Dive Holiday: Mysk Al Mouj by Shaza & Aura Divers
Travel period
Features
Starting at
Diving around Muscat
Be enchanted by the underwater world of Oman during this 11-day diving vacation where you stay at the 4-star Mysk al Mouj hotel.
You will be diving with the diving school Aura Divers. The trip includes diving trips to the spectacular Damaniyat Islands, Fahal and Bandar Al Khairan, each accessible via a short, Zodiac boat ride of 20-30 minutes.
The Damaniyat Islands, registered as a sanctuary since 1984 and now a UNESCO protected marine reserve, are a treasure trove of biodiversity and natural beauty. Immersed in the crystal clear waters, you will encounter a diverse array of marine life from turtles, cuttlefish, whale sharks, zebra sharks, moray eels and more.
In addition, two day excursions are planned. The first excursion is to Nizwa, the ancient capital of Oman. On the second-to-last day you will head to the Wahiba Sands, here you will explore the wilderness of the Omani desert.
Despite some human impact, such as obsolete fishing nets, the local authorities and locals have done admirable work to preserve the underwater environment. The corals are vibrant and healthy, while marine life flourishes, a testament to Oman’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Dive into this fascinating experience and enjoy a stay in the luxury of Mysk al Mouj while discovering the wonders of Oman.
Best Travel Time: Although you can dive year-round, the best time to dive is from April to October, with the best visibility in May and June, when the water hovers around 28-30°C. Fans of sea turtles may enjoy watching green and hawksbill turtles nest on the island’s beaches. The season for whale sharks is from September to November.
Note; during the summer months it does get very hot in Oman!
We advise against traveling to Oman during Ramadan due to various restrictions. Therefore, avoid Mar 10 to Apr 8, 2024 and Feb 28 to Mar 29, 2025.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for Oman
Since the water temperature can vary between 26 and 30 degrees at the surface, we recommend a 3 mm in the summer months and a 5 mm wetsuit in the winter months. There is sometimes a cold thermocline that can drop a few degrees like that!
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 - Flight to Muscat
Today your adventure diving trip to Oman starts with an approximately 9-10 hour flight to Muscat, including a stopover.
Muscat, Oman’s picturesque capital, offers a unique blend of old and new. With majestic mosques, traditional souks, modern shopping malls and impressive forts, this city offers a rich cultural heritage against the backdrop of rugged mountains and a serene sea. Visitors can enjoy Omani hospitality, delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife, making Muscat a must-visit destination.
Day 2 - Arrival in Muscat
You will arrive at Muscat International Airport today and will be picked up by a driver here. From here, je to your accommodation the Mysk Al Mouj Hotel which is is about a 15 min travel time. If you are still in time, walk past the diving school of Aura Divers To meet the team there. They are directly attached to the hotel And it’s nice to take a look at the harbor right away, too. Aura Divers is the only female-run dive center in Oman. The owner Ehdaa Al Barwani (better known as Dee) is the first and only female Omani diving instructor. She followed her passion for the underwater world and started her own dive center, with the goal of encouraging Omani women to join the ever-growing diving family.
Day 3 to 5 - Diving at the Damaniyat Islands
Diving at the Daymaniyat Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an unforgettable experience. The dive site “Aquarium” is a highlight here. This site hosts an oval plateau that starts at a depth of about 7 meters and slopes down to 15 meters, after which there is a steep drop to about 30 meters. This area is bursting with marine life; from schools of fusiliers, squid, honeycomb moray eels and crabs, to large carpet corals in which all kinds of marine animals hide. It is a fantastic dive site both during the day and at night.
At “Three Sisters,” another dive site near the Daymaniyat Islands, you will find large boulders with soft tree corals and carpet corals. This place is rich with swimming trails and holes to dive into. You can spot green and hawksbill turtles, eagle rays and leopard sharks.
Day 6 - Excursion: Nizwa - Bahla - Jabrin Fort
You can also enjoy Oman above water. Therefore, today you will visit Nizwa, Bahla and the Jabrin Fort with a private driver. A journey into the past through the Sumail Gap separating the western and eastern Hajars and to Oman’s ancient capital, Nizwa, famous for its silver souq and a large circular fortress. After visiting the souq and fort, drive to Bahla with its huge mud fort. Bahla is also known as the pottery capital of Oman. Because of the city’s cultural value, Bahla is on UNESCO’s list of heritage monuments. Lunch at a local restaurant (not included). Finally, visit the fortress of Jabrin, where you will find one of the most beautiful forts in Oman with a painted ceiling, dungeons and hidden passages. From here you will be taken back to your hotel.
