The Daymaniyat Islands are a group of nine small islands that are also a protected marine natural reserve by UNESCO (Note: A license is required to visit the islands, therefore, it is only possible to reach there with a licensed tour operator). The Daymaniyat Islands are known for their crystal clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches, as well as submerged reefs, swim-through caverns, and magnificent marine life near the water's surface making it a diver's paradise in Oman.

During the hatching season, leatherback sea turtles are easy to spot (July to August). Whale sharks, humpback whales, and manta rays can all be seen swimming about the island waters, as can moray eels, big kingfish, and clownfish. The superb underwater visibility of 20 to 30 meters, which is a treat for any diver, is another highlight of this diving spot. The Daymaniyat Islands are an underwater wonderland that will provide you with a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The islands have spectacular coral reefs, and divers can swim with whale sharks during the cooler months. Visitors should be informed that from May to October, the Daymaniyat Islands are closed for safety.

Location: 70km off the coast of Muscat (30 minutes fast boat ride from Al Mouj Marina, Muscat)

Al Fahal Island, sometimes known as "Shark Island", is located in the middle of Muscat's capital city. This island is one of the best diving sites in Oman. It is a fantastic spot for both snorkeling and scuba diving, and it is a must-see for anyone visiting Muscat and looking for a fast dive in the Arabian Sea.

Due to changes in the sea level throughout time, this limestone rock island rose from the sea. Soft and hard corals, as well as schools of colorful fish that move in and around the corals, make the underwater environment of Al Fahal Island a pleasing sight for divers. Barracudas are frequently seen swimming close to the diving bay. If you are lucky, you might be able to swim with whale sharks, who are generally found resting at the ocean's bottom.

There are several wreck dive sites to choose from when diving in Oman. Advanced deep-sea divers can go on an exciting wreck dive off the coast of Al Fahal Island. On the northern edge of the island, a tugboat wreck can be located 30 meters below sea level. If you are feeling more daring, a 40-meter dive will take you to the deep reefs that sit calmly beneath the surface.

Location: 4km from Muscat (20 minutes boat-ride away from Ras Al Hamra area in Muscat)

Bandar Al Khairan is an excellent diving location for anyone visiting Muscat on a short trip. There is no need to stress about planning a journey to the remote reaches of the globe when you have one right in your own backyard (not literally though). Bandar Al Khairan is the most picturesque island in the Muscat governorate, making it a favourite weekend escape for locals and tourists alike.

The route to the island passes via magnificent seaside cuts of naturally occurring limestone cliffs that have been broken into exquisite pieces, allowing boats to sail through. Bandar Al Khairan Island offers three scuba diving locations for a complete diving experience in Oman. The first dive site, Al-Munassir, is a wreck dive that has transformed into an artificial coral reef and is a key source of life for many marine animals in the area. Mermaid Cove, a rocky inlet on the island, is another popular diving spot. This scuba diving site is known for its hard colorful corals and excellent underwater visibility. Seahorse Bay is the island's final diving location. The number of moray eels, anemone shrimps, and clownfish at this scuba diving spot is legendary.

Due to dense haze clouds forming in the vicinity, the best visibility cannot be guaranteed at this diving site for the majority of the months. Keep reading to learn more about the best diving sites in Oman.

Location: 25km from the Muttrah area in Muscat (15 minutes fast boat ride from Marina Al Rowdha in Sidab, Muscat)

Musandam, popularly known as the "Norway of Arabia," is renowned for its spectacular inlets and varied marine life. Musandam, which is separated from the rest of Oman by the UAE, might be a wonderful last dive destination if you are driving to Dubai. Two of Oman's most unusual diving locations are found in this sparsely populated region. "The Caves Island" is a tough yet interesting dive for advanced divers. At Ras Sannat, the primary diving spot, a cave may be seen on the surface of the sea. Khor Mala is another cave diving location, with a variety of caves under the water.

The sea's erosion has carved these caves into stunning shapes and streams for marine life to navigate. Stingrays and sharks are commonly seen lying on the bottom at this location. The caverns' cuts are home to a shoal of goldfish and shrimp that hide inside the caves.

Location: Towards the southern edge of Oman nearing the UAE border.

The Lima Rocks in Musandam's Dibba region are another popular diving destination. Lima Rock is one of the most well-known dive destinations in the Munsandam region. Lima Rock is located on the Lima Rock Island off the coast of Limah. With slope walls, swim-throughs, and caverns, it is a stunning diving destination. Turtles, eagle rays, tuna fish, and blacktip reef sharks call the place home. You may even come upon a whale shark.

Lima Rocks is a small island with limestone rocks, coral, and a variety of aquatic life. Sea erosion has carved the limestone rocks on the island into various shapes, which have become home to a variety of small sea critters such as shrimps, crabs, and even octopuses, which may be seen sheltering inside the underwater caves. Because the currents are usually very strong at this dive site, advanced diving abilities are recommended. Divers are recommended to dive into deep waters to obtain the full underwater experience at Lima Rocks, where they can expect to see 2.5m long nurse sharks, devil rays, and hard corals. Lima Rocks is one of the most captivating diving destinations and best diving sites in Oman.

Location: Towards the southern edge of Oman nearing the UAE border.

The governorate of Dhofar is located in southern Oman and is famed for its lush green scenery and dramatic foggy weather, especially during the monsoon season (called locally as 'Khareef'). When it comes to diving in Oman, most tourists overlook the Dhofar region because diving in Dhofar is rather uncommon, with only a few dive firms operating excursions around the region. The Khuriya Muriya Islands (also known as Al Hallaniyat Islands) are a group of five small islands off the coast of Salalah (Dhofar Governorate's capital city) in the province of Shalim. The occurrence of hard coral and kelp forest growing together due to fluctuations in water temperatures during summer is the main attraction of Khuriya Muriya Island, which is only found in a few places around the world.

Every year, during the summer months, a kelp forest up to 10 meters long grows, eventually drying out by September. Huge moray eels, parrotfish, and turtles are among the abundant marine life. Another highlight of the dive is a wreck of a British ship that was sunk by the Germans during World War I.

The Khuriya Muriya Islands are an untouched beauty and one of Oman's best scuba diving destinations, with miles of isolated pristine beaches still waiting to be discovered. They should be on your list of places to dive in Oman.

Location: 40km of the southeastern coast of Oman (can be accessed through boat rides from the cities of Mirbat and Sadah)

Mirbat, located in the Dhofar Governorate, around 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) from Muscat, offers a unique diving experience. The summer monsoon season brings a dramatic drop in temperatures and a plethora of underwater life. Mirbat is one of the few spots on the earth where you can see both coral reefs and kelp forests.

Divers have the chance to swim among whales, dolphins, and cuttlefish, among other animals. Due to the limited visibility and choppy water, this dive location is best suited to more experienced divers. When the water is exceptionally choppy, dive centers close from May to September.

Every site in Mirbat offers the convenience of a beach access into the water. Because the diving sites are all close to the beach, the greatest depth is 17 meters. The environments are ideal for coral growth because of the amount of sunlight and shallow water. Mirbat's diving offers not just beautiful coral gardens, but also a diverse array of fish. The macro life is available for anybody with an eye for our smaller buddies, from the tiny Nudibranches to Flat Worms, Shrimp, and other crustaceans. If little sea critters are not your thing, keep your eyes peeled for numerous types of rays, turtles, clown fish, and barracudas in the distance. There are also Octopus, a vast variety of Morays, Stone fish, and many other creatures can be found here.

Location: 75 kms East of Salalah