 013 degrees from Dibba port of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:It’s a beautiful slope area with vegetation and soft corals.
  • DEPHT:10 – 25 meters
  • MARINE LIFE:There are so many different kind of marine life in the area, lots of fusiliers, barracuda, jacks, parrot fishes, king fish, sting ray, scorpion fish, bat fish, damsel fish and honeycomb eel.
  • TEMPERATURE:25 – 27 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY:10 – 15 meters
  • REMARKS: There is a mild current in the area but its not in danger to swim against it because when you reach the other corner you will be going with the current.

DIVE SITE – 6  RED ISLAND N-W   

  • LOCATION: Red island is located in the middle of Sheesha bay which is 38.8 nm @ 013 degrees from Dibba port of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE: Slopes with a lots of beautiful soft corals.
  • DEPHT:10 – 25 meters
  • MARINE LIFE:There are so much fish around these area such as barracuda, jacks, angel fish, cattle fish, sting ray, lobster and shoal of fusiliers.
  • TEMPERATURE:25 – 27 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY:10 – 20 meters
  • REMARKS: There is a mild current in the corner, so the entry area is in the east coast of Red Island towards north and the exit to the west of the island. The reef will be at your left side. 

DIVE SITE – 7   RAS ALULL     

  • LOCATION: Ras Alull is inside sheesha bay of Musandam which is 37.1 nm @ 014 degrees from Dibba port of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:Slopes with full of soft corals in the shallow area.
  • DEPHT: 5 – 25 meters
  • MARINE LIFE:There is a lot of fish in this area such as fusiliers, jacks (are in shoal always), sting ray, turtle, and if you are lucky you might see leopard and white tip sharks.  
  • TEMPERATURE: 24 – 27 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY:5 – 15 meters
  • REMARKS: This area is very easy which is good for your third dive in a day as there are no current. If there is a current which is rare to happen, just go with it and start your entry in the west coast in which the reef will be on your right side.

DIVE SITE – 8   RAS AROUS    

  • LOCATION: Ras Arouse is also inside Sheesha bay of Musandam which is 37.3 nm @ 016 degrees form Dibba port of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:     It’s a beautiful slope with lots of soft corals.
  • DEPHT: 5 – 25 meters
  • MARINE LIFE:This area is similar to Ras Alull with lots of fusiliers, jacks, sting ray Turtle and sometimes if you are lucky you might see eagle ray.
  • TEMPERATURE:24 – 27 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY:5 – 15 meters
  • REMARKS:There is a mild current in the area usually came from the Bay of Sheesha. Start your entry in the west and swim along the reef to the East which will be at your left side.           
  •                                     

DIVE SITE – 9   RAS KAISHA    

  • LOCATION: Ras Kaisha is the mouth of Sheesha bay (Musandam) which is 37.2 nm    @ 017 degrees from Dibba port of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE: Wall combination of slopes with beautiful soft corals.
  • DEPHT:10 – 35 meters
  • MARINE LIFE:There is  much fishes to see in the area such as king fish, bat fish, lion Fish, sting ray, lots of parrot fishes (in the shallow area) and turtle as well.
  • TEMPERATURE:22 – 27 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY:8 – 20 meters
  • REMARKS:Start your entry in the south east and swim along the reef with the current towards north. The reef will be in your left side. Beware of Down and up current at the Head/Ras Kaisha because these will lead you in danger if you are not careful. If you are not able to turned left along the reef, just drift with the current and make sure your balloon is inflated while you’re making safety stop at five meters.

DIVE SITE – 10   RAS KAISHA   NORHT EAST  

  • LOCATION: 37.2 nm @ 017 degrees
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE: Wall combination of slopes and beautiful soft corals
  • DEPHT: 5 – 25 meters
  • MARINE LIFE:This is similar to the dive site number  9
  • TEMPERATURE:22 – 27 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY: 5 - 15 meters
  • REMARKS: Start your entry at North West and swim towards east (Ras Kaisha). The reef will be at your right side. Be remainded to beware the down and up current at the Head/Ras Kaisha. 

DIVE SITE – 11 HARD ROCK CAFΙ       

  • LOCATION: Hard rock cafι is a little rock outside separate from the mainland of Musandam which is 35.7 nm @ 018 degrees from Dibba port Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:     Slopes with full of soft corals in this area. Its a beautiful garden around this little rock.
  • DEPHT:5 – 40 meters
  • MARINE LIFE:A lot of fishes and different kind of marine life in this area such as shoal of jack fish, fusiliers, rainbow fish, angel fish, bat fish, sting ray lobster, sometimes marble ray and if you are lucky you might see Leopard shark and eagle ray.
  • TEMPERATURE:22 – 27 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY:5 – 15 meters
  • REMARKS:Start your dive entry of this rock in the North and swim around the Island. The reef will be at your right side. After 15 to 20 minutes of your dive, you probably encountered the mild current at the corner but just ignore it until you can turned and go with the current. Exit will be somewhere at your entry area


DIVE SITE – 12  RAS BASHIN: 

  • LOCATION: Ras Bashin is the mouth of Shaboos Bay North which is 34.4 nm @ 019 Degrees from Dibba port of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:It is a slope area. It has a beautiful garden with a lot of soft corals.
  • MARINE LIFE:This area is similar as to marine life from dive site number 11.
  • TEMPERATURE:10 – 20 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY:5 – 20 meters
  • REMARKS:Start your dive entry in the south west of Ras Bashin and go with the current towards east coast. The reef will be at your left side. Be Reminded to beware of the current at the Head/Ras Bashin. 

