Considered one of the top diving spots in Oman, the Daymaniyat islands are also a great place to snorkel or just relax on the white sand beaches. Discover the rocky isles and their underwater world with a video and many photos.
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VIDEO - Daymaniyat Islands Snorkeling tour
Let's start with a short video of my boat tour to the Daymaniyat islands where I toured several of them and snorkeled at 3 different spots:
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INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Daymaniyat Islands
Getting to the Nature Reserve
The Daymaniyat islands are quite off the coast and it will take you 30 min to 1 hour to reach them depending on your starting point. They are clustered into 3 distinct groups so plan also some time to travel between them.
Daymaniyat islands Map
Located 17 kilometers off the Oman shore North of Muscat, between Barka and Seeb, the Daymaniyat islands Nature Reserve (also called (also spelled Dimaniyat or Dimaaniyat) is composed of 9 small rocky isles. They are so tiny that even zooming on google they cannot be seen (scuba travel has some more detailed maps).
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS
Getting to the Daymaniyat islands
- Tours depart from the Wave Marina (Almouj Marina) in Muscat or further along the coast from Al Sawadi beach resort or from the Millennium Resort Mussanah - I used SeaOman from the Wave and was satisfied with their service.
- 30 min to 1 hour with a small motor boat
Visiting the Dyamaniyat islands
- The is a Nature Reserve so access is regulated (permit as of December 2015 4 OR per day)
- Landing is not authorized from May to October
- The best season for diving is supposed to be from April to October
- Some of the snorkeling spots are very quiet and good for less confident swimmers
- Plan one day for a trip to the reserve - some tour operator organize lunch on the beach when authorized
- You can use their equipment, or you can bring your own snorkeling gear
Book your tour
This excursions with snorkeling and landing on the beach is now available for booking on GetYourGuide: Check program and price
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The Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve
The area has been protected since 1996. The tiny isles are only orange or grey rocks with some sandy area.
Birds at the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve
The daymaniyat islands are a nesting site for several migratory birds. I was off season but still spotted few birds.
Snorkeling at the Daymanyiat islands
The Daymaniyat islands are also a nesting ground for the turtles. Being off season, I was still hopeful to spot one, like I did on my Muscat Boat tours, but sadly I did not.
I snorkeled at 3 different spots along the various islands. Some were quiet and easy while other had more movement. The underwater landscape was very different each times with corals, various algae and different fishes.
Apparently if you dive there are also caves to explore.
If you like snorkeling photos, I also went along the Muscat Shores and spotted a turtle!
Want to see more of Oman's beauty?
Discover more things to do and places to see in Oman in my online Oman Destination Guide.
Do you enjoy snorkeling?