Coastal Oman · Sea trips & water activities

Over 3,000 km of coastline — and most of it has the sea to itself.

Dolphins that ride the bow of the boat, reefs a few fins' kicks from shore, protected islands, and old wooden dhows cruising a coast of cliffs and coves. Whether you'd rather stay dry on deck or go down to thirty metres, Oman's sea has a trip for you.

A pod of dolphins surfacing together in open water
From the deck to the deep

Pick how wet you'd like to get.

Scroll down through the water. Every trip below can be booked on its own, or built into a longer Oman itinerary.
0 m · On the water

Stay dry, see plenty.

No swimming needed. Sit back on deck and let the coast, the cliffs and the dolphins come to you.

  • 3 Hours

    Dawn with the Dolphins

    Three hours at sea off Muscat looking for spinner, bottlenose and common dolphins. Shared transfers, water and light refreshments included.

    Meeting Point
    Your hotel in Muscat
  • 3 Hours

    Sunset Dhow Cruise

    Three hours: a traditional wooden dhow along the Muscat coast at sunset, past Al Alam Palace and the old forts. Shared transfers and refreshments…

    Meeting Point
    Your hotel in Muscat
  • 4 Hours

    Bandar Khayran Sea Safari

    Half a day on a traditional dhow from Muscat to the quiet bays of Bandar Khayran, with a good chance of dolphins and time…

    Departure City
    Muscat
    Best Season
    October to April
    Tour Availability
    October to April, on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays
  • 3 Hours

    Khor Ash Sham Half-Day Dhow Cruise

    Three hours on a traditional dhow through the Khor Ash Sham fjord from Khasab, with dolphins, swimming and snorkelling.

    Meeting Point
    Khasab Port
    Best Season
    September to April
    Tour Availability
    Two departures: 10:00 to 13:00 or 13:30 to 16:00
  • 6 Hours

    Musandam Full-Day Dhow Cruise with Lunch

    A full day on a traditional dhow in the fjords of Musandam, with dolphins, swimming and snorkelling stops and lunch on board.

    Departure City
    Khasab
    Best Season
    September to April
    Meals
    Lunch on board
    Transportation
    Car or minivan to the harbour, then the dhow
  • 2 Days

    Overnight on a Dhow in Musandam

    An evening cruise into the fjords of Musandam, dinner on board and a night at anchor in a quiet bay, back in Khasab by…

    Meeting Point
    Khasab harbour, about 16:00
    Best Season
    September to April
    Accomodation
    On board the dhow
    Meals
    Dinner and a simple breakfast
1–5 m · Just below the surface

Mask on, face down.

Clear water, reef fish and — if you're lucky — a turtle gliding past. Snorkel gear and a guide are included.
  • 6 Hours

    Daymaniyat Islands Snorkelling Trip

    A boat trip from Muscat to the protected Daymaniyat Islands to swim and snorkel over coral with reef fish, rays and often turtles.

    Departure City
    Muscat
    Best Season
    October to April
    Hotel Transfer
    Included (shared)
10–30 m · Down deep

Breathe underwater.

Warm water, good visibility and healthy reefs. Certified divers, first-timers and those who want to get certified are all welcome.
  • 3 Hours

    Scuba Diving in Khasab

    Two guided dives in the clear water of Musandam, over coral and rocky reefs full of fish. For beginners and certified divers.

    Departure City
    Khasab
    Best Season
    All year
Open water · Out to sea

Head for the blue.

Beyond the reefs, where the sea turns deep blue. Fishing gear, bait and an experienced crew are provided.
  • 4 Hours

    Deep-Sea Fishing from Muscat

    Four hours offshore with a local captain and crew, fishing for kingfish, tuna, barracuda and more. All gear provided; beginners welcome.

    Departure City
    Muscat
    Best Season
    October to April
    Hotel Transfer
    Included (shared)
  • 3 Hours

    Sea Kayaking in Khasab

    Three hours paddling a kayak in the calm water of Musandam’s fjords, below tall cliffs and past hidden coves and beaches.

    Departure City
    Khasab
    Best Season
    All year
Which trip suits me?

Start with who's coming.

A quick guide to the trips that usually work best for different travellers.
  • Young children

    • Dolphin watching
    • Dhow cruise
  • Non-swimmers

    • Dhow cruise
    • Dolphin watching
    • Deep sea fishing
  • First-time snorkellers

    • Coastal snorkelling
  • Confident swimmers

    • Daymaniyat Islands
    • Try scuba diving
  • Certified divers

    • Guided dives
    • Daymaniyat Islands
  • Couples & celebrations

    • Sunset dhow cruise
    • Private charter
Spotlight

The Daymaniyat Islands.

A small chain of islands off the coast west of Muscat, protected as a nature reserve. Coral reefs, turtles and big shoals of fish make it the sea trip most of our guests remember — and because it's protected, it still feels untouched.
Status
Protected nature reserve
Getting there
By boat from the Muscat area
What you'll see
Reefs, turtles, reef fish
Best for
Snorkelling & diving
Access
Seasonal & regulated

Some islands close during turtle nesting season — we'll confirm what's open for your dates.

When to go

The sea changes with the season.

  • October – April

    Calm seas, comfortable days

    • The best months for every trip on this page
    • Pleasant on deck all day
    • Generally calm water for snorkelling and diving
  • May – September

    Warm water, hot days

    • Go early — morning trips beat the heat
    • Seas can be rougher on some days
    • Some Daymaniyat islands close for turtle nesting
Included on every trip

Safe on the water, every time.

  • Life jackets for all

    On board every boat, in sizes for children and adults.

  • Licensed boats & crews

    Experienced local skippers who know these waters well.

  • Gear provided

    Masks, snorkels and fins included; dive equipment available to rent.

  • We watch the weather

    If the sea isn't right, we reschedule — never a rough trip for the sake of it.

More of the coast

Beyond Muscat's shoreline.

  • Musandam's fjords

    Dhow cruises between cliffs that drop straight into the sea, with dolphins and snorkelling stops along the way.

    See Musandam →
  • The coast road to Sur

    Wadi Shab, the Bimmah sinkhole and empty beaches along one of Oman's most scenic drives.

    Drive it yourself →
  • Muscat by the sea

    The old harbour, the corniche and the beaches — the city at its best from the water.

    See Muscat →

Pick a day, pick a depth.

Tell us your dates and who's coming — we'll match you to the right boat, the right trip and the right time of day.

Questions people usually ask about sea trips.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No — they're wild animals, so nobody can promise it. Sightings are very common on morning trips off Muscat, but every trip is different.

I can't swim. Can I still come?

Yes. Dhow cruises, dolphin watching and fishing trips don't involve swimming, and life jackets are on board for everyone. For snorkelling, you'll need to be comfortable in the water.

Do I need a certificate to dive?

Not for a "try diving" trip — an instructor stays with you throughout. For regular guided dives you'll need a recognised certification; bring your card and logbook.

What if I get seasick?

Take seasickness tablets before you board, not after you feel unwell. Morning trips usually have calmer seas, and the dhow cruise stays close to the coast.

Are the trips suitable for children?

Dolphin watching and dhow cruises are great for families. Snorkelling and diving have minimum ages — tell us your children's ages and we'll suggest what fits.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a light layer for the boat ride. Masks, snorkels and fins are provided.

Can I book a private boat?

Yes — most trips can be arranged privately for your group, and our private charter lets you mix activities however you like.
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