Salalah & Mirbat

Situated in the southern area of Oman's Dhofar region, the unspoilt coastline, stretching as far as the eye can see, offers unspoilt sheltered bays to explore in an area steeped in history and heritage including an important role in the Frankincense route.  Set against the stunning backdrop of deserted beaches and the high Jebel Al Qara rising steeply out of the Dhofar mountain chain, this area offers a level of excitement and adventure hard to find in other destinations so close to home. Around Salalah itself, a surprising level of greenery can be found, with date palms, papaya and banana trees providing a healthy local income.

Shallow dive sites accessed by fast boat extend from Salalah to Mirbat along a 40 km stretch of the coast.  Marine life is typically Indo-Pacific offering a variety of macro life, brain and table corals and schooling fish, having more in common with its far southern neighbours than the Arabian Sea. The water's colour is more blue and visibility generally higher than the dive sites located around the Muscat and Daymaniyat regions, offering a great contrast in marine conditions if twinned with a stay in Muscat or the Daymaniyats.

Due to local prevailing conditions, these dive sites are only open to divers seasonally from October to May. It remains a beautiful area to visit outside of this time, but you are not guaranteed to be able to dive every day though the dive centres remain operational.  From May, the seasonal monsoon creates a phenomenon called the 'khareef', bringing in moisture rich winds turning the beautifully barren desert plateaux and gullies verdant green.

Mirbat & Salalah Dive sites

Extra Divers run an excellent dive operation from the Wyndham Garden Resort Mirbat set on a remote stretch of coastline around 45 minutes from Salalah. Around 20 dive sites are within 5-15minutes from the hotel jetty. Sites are teeming with marine life, featuring reefs populated by lobsters, rays, octopuses, and large cuttlefish. Divers can also explore two shipwrecks: the Chinese Wreck and the Marriott Wreck, both serving as artificial reefs attracting a multitude of fish schools. Other highlights include turtles, torpedo rays, bluespotted rays, eagle rays and a variety of eels, including the rare dragon moray. The dive sites are suitable for divers of all certification levels, with most spots being relatively shallow, ranging from 20 to 25 meters. The southern region of Oman does not feature steep drop-offs or reefs deeper than 30 meters.

Snorkelling with Dolphins and whale watching

Beginning in November, guests can encounter large schools of dolphins on almost daily snorkeling tours to a beach about an hour’s drive away. Here guests may have the chance to observe dolphins in their natural habitat. 

In January to April the area becomes a migratory path for orca and humpback whales, although rarely spotted during a dive it is common to see them from both the day boat and liveaboard.

Marine Life

Nudibranchs, variety of Moray eels, rays, hard corals, cuttlefish, dolphins, 2 small wrecks, tuna, sharks, octopus, snapper, trevally, turtles and the odd Humpback whale!

Kelp!

If you choose to travel to southern Oman at the end of the Khareef period, chances are you will dive among small Kelp forests. Up to 10 metres in height, the giant algae flourish in the cool water thermoclines, providing safe harbour for thousands of juvenile fish.   They can be seen during the summer months, gradually dying out in the latter weeks of September and early October.

Twin Centre & tours

Salala makes an ideal twin centre destination and can be twinned with Muscat.

To see a little more of this fascinating country, why not combine diving with a number of Tours that are availablle. Full details and prices can be provided for any of the Tours listed below:-

• A Glance of Oman – 3 nights / 4 days
• Discover Oman – 5 nights / 6 days
• Encounter Oman – 3 nights / 4 days
• Glimpse of Oman – 4 nights / 5 days
• Hidden Treasures of Oman – 7 nights 8 days
• Imperial Tours 5 nights / 6 days
• Mountain, Desert & Beach – 3 nights / 4 days
• Oman’s Highlights – 6 nights / 7 days
• A Glance of Oman – 3 nights / 4 days

Please see below details of the Mountain, Desert & Beach Tour which is available.

Mountain, Desert & Beach Tour itinerary

Extra Divers

Extra Divers run an excellent dive operation from the Wyndham Garden Resort Mirbat set on a remote stretch of coastline around 45 minutes from Salalah. This area is blseed with a range of good dive sites that are accessed from the shore by jeep, or by Extra Divers’ fast dive boats.

Many of the potential sites accessed by boat are yet to be discovered, offering something for the more adventurous experienced diver, as most diving has been conducted from the shore until this point. 

Extra Divers Mirbat

Extra Divers have an estabilished reputation in Oman, this dive centre in Mirbat is in addition to the dive bases in Muscat and liveaboard.  An SSI accredited centre, offering courses, recreational diving and snorkelling by boat. This centre offers access to plenty of new and established dive sites in an area still awaiting plenty of discovery. Divers can expect dive sites are teeming with marine life, featuring reefs populated by lobsters, rays, octopuses, and large cuttlefish. The dive sites are suitable for divers of all certification levels, with most spots being relatively shallow, ranging from 20 to 25 meters. The southern region of Oman does not feature steep drop-offs or reefs deeper than 30 meters.

