Muscat Daymaniyat Islands: Guided Snorkeling & Lunch Tour

Summary

Snorkel with turtles and dolphins near Muscat’s wild islands

You’ll ride out from Muscat with a local guide to snorkel three unique spots around Ad Daymaniyat Islands—swimming with sea turtles, spotting dolphins if you’re lucky, then sharing a simple lunch on deck with salt still on your skin. It’s one of those rare day trips where you actually feel far away—and it’ll stick with you long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really expect the water to be that clear — you know how people always say “crystal-clear” and it never quite is? But as soon as we left Seeb port in Muscat and the boat picked up speed, I could already see the color changing under us. Our guide, Khalid, pointed out a pod of dolphins before we’d even reached Ad Daymaniyat Islands. He grinned like he’d seen them a thousand times but still got a kick out of it. The air tasted salty and sharp, and I kept getting distracted by the way the sun bounced off the waves.

We stopped at three different snorkeling spots around the islands. Each one felt a little different — some places had these huge patches of soft coral that looked almost fake, others were just packed with fish darting everywhere. At one point Khalid waved me over (I was lagging behind, distracted by a parrotfish) and suddenly there were sea turtles everywhere. Like, not just one or two — I counted at least ten in my line of sight. They moved so slowly compared to everything else. Someone said they saw a blacktip reef shark but honestly I was too busy trying to keep my mask from fogging up.

The lunch was simple — fruit and sandwiches mostly — but after swimming for hours it tasted better than anything fancy. There was this moment when everyone just sat quietly on the boat eating oranges, salt still drying on our skin, nobody really talking much because we were all kind of tired in that good way. I remember thinking how weirdly peaceful it felt out there, with nothing but water and those low green islands in the distance.

I still think about that feeling sometimes — floating above those reefs at Ad Daymaniyat Islands, hearing nothing but my own breath through the snorkel. If you’re looking for a day trip from Muscat that actually feels like an escape (and includes lunch and all your gear), this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling at Ad Daymaniyat Islands

• Boat ride from Seeb port
• Spot dolphins and whale sharks
• Snorkel at first island - see sea turtles
• Snorkel at second spot - unique coral species
• Snorkel at third spot - blacktip reef sharks

Top questions

How do I get to Ad Daymaniyat Islands from Muscat?

The tour includes a boat ride from Seeb port in Muscat directly to Ad Daymaniyat Islands.

Are snorkeling equipment and lunch included?

Yes, snorkeling gear, bottled water, fruits, and lunch are all included.

Can beginners join this snorkeling tour?

Yes, the tour is suitable for all experience levels and ages.

Will I see sea turtles or dolphins?

You have a good chance of seeing sea turtles at several spots; dolphin sightings are possible during the boat ride.

Is pickup provided for this day trip from Muscat?

The tour starts at Seeb port; public transportation options are nearby but hotel pickup isn’t specified.

How many snorkeling stops are there?

The tour includes three different snorkeling stops around the islands.

Is this tour family-friendly?

Yes, it’s suitable for families; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transit.

What should I bring for this trip?

Bottled water and fruit are provided; bring sun protection and swimwear.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided boat ride from Seeb port in Muscat to Ad Daymaniyat Islands with three distinct snorkeling stops. All snorkeling equipment is provided along with bottled water, fresh fruit, and lunch served onboard before returning in the afternoon.