Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: Daymaniyat Islands from Muscat

Two dives and a boat lunch at a protected marine reserve, not a crowded reef

Scuba dive and snorkel Daymaniyat Islands, a UNESCO-protected nature reserve 40 minutes by boat from Muscat, with a PADI guide, two sessions in the water, lunch on board, and all equipment provided. The boat leaves Marina Bandar Al Rowdha in south Muscat, passes Fahal Island and old Muscat on the way out, and stops at two dive sites where sea turtles and other marine life are common. In season (July to October) whale sharks and whales appear on the crossing.

The experience

Five hours total, with the boat ride itself part of the day. You leave Marina Bandar Al Rowdha in the morning, and the crossing to Daymaniyat takes 40 minutes: long enough to watch for dolphins and, between July and October, whale sharks and other whales moving through the water. The islands sit inside a UNESCO reserve with mild currents and easy diving most of the year, which is why the operator prioritizes this site for both beginners and experienced divers.

Once you arrive, you get two sessions in the water: the first is snorkeling or scuba diving at one site, then lunch on board (a lunch box provided), then a second session at another site within the reserve. Sea turtles are regular sightings. The boat allows landing on the beaches between October and May when bird migration restrictions lift. Outside those months you stay on the water. A PADI professional guides both sessions and manages all the gear: scuba equipment, snorkeling gear, and safety protocols are handled by the crew.

The return trip gives you views of Muscat's coast as you head back to the marina. Bottled water is on board throughout. The reserve permit is included in the price, so there's no separate fee to enter the protected area.

What’s included

• Use of scuba equipment and snorkeling gear.
• a PADI professional guide for both sessions.
• lunch on board.
• bottled water.
• Daymaniyat Islands reserve permit.

Options for this experience

2 options

Scuba diving excursions to the Daymaniyat IslandsGuide in 4 languages · 08:30

Scuba diving with equipment hireGuide in 4 languages · 08:30Equipment hire for scuba diving: this option adds a complete set of scuba gear rental, not including a dive computer

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by QTours.om

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want two separate dive or snorkel sessions at protected sites rather than a single stop, and if the 40-minute crossing appeals to you as part of the day. The boat ride itself is when dolphins and seasonal whale sharks appear.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the boat ride like from Muscat to Daymaniyat Islands?

The crossing takes 40 minutes from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha in south Muscat. The route passes Fahal Island and views of old Muscat on the way out. Between July and October, whale sharks and other whales sometimes appear during the crossing. Dolphins are common year-round.

Can I snorkel if I don't want to scuba dive?

Yes. Both snorkeling and scuba diving happen at the same two sites, and you choose which one you do during each session. A PADI guide is on board for both activities, and all equipment is provided.

What marine life will I actually see at Daymaniyat?

Sea turtles are regular sightings at the dive sites. The reserve also holds rich coral formations and other marine life. Between July and October, whale sharks and other whales may appear during the boat crossing to the islands.

Is there a minimum age or fitness requirement?

Children are welcome from age 8. The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Pregnant travelers and those with poor cardiovascular health are not recommended for this activity.

Can the boat land on the beach?

Beach landings are allowed between October and May. Outside those months, the restriction is due to bird migration season, so the boat stays on the water for both dive sessions.