Day 7 to 9 - Diving at Fahal or Bandar Al Khairan
Over the next few days you will dive at Al Fahal, also known as the Shark Island, and considered one of the most important geological and biological sanctuaries in the world. It really is a must-go place for anyone visiting Muscat and wanting to take a dip in the Arabian ocean.
The underwater world of Al Fahal Island contains soft and hard corals with schools of colorful fish swimming in and around the corals. Advanced divers can opt for an adventurous wreck dive on Al Fahal Island. At a depth of 30 meters, there is a tugboat wreck on the north side of it.
You can also go diving at Bandar Al Khairan. Here you will find some of the most colorful corals and various species of fish. The first dive site, Al-Munassir, is a shipwreck bursting with marine life. The wreck, 30 meters deep, is slowly becoming an ideal home for corals and other marine life to flourish and enrich the area’s biodiversity.
Day 10 - Excursion: Wahiba Sands
Today you board a 4wd and drive towards Fanjah, where you will stop to take pictures of an abandoned village. Next, see the ruins of the ancient trading community of Al Mansfah near Ibra. Then you drive toward the enchanting Wadi Bani Khalid, it by known for its date plantations. Here you enjoy a picnic lunch. The pools of Wadi Bani Khalid are cool, deep and absolutely breathtaking, and the silky smooth water is perfect for a refreshing swim. After the dive, you go to Wahiba, the undulating golden sand. Enjoy an exciting Dune Bashing After which you return to the hotel!
Day 11 - Home
Today it is time to check out of the Musk al Mouj. You will be transferred to the Muscat International Airport where you will board your plane for home.
The accommodation
The accommodation and facilities
Mysk al Mouj
The Mysk Al Mouj is located in Al Mouj – Muscat, a fantastic area, right on the water, with a coastal stretch of up to six kilometers. The area is green, has pedestrian paths and inland waterways, pleasant stores, many restaurants and Oman’s only signature golf club with an 18-hole course.
The luxurious Mysk Al Mouj offers several room options to suit everyone’s needs. Choose from comfortable Deluxe rooms and spacious Junior Suites. All rooms are stylishly furnished and equipped with modern amenities for an unforgettable stay in the heart of Muscat.
Mysk Al Mouj Hotel is located 5 km from Muscat International Airport and 4.5 km from Muscat city center.
Wellness: Relax in the hotel’s luxurious spa with sauna and steam room. You can choose from a range of nurturing treatments and massages.
Foodies: Culinary lovers, discover the rich flavors at the Salt & Pepper restaurant located in the Mysk Al Mouj hotel! This stylish restaurant serves an array of international dishes prepared with the finest ingredients. Start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet and end the evening with an exquisite dinner. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner for two or a cozy family meal, Salt & Pepper offers the perfect setting. Enjoy a culinary journey while enjoying the hospitality of Oman.
Nb. The hotel does not serve alcohol, but they do make the best mocktails!
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is €2150 per person based on two people in one Grand Delux Marina View room with balcony. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from €2150 p.p.
- 9 nights in a Grand Delux Marina View room with Balcony
- Stay on a bed & breakfast basis
- Return airport transfers
- 12 Boat dives at Aura Divers
- 2 Day excursions (Nizwa & Wahiba Sands)
- VZR, Calamity Fund & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Muscat
- Visa Oman - 20 OMR
- from €600,- p.p.
- approx. €50,-
Optional
- Equipment - 15 OMR per day
- Nitrox - 5 OMR per tank
- 15L tank - 2 OMR per tank
- approx. €37
- approx. €12
- approx €5.
Send this trip by email
Want to save or share the details of this trip with someone? You can do so by sending the trip by email.
Where may we send the email to?
Frequently asked questions about this diving vacation
Diving general
You will make daily boat dives on 2 islands, the Daymaniyat Islands and Al Fahal Island.
Both the Daymaniyat Islands and Al Fahal Island are about 40 – 45 minutes by boat.
They do 2 dives a day on the morning boat, but if you choose to do 3 dives, they can arrange that depending on boat availability.
Yes, you can book a night dive separately (the cost of the night dive is separate from the cost of the package). Minimum of 4 people required.
Yes, the diving school is on the premises of the hotel.
Snorkeling is great year-round at the Daymaniyat, during the season we stop to snorkel with whale sharks before continuing snorkeling on the islands.
Snorkel in 2 different coral reefs on the Daymaniyat Islands
What could you see?
– Whale sharks (in season)
– Leopard sharks
– Turtles
– Black tip reef sharks
– Rays
– Many different colorful reef fish
Diving equipment
All tanks are DIN & INT compatible.
Yes, additional price 2 OMR per dive.
Yes, additional price 5 OMR per dive.
Related diving trips
We are EWDR