DIVE SITE – 13    UMM AL FAYYARIN       

  • LOCATION: This dive island is separated from the mainland and it
  • is in the middle of the sea which is 35.0 nm @ 024 degrees from Dibba port of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:Wall combination of slopes nice corals on the wall and table corals at 5 – 10 meters.
  • DEPHT:10 – 40 meters
  • MARINE LIFE:The most common seen around these area are fusiliers, giant tribally, barracuda, angel fish, bat fishes, turtle and sting ray.
  • TEMPERATURE:22 – 26 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY:10 – 25 meters
  • REMARKS:There is always current in this island usually comes from east coast. Start your dive entry at the east coast and go with the current. The reef will be at your left side.

DIVE SITE – 14   RAS DILLAH  

  • LOCATION: Ras Dillah is opposite of Ras Sharkan/mouth of Haballyn (north) Which is 31.4 nm @ 021 degrees from Dibba port of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:Wall combination of slopes with the beautiful soft corals in the area.
  • DEPHT:10 – 40 meters
  • MARINE LIFE: Sea life is abundant of this area. A lot of snappers, parrot fish, barracuda, Turtle, sting ray and if you are lucky you might see the leopard shark.
  • TEMPERATURE:22 – 25 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY:10 – 25 meters
  • REMARKS:Start your dive in the north east and follow the reef with your right side. If you encountered the current at the Ras just come back with the current. While you’re making a safety stop, stick close to the reef and used your balloon. Beware of local speedboats/fisher people because they are driving too close of the rocks and this will lead you in danger/fatal if you are not careful.

DIVE SITE – 15   SHARKAN  

  • LOCATION: These dive site is the second Ras of Haballyn bay which is 28.4 nm @ 019 degrees from Dibba port of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:The tip of this Ras is a wall and a beautiful garden area. After 10 to 15 minutes of your dive, it will be slopes.
  • MARINE LIFE: There is much school of fusiliers and giant tribally, bat fishes. sting ray, turtle and damsel fishes in the shallow area.
  • TEMPERATURE:22 – 26 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY:10 – 20 meters
  • REMARKS:There are some current present in the Ras/Tip of this area usually came from the interior of the bay. Check the current first before you start your dive entry.

DIVE SITE – 16   RAS SHARKAN          

  • LOCATION: Ras Sharkan is the mouth of Haballyn bay (south) which is 28.3 nm @ 021 degrees from Dibba port Of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:Wall combination of slopes with some beautiful soft corals.
  • DEPHT:10 – 40 meters
  • MARINE LIFE:There are so many things to see in the area such as shoal of barracuda, jack fish, bat fishes, fusiliers, parrot fish, turtle, sting ray, marble ray and if you are lucky you might see a white tip shark.
  • TEMPERATURE:23 – 26 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY:10 – 20 meters
  • REMARKS:Start your dive entry at North West towards Ras Sharkan/East. The reef will be at your right side. If you encounter the current at the corner, just turned on your left and go along with the current.

DIVE SITE – 17   RAS SAMID   

  • LOCATION: Ras Samid is the mouth of Khwar Qabal Bay (south) which is 24.2 nm @ 019 degrees from Dibba port Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:Wall combination of slopes with full of soft corals.
  • DEPHT:5 – 16 meters
  • MARINE LIFE:Shoal of barracuda and fusilier, bat fish, cattle fish, lobsters and turtle.
  • TEMPERATURE:23 – 27 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY:5 – 15 meters
  • REMARKS:This is a shallow area applicable for the 3rd /night dive in a day. Beautiful soft Corals can be seen. Start your dive entry from the interior of the bay and swim towards East/Ras Samid. 

DIVE SITE – 18   OCTOPUS ROCK     

  • LOCATION: This little rock/Octopus rock is outside from the mainland which is 22.9 nm @ 022 degrees from Dibba port of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:Slopes, sandy bottom and with a lot of soft corals.
  • DEPHT: 14 – 32 meters
  • MARINE LIFE:There is a lot of marine life that can be seen in this area such as shoal of jack fishes, fusiliers, snappers, bat fish, giant tribally, scorpion fish, slipper lobster, cattle fish and sea horse as well.
  • TEMPERATURE:22 – 26 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY:5 – 20 meters
  • REMARKS:The entry/exit of this area is the same. Sometimes there is a mild current present but nothing to be worried about.

