Snorkeling at Daymaniyat Islands: UNESCO marine sanctuary

Coral reefs and sea turtles in protected waters off Oman's coast

Snorkel the Daymaniyat Islands, a UNESCO-protected marine sanctuary near Muscat, aboard a 38-foot speedboat with a live guide in English, Hindi, Arabic or Urdu. The trip includes new Aqualung snorkeling equipment, snacks, fruits and soft drinks. It runs 5 hours and suits all fitness levels, with life jackets and safety gear provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Daymaniyat Islands snorkeling trip

• Board 38-foot speedboat Fulla
• Travel to Daymaniyat Islands
• Snorkel vibrant coral reefs
• Swim in crystal lagoons
• Lounge on pristine beaches
• Relax onboard with refreshments
• Learn about islands from crew

The experience

The Daymaniyat Islands sit in turquoise water off Muscat's coast, ringed by coral reefs where colorful fish and sea turtles move through the shallows. You board the Fulla, a 38-foot speedboat built for small groups, and the crew takes you out to the snorkeling sites. Once in the water, you explore the reefs at your own pace. The guide stays nearby but the moment is yours: you drift over the coral, watch the fish scatter and settle, and if you're patient, you may see a turtle glide past. The boat carries a private bathroom, so there's no scrambling for facilities between water time.

The crew handles the logistics: they fit you with new Aqualung equipment sized to your frame, brief you on the sites and the marine life you'll encounter, and keep watch from the boat. Between snorkeling sessions, you lounge on the deck or swim in the lagoon shallows. Meals, fresh fruit and soft drinks come throughout the day, and the crew accommodates dietary needs if you mention them when you book. The trip runs 5 hours total, so you're back on land by early afternoon.

Safety is built in: life jackets and full safety gear are available, the crew is trained to high standards, and the operation follows environmental protocols to protect the sanctuary. Children from age 1 can come along: infants travel in a pram or stroller on deck, and older kids can snorkel with supervision. Public transport reaches the meeting point, so you don't need a rental car to get there.

What’s included

• New Aqualung snorkeling equipment sized to fit.
• snacks, fresh fruit and soft drinks.
• life jackets and safety gear.
• access to pristine snorkeling sites around the islands.
• use of the boat's private bathroom.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except FridayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish, Arabic, Hindi and Urdu

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 23 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Daymaniyat Experts

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel at your own pace in protected reefs during a half-day outing from Muscat. The small group and 5-hour window leave your afternoon free.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Hindi, Arabic and Urdu.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

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 will I see when I snorkel at the Daymaniyat Islands?

The reefs around the islands hold colorful fish, sea turtles and coral formations in shallow, clear water. The guide will point out what to look for and where the best snorkeling spots are, but you explore at your own speed once you're in the water.

Is the snorkeling gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

New Aqualung equipment is included in the price and fitted to your size. You bring your own swimwear, towel, sunscreen and hat. The crew provides life jackets and safety gear.

What's included in the price besides snorkeling gear?

Snacks, fresh fruit and soft drinks are included throughout the day. The crew also accommodates special diets if you let them know when booking. All fees and taxes are built into the quoted price.