Oman Liveaboards

Extending out from the Arabian Sea into the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, Oman offers liveaboard diving away from the crowds.

Her dynamic and nutrient-rich waters play host to a high diversity of marine life, from thriving coral reefs to whale sharks and humpback whales. It is possible to dive Oman by liveaboard from both her north and south coastlines, with liveaboard itineraries switching during the year to offer the best diving in each region.

Northern itineraries visit sites such as the Daymaniyat Islands with flourishing coral reefs, while southern itineraries offer more adventurous diving for those with some liveaboard experience.

DIVING from SALALAH & MIRBAT

Discover the extensive reefs of southern Oman and the Hallaniyat Islands! Departing from Mirbat’s small harbour, the itinerary will be exploratory in nature, for divers comfortable in a relatively remote location.

Situated in the southern area of Oman's Dhofar region, this unspoilt coastline, stretching as far as the eye can see, offering sheltered bays to explore in an area steeped in history and heritage. Set against the stunning backdrop of deserted beaches, with the 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.

Where's the best liveaboard diving in Oman?

Southern Oman

Discover the extensive reefs of southern Oman and the Hallaniyat Islands! Departing from Mirbat's small harbour, the itinerary will be exploratory in nature, for divers comfortable in a relatively remote location.

The Hallaniyat Islands

Sitting in the waters straddling the north Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, the Hallaniyat Islands comprise five islands lying in an east to west string in the south-eastern waters of Oman’s Dhofar district; Al Hasikiyah, As Sawdah, Al Hallaniyah, Shinays & Al Qibiliyah. (The islands may also be referred to as the Khuriya Muriya Islands.)

The largest island is Al Hallaniyah at 56 km², the others being relatively small, but this remote string of islands offers a wealth of dive sites to be discovered. The geography is typical of the rugged desert like peaks typical to Oman, with its highest point at approximately 465 metres.

City of Winchester wreck

Sitting upside down in 28–30 metres of water, this historic 150m long vessel holds the spurious title of the first British ship to be sunk in an act of war by Germany in WWI.

Rumours also abound of other wrecks from the famous fleets of Vasco da Gama. Are you ready to make your first discovery?

Northern Oman

The Daymaniyat Islands

The Daymaniyat Islands helped place Oman on the world dive map and is a wonderful dive safari for those looking to avoid the crowds. This string of offshore islands north of Muscat has been placed under the protection of UNESCO and provides divers with pristine soft coral gardens, walls and overhangs, leopard sharks and abundant fish life. Dive sites such as The Aquarium are aptly named with an incredible abundance of marine life, huge shoals of fusiliers streaming across the reef with honeycomb moray eels poking out of holes. Sira Island offers three dive sites in one, starting with a sloping wall and sandy bottom, ideal for spotting feather rays and marble rays, turn the corner for a carpet of leather and broccoli soft corals, finishing off shallower with colourful hard corals and pulsing anthias. The dive sites in their protected nature reserve show their health with large cuttlefish and vibrant nudibranch, on the islands themselves turtles have been seen nesting and are often spotted under the water. During dive safaris, the resident population of spinner dolphins are often seen during the crossing.

The best diving conditions are found in the area from April to October due to the wind direction and better clarity in the water, plus, June to September are the best months to have the chance to encounter migrating whale sharks.  Water temperature varies due to the thermoclines by drops and rises of +/- 8 centigrade, which fluctuates within the water column and often brings a change of visibility. Due to this, the relatively deep average maximum depth of the dives, and the possibility of strong currents its best suited to the more advanced divers. 

Fahal Islands

The Fahal Islands towards the north boasts an incredible variety of coral species. There are two small wrecks, which draw a large amount of marine life, including the occasional black tip reef shark, various rays and both green and hawksbill turtles.

Bandar Khairan

Bandar Khairan is an area of outstanding beauty, boasting rocky outcrops, deserted beaches and small islands such as Ras Abu Dawud that are only accessible by boat. The underwater scenery is similarly dramatic with picturesque walls and reefs festooned with healthy finger and fan corals in purples and green; all teeming with marine life. The shallow, sheltered dives of Bandar Jussa, which are great to dive in all conditions, afford lovely, simple night diving experiences. Bhandar Khairan is an area where turtles breed, and these beautiful animals can be seen on nearly every dive.

Al Munassir Wreck

In 2003 the Al Munassir, a 3,000 tonne vessel, was sunk at Bandar Khairan and has developed into a beautiful artificial reef dive. Although relatively new, this wreck is already smothered in corals and home to plenty of marine life. Easily accessible, the Al Munassir lies at 26m with her top at just 8m.

What to see when

Oman’s diverse reefs are fed throughout the year by nutrient-rich seas. While this can bring variable visibility, it also ensures an abundance of marine species on every dive.

Large grouper, leopard shark, stingray, barracuda, turtle and rare moray eel species can be observed on many dives, with an abundance of mid-water fish species and occasional larger visitors.

Whale sharks

On northern Oman itineraries, it's possible to see whale shark, particularly between September and November. These friendly wanderers are drawn to the area by the abundance of food.

Humpbacks, if you are lucky!

On southern itineraries to the Hallaniyat Islands, humpback whale are regularly sighted from the surface, along with some of their smaller cetacean friends; the dolphin. There's also a good chance of manta ray, along with large grouper and superb coral on relatively shallow reefs.

When's the best time to dive in Oman by liveaboard

The Oman Explorer operates seasonal itineraries to the best dive sites in Oman, offering diving experiences away from the crowds and plenty of underwater highlights.

Northern itineraries operate between June and November when water temperatures are at their warmest. Southern itineraries to the Hallaniyat Islands are offered during the winter months between December and April.

Twice a year, transition cruises are offered as the liveaboard moves from one area to the other, offering the chance of some exploratory diving for those with good experience.

Who is liveaboard diving in Oman suitable for?

Sea and underwater conditions can be more variable in Oman than in other destinations. It's this variety that makes the waters so abundant, however liveaboards in this region are best for those with some experience. It's recommended to have a minimum of 50 dives and Advanced Open Water certification. Open Water divers may also join, but are recommended to have the deep diver speciality.

Please note that water visibility can be changeable in this area of the ocean, averaging around 20 metres. Divers should each travel with their own surface signalling devices.

Water temperatures can also vary quite widely at different depths and on the same dive, therefore a thicker wetsuit is recommended.

OMAN EXPLORER SAMPLE ITINERARIES

The Oman Explorer operates seasonal itineraries to the best dive sites in Oman, offering diving experiences away from the crowds and plenty of underwater highlights.

Hallaniyat Islands: Mirbat & Salalah MV or Mirbat to Sifah (or reverse)

Daymaniyat Islands: Muscat MV 

Musandam Peninsula MV (seasonal - please contact us for further information)

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).

Flight Duration: Approx. 7 - 8.5 hours

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.

Click here for all Hotel Offers

Click here for all Liveaboard Offers

Click here to view current Schedules & Prices

MY Oman Explorer

MY Oman Explorer

MY Oman Explorer

MY Oman Explorer

Oman Aggressor