YOUR QUESTIONS
FAQ's
Find answers to your questions before joining a tour so that you can find out exactly what you want to know. If you have more question please feel free to reach us via contact form.
We offer six tours: Morning Snorkeling (8:30 AM), Afternoon Snorkeling (1:30 PM), Scuba Diving, Dolphin Watching, Private Boat Tour, and an Overnight Camping experience. All tours depart from Seeb Marina except the Dolphin Watching tour, which departs from Bandar Rowdha Marina.
Most tours depart from Seeb Marina, Muscat. The Dolphin Watching tour departs from Bandar Rowdha Marina. Both locations are easy to reach from central Muscat and major hotels. Transport to the marina is not included but can be arranged on request.
No experience is needed. All snorkeling tours are suitable for complete beginners, and our guides stay in the water with you throughout. For scuba diving, first-time divers are welcome and receive a one-on-one guided dive with a professional instructor. Life jackets are provided for anyone who needs them.
All tours include snorkeling or diving equipment, life jackets, island visit permits, refreshments and snacks onboard, and a professional guide. The Scuba Diving tour also includes sandwiches and drinks. The Camping tour includes tents, blankets, BBQ dinner, breakfast, and portable chargers. What’s not included varies by tour see each individual tour page for details.
Yes, island visit permits are included in all standard snorkeling and diving tours. For the Private Tour, permits are included for Omani nationals. Non-Omani visitors pay an additional OMR 3 per adult and OMR 1 per child, payable at booking.
Yes — a beach stop on the islands is included from November to April. During summer months (May to October), beach access is restricted to protect nesting sea turtles, so the beach stop is not available. Snorkeling and diving activities continue year round regardless.
The Daymaniyat Islands are home to over 350 marine species. Common sightings include green sea turtles, stingrays, clownfish, parrotfish, angelfish, moray eels, reef sharks, and barracuda. In season (typically October to February), whale sharks and spinner dolphins are also spotted. Every trip is different, which makes each visit exciting.
Whale shark sightings are seasonal and cannot be guaranteed, but they do occur regularly, most commonly between October and February. When whale sharks are in the area, your guide will do everything possible to offer a safe and respectful encounter.
Dolphins are wild marine mammals and sightings cannot be guaranteed 100%. However, the Gulf of Oman has one of the highest dolphin sighting success rates in the Middle East, and the vast majority of guests spot dolphins on every tour. Spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins are the most commonly seen species.
The best conditions are generally between October and May when the sea is calmest, underwater visibility is at its clearest, and weather is comfortable. November to April is peak season and includes the island beach stop. Summer tours still run and offer warmer water, but sea conditions can be rougher.
Both tours visit the same snorkeling sites and include the same equipment, guides, and permits. The morning tour suits early risers and those wanting to finish by midday. The afternoon tour (departing 1:30 PM) is ideal if you prefer a relaxed morning or have a late arrival in Muscat. Many snorkelers actually prefer the afternoon for the unique quality of underwater light.
Yes, all tours are family-friendly. Children are welcome on snorkeling, dolphin watching, and private tours. The minimum age for scuba diving is 10 years old. Life jackets and appropriately sized equipment are available. The Dolphin Watching tour welcomes children from 3 years old, with infants under 3 joining free. Please contact us if you have young children so we can prepare accordingly.
You should be comfortable in open water to get the most from the experience. However, life jackets are provided and guides remain in the water with you at all times. If you are not a confident swimmer, please let us know when booking so we can give you extra support.
No certification is required. The tour is open to both certified divers and complete beginners. First-time divers complete one fully guided dive with a professional instructor. Certified divers enjoy two full dives at the reserve’s best sites.
Bring your own towel, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. For snorkeling and diving tours, all equipment is provided. An underwater camera or GoPro is highly recommended for capturing marine life. For the Camping tour, bring personal clothing and items for an overnight stay. Leave valuables at your accommodation where possible.
Yes. Our Private Daymaniyat Islands Tour accommodates up to 20 passengers on an exclusively chartered boat, with morning (8:30 AM) and afternoon (1:30 PM) slots available. The private tour includes two snorkeling stops, a beach stop, onboard food and drinks, and optional kayaking. It’s fully customizable to suit your group’s pace and preferences.
The Camping Tour is a 2-day, 1-night experience on the Daymaniyat Islands. It includes two snorkeling sessions, a beachside BBQ dinner, breakfast, camping tents with blankets and mattresses, snacks and drinks, portable chargers, and guided walks. Highlights include a spectacular sunset, stargazing, and the possibility of seeing bioluminescence and sea turtles at night.
Yes, advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during peak season (October to April) when tours fill up quickly. Booking in advance also ensures your island visit permits are secured. You can book online or contact us directly.
Guest safety is our top priority. If sea conditions are unsuitable due to weather, swell, or poor visibility, we will contact you in advance and offer a full reschedule or refund. The Daymaniyat Islands enjoy excellent conditions for the majority of the year, so disruptions are rare.
Transport to and from Seeb Marina or Bandar Rowdha Marina is not included in standard tour prices. Taxis, ride-hailing apps, and rental cars are all convenient options from anywhere in Muscat. For private bookings, transport arrangements may be possible — please contact us at the time of booking to discuss your needs.