Dive PackS

Options available include 3 and 5 days dive packages (2 unguided dives per day). Divers with less than 25 logged dives in their log books require a guide, or those requesting a guide, will need to pay a supplement locally. Please discuss your requirements with the Regaldive team, who will prepare a quotation suited to your needs.

The centre offers diving from a fast, fiberglass speedboats. Boats typically leave at 8:00 AM for two morning dives and return to the jetty afterward. Afternoon dives can be arranged on request, subject to a minimum number of participants. Most dive sites are just 5 to 15 minutes from the jetty.

Snorkelling with Dolphins

Starting in November, visitors can encounter large schools of dolphins. During the dolphin season, almost daily snorkeling tours are offered to a beach about an hour’s drive away, where guests may have the chance to observe dolphins in their natural habitat. From January to April, Mirbat even offers the opportunity to spot whales or orcas from the dive boat.

Dive Courses

A range of diving courses is available for those looking to learn to dive. Please enquire for details.

Extras in Resort

add ons and extras are available in resort, please contact us for full information.

• Equiptment rental
• Local marine tax
• Snorkel excursions

Please note the dive centre is closed seasonally from June 1st to September 30th due to weather conditions.

The Sultanate of Oman is the gateway to the Arabian Gulf and was for thousands of years the focus of the frankincense trade route. An ancient nation of maritime traders Oman’s empire at one point extended down the East African mainland as far as Zanzibar. Strategically situated between India and Europe, the influence of Oman’s historical trading partners has left its mark on the population, which is both tolerant and cosmopolitan. Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken in some areas.

Salalah is the capital of Oman's southern Zufar and Dhofar region. It is often considered to be the ‘second city’ of the Sultanate but is quite small in tourist terms. Salalah is celebrated as the birthplace of the current ruler of Oman, Sultan Qaboos and his palace (now a summer residence), as well as a number of historical sites, are worth a visit.

The whole Dhofar region is famous for both its historical part in the frankincense trade and its khareef (monsoon) which transforms the region into an oasis of verdant pastures.

Guests visiting Salalah might like to extend their stay with a day or two in Muscat.

Getting Around

A small number of taxis are available in Salalah and local 4 wheel drive hire is available. You may organise excursions locally including mountain trips, cycling and hiking.

Climate

Air temperatures at sea level remain fairly high throughout the year, from high 20's to high 30's °C.

The coastal areas have a hot and humid season from May to September (average 32-38°C).

The southern coast of Salalah & Mirbat experiences the 'Khareef' from around June to early October, catching the northern edge of the monsoon winds which turns a large area in the locality completely green.

From October to April air temperatures are very pleasant during the day and cool at night.

The annual rainfall in most parts of Oman rarely exceeds 125mm and generally the weather is good.

Water Temperature

From November to April average water temperatures vary between 22-26°C, with some thermoclines.

Regaldive recommend divers use a 3mm full wetsuit and a 5mm full wetsuit in the winter months. The full suit is recommended due to the small stinging hydroids prevalent in the Indian and Arabian ocean. Although unlikely to cause any damage, it just makes the dives more comfortable should there be anything in the water and provides protection for the legs and knees  during shore dive entries and exits.

A unique feature of Oman’s diving are the number of endemic corals that have learnt to survive in temperatures above their normal temperature range.

Currents and Visibility

Salalah and Mirbat offers something for every level of diver and is an excellent place to learn to dive, with most sites close to shore not experiencing any strong currents.

Visibility is in a range between 10 to 20 metres, with more blue water in comparison to Oman's more northerly destinations. Lower visibility is caused by plankton blooms, which attract greater numbers of fish and marine mammals.

Time

Oman is +4 hours ahead of GMT.

Currency

The Omani Rial £1 = 0.5 Rials

Euros and US Dollars are also widely acepted. We recommend taking some money in cash. ATMs are available in Muscat Airport, Salalah Town and there is an exchange facility in most hotels (though exchange rates are not generally competitive).

Travellers cheques can be cashed in Oman, but please check local banking hours as they tend to be open when you are diving.

Tipping

Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to travellers for personal recognition of the services offered.

If you do not have local notes in small denominations, use foreign USD notes.

Activities

Excursions can be arranged locally for mountains trips, hiking and cycling, or why not hire a 4 wheel drive to discover the coastal area of Muqsahl to the west?

Flight Information

Into Muscat & Salalah: Flights with Oman Air direct into Muscat from London Heathrow. Connecting flights to Salalah from Muscat.

Into Dubai: Flights with Emirates into Dubai non-stop from London Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle (conditions may apply on certain regional departures).

Departure tax: N/A

Passports & Visas

Please always check your own entry requirements regardless of your nationality. Your passport should always have at least 6 months validity on date of return travel. Always check for last minute changes in entry requirements. Nationalities other than British citizens should check with their own consular office.

British passport holders can enter Oman for up to 14 days without a visa. If you wish to stay for longer than 14 day you can either apply for a visa online before departure or obtain one on arrival. For information can be found on the FCO website, Entry to Oman.

Vaccinations

Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.  For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic or GP.  Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider.  There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Oman, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio.

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