Since Oman opened its gates to visitors in the 1970s, scuba diving here has become increasingly popular. As it’s only recently been put on the diving map, many of Oman’s dive sites are in pristine condition and mostly untouched. 

Diving here is suitable for all, from easy reef diving to caves for more advanced divers. The water is normally warm all year round, with October to May experiencing the calmest ocean conditions. Visibility ranges between 15 meters (50 feet) to 25 meters (85 feet). Though visibility is somewhat poorer than other popular dive destinations, it does mean that large shoals of fish are often present thanks to the nutrient-heavy water. 

Oman offers divers an exceptional adventure, from the Musandam Peninsula in the north, where nutrient-rich waters nourish the diverse marine life, to the south around Salalah, where the coastline boasts a number of beaches and bays. 

There’s also some sensational dive spots near the capital of Muscat, situated on the Gulf of Oman between the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf. 

Diving options are endless, with lots of dive centers and dive resorts to choose from. Diving without a guide is common in Oman, but local guides are usually available upon request. Liveaboard fans can rejoice too, as they’re aplenty. 

As Oman benefits from a subtropical desert climate, diving here is pleasant all year round, with warm temperatures on land and underwater. It’s mostly dry and sunny and experiences very little rainfall. 

Summer runs from June to September, when temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F) and rainfall is scarce. Winter’s heat is more bearable, with a few showers occurring, while spring and autumn are dry and warm, with temperatures between 25°C (77°F) and 35°C (95°F). 

The winter runs from October until February when air temperatures are on average anywhere from 20-25°C (68-77°F), and water temperatures linger around 28°C (83°F).

October to May is the ideal time to dive in Oman, because of better visibility and agreeable air and water temperatures. However, the whale shark season typically runs from July to November, depending on the area. If you prefer nesting turtles, May to June is the time to visit. 

Oman is split into three areas where the diving happens; the Daymaniyat Islands, Musandam Peninsula and Hallaniyat Islands. All are unique and offer beautiful reef dives, wrecks, stunning topography, including swim-throughs, tunnels and caves. 

A popular choice for diving in Oman is by one of the liveaboard dive safari boats, due to convenience and the fact that some dive sites only being accessible by such, like the remote Hallaniyat Islands. Not only are there amazing reef dives here, but there are also several shipwrecks to explore in this area, 

For beautiful, easy reef dives, the Musandam Peninsula is the place to be. Sites here such as The Cave and Lima Rock, also feature magnificent topography, including caves and tunnels. The Daymaniyat Islands where Oman’s first marine reserve was established, also cater to reef lovers.

Marine life is very diverse, boasting between 1300 and 1500 species of fish, some of which are unique to Oman. The country is also home to a plethora of bigger creatures, including turtles, and pelagics, such as rays, sharks and even everyone’s favourite gentle giant - the whale shark. To see whale sharks, head to the Daymaniyat Islands, Musandam Peninsula, Fahal Island and Bandar Khayran, where they assemble. 

Further afield at the Hallaniyat Islands, divers can discover dolphins, manta rays, humpback whales and sperm whales. 

Other majestic creatures to be encountered include reef, zebra and leopard sharks, plus vibrant coral reefs, rays, mola molas, turtles, large schools of fish and more. 

Musandam Peninsula

The Caves in the Musandam Peninsula is highly recommended for cave lovers. There are tunnels dotted around the limestone rocks that house shrimp and lobster, while sharks and rays relax on the caves’ sandy bottoms. 

Daymaniyat Islands

Finally, the famous Daymaniyat Islands north of Muscat promise beautiful reefs descending down to 30 meters (100 feet), rays, reef sharks and seasonal whale sharks. This lush marine reserve is also a turtle nesting site.

Hallaniyat Islands

A destination for liveaboard dive trips due to its remote location, the Hallinyat Islands of Oman reward divers with uncrowded dive sites with reefs in excellent condition. Large pelagics such as whales and Manta rays are often spotted in the waters around Hallinyat.

Other spots around Oman include: Bandar Khayran which boasts shallow coral reefs and dramatic drop-offs, and also the top shipwreck in Oman, the Al Munassir. Located at 30 meters (100 feet), divers can find schools of goatfish and snapper, giant morays, rays and turtles living on this vessel. 

Al Fahal Island, nicknamed Shark Island due to numerous shark sightings, is a great spot featuring luscious reefs that is home to plenty of colorful fish species, as well as interesting topography, such as swim-throughs.