DIVE SITE – 19   RAS MAROVI  

  • LOCATION: This dive site is separate from the mainland which is 21.2 nm @ 021 degrees from Dibba port of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:The north east of this Island is wall. And in the west coast is a beautiful
  • slope w/ nice soft corals.
  • DEPHT:10 – 35 meters
  • MARINE LIFE:There is a different kind of shoal of fishes such as barracuda, jack fish, fusiliers, parrot fishes, sting ray, turtle and you might find sea horse as well.
  • TEMPERATURE:22 – 26 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY:5 – 15 meters   
  • REMARKS:There are some current in the channel which came from the north. Start your dive entry at the north side of this island and go with the current either on the left or in the right side of the reef.

DIVE SITE – 20  LIMA ROCK - NORTH 

  • LOCATION: This Island is outside from the mainland which is 20.5 nm @ 029 degrees from Dibba port of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:     It is a wall combination of slopes with lots of nice corals.
  • DEPHT:10 – 25 meters
  • MARINE LIFE:There are so many things to see in the area such as turtle, sting ray scorpion fish, devil fish, stone fish, electric ray. Shoal of fishes that can be seen around the island are jack fish, fusiliers and parrot fishes which is located in the shallow area.
  • TEMPERATURE:22 – 26 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY:5 – 10 meters
  • REMARKS:This island has a beautiful reef but beware of the current on each tip of the rocks which could lead to some danger. Check the current first before your dive entry to avoid any potential problems.

DIVE SITE – 21   LIMA ROCK – SOUTH

  • LOCATION: 20.4 nm @ 028 degrees from Dibba port of Oman
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:This area is similar to dive site number 19.
  • DEPHT:10 – 35 meters
  • MARINE LIFE:The marine life of this area is basically the same sea life in the North of this island.
  • TEMPERATURE:22 – 26 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY:10 – 20 meters
  • REMARKS:This area is hazardous for its very strong current usually came from the south. Check the current first before your dive entry.

DIVE SITE – 22   RAS LIMA     

  • LOCATION: Ras Lima is 1.13 kilometers away from Lima village which is 20.2 nm @ 027 degrees from Dibba port Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:Slopes with the soft corals on the reef.
  • DEPHT:5 – 18 meters
  • MARINE LIFE:There are many different kind of marine life in this area such as fusiliers, turtle, sting ray and jack fishes. 
  • TEMPERATURE:22 – 25 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY:5 – 15 meters
  • REMARKS:This is a shallow area applicable for the 3rd /night dive. Beautiful soft corals can be seen. Start your dive entry from the interior of the bay and swim towards east/Ras Lima. The reef will be at your right side.

DIVE SITE – 23   RAS SAMUT  

  • LOCATION: Ras Samut is 5 minutes of travel from Lima rock which is 18.9 nm @ O29 degrees from Dibba port of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:It’s a wall combination of slope and the area has a beautiful garden.
  • DEPHT: 10 – 35 meters
  • MARINE LIFE: There are many different kind of marine life in this area such as Shoal of fusiliers, barracuda, jack fish, turtle, lion fish, sting ray, electric ray and if you are lucky you might see a white tip or Leopard shark.
  • TEMPERATURE:22 – 25 degree Celsius
  • VISIBILITY: 10 - 20 meters 
  • REMARKS: There is a current present during tidal movements. Check the current first before you start your five entry.

DIVE SITE – 24   SANNAT CAVE: 

  • LOCATION: Sannat cave is 14.5 nm @ 026 degrees from Dibba port of Oman.
  • TYPE OF DIVE SITE:  It’s a beautiful cave combination of slopes.
  • DEPTH: 5 - 16 meters
  • MARINE LIFE: You might see the sting ray or turtle inside the cave and also school of fusiliers which is always in the area.
  • TEMPERATURE: 22 - 26 degree
  • VISIBILITY: 5 - 15 meters
  • REMARKS: This dive site is best for your 3rd dive in a day. Another thing, Cave diving require an advance diver or equivalent. Establishing your neutral buoyancy is very important to avoid stirring up the bottom and any other injuries by aquatic animals and plant life. 

Important NOTES:

1) During the months of November to April is Jelly fish season so it is highly recommended to acquire the following standards of diving wears:

  • Full wetsuit 3mm
  • Wetsuit hood 3mm
  • Gloves
  • Booties
  • Dive computers/watches

Please note that full foot fins is not recommended otherwise you can use socks as other alternative protection.

2) There will be only 1 instructor or divemaster on board in every trip. Therefore it is a must that only a maximum of 4 inexperienced divers could join a group or team to provide safety, fun and enjoyable dives.

3) Each buddy team should have at least 1 balloon in case if you are drifting away with the current so that the boat captain can easily see you if your are at great distance.

4) The visits to the above mentioned diving sites depends always on the weather conditions, time of the year, etc and cruise itinerary will depend on the plan put forward by the guide.

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