Liveaboard The Vision – Diving in northern Oman: Musandam
Board the luxury liveaboard The Vision for a week of diving in Oman’s northernmost point: Musandam.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Diving in rugged Musandam aboard a luxury liveaboard
This liveaboard voyage takes you to the Musandam Peninsula, the northernmost part of Oman, separated from the rest of the country by the United Arab Emirates. The region has a unique cultural and historical heritage, with traditional villages such as Khasab and Kumzar, each with its own atmosphere and identity. But nature also steals the show: Musandam has a jagged coastline with numerous inlets surrounded by steep mountain slopes. Because of this striking contrast, the region is not called the “fjords of Arabia” for nothing.
Underwater, the adventure continues. Drop-offs, tunnels, caves and coral-rich walls form a spectacular underwater world. Cool, nutrient-rich upwelling attracts a wide variety of macro species and sometimes impressive large marine animals, such as whale sharks and mola mola – though sometimes that takes a little luck.
Aboard The Vision, a luxury liveaboard for up to 12 people, you can fully relax and enjoy yourself. In between dives, you can kayak, supp or go out in the speedboat. If you want, you can even spend a night camping under the stars for a truly unique adventure.
Best travel time for a diving vacation to Oman
You can go to Oman year-round for the liveaboard trip, but the best time is from September to May. The water temperatures are best then, and the air temperature is also no longer incredibly high then.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for diving in Musandam, Oman
For diving in Musandam, a 3mm wetsuit (shorty or full suit most suitable during the months of October to April, when the water is around 26-29°C. In winter (December-February), a 5mm wetsuit is recommended due to the cooler temperatures.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Day 1 | Trip to Oman
Today the journey to Oman begins! The boat departs from Dibba, a port city in the Musandam Peninsula. Dibba is unique: the city is divided between the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Therefore, it is best to fly to Dubai; a direct flight takes about 6 hours.
Upon arrival, the transfer will be waiting for you to take you to the port of Dibba, a ride of about 1.5 hours. The crew will give you a warm welcome aboard The Vision. After a smooth embarkation, you will sail north along the impressive coastline of Musandam. Relax, enjoy the view and a refreshing welcome drink.
In the afternoon you will reach Shesah, a quiet bay surrounded by rocky mountains and turquoise waters. Here you will get into the rhythm of yacht life: relax on the deck and take a dip in the sea. You will also meet your dive guide and make a program for the next few days.
By the way, sometimes it is more convenient to leave a day in advance because of the flight times. We will then also arrange a hotel and transfer to the port for you.
Day 2 | Diving at Shesah
Today is the first day of diving! There are 3 dives scheduled daily, with the 3rd dive being an optional night dive. The first day’s dives are around Shesah, a place full of coral gardens, vibrant reef life and impressive underwater scenery. Between dives, snacks will be waiting for you and, of course, a delicious lunch.
After diving, the boat departs north to the remote fishing village of Kumzar. Accessible only by sea, the village is hidden behind rugged mountains. The village offers a unique cultural experience and a breathtaking sunset.
Day 3 | Drift diving at Ras Musandam
Early in the morning you will sail to the far end of the peninsula: Ras Musandam, one of the most spectacular dive sites in the region. There are steep walls here, great pelagic life and excellent visibility. There are red snapper, kingfish, bigeye tuna, eagle rays, turtles, batfish and schools of horse mackerel, among others, here. Large honeycomb moray eels, barracudas and fusiliers are also found here. And with luck, you might even spot a whale shark, leopard shark or blacktip shark in this area. There is always a lot of current here, so it’s a great day drift diving!
After this day of diving, sail south back to Red Island, near Shesah.
In the afternoon there is time to relax: sunbathe on the deck, kayak in calm waters or simply enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand.
Day 4 | Diving at Red Island
Today you will dive at Red Island, an island located in the middle of Sheesa Bay. The dive sites slope gradually from shallow coral to a sandy bottom about 25 meters deep. The water here is often calm and visibility excellent. Among the coral gardens swim schools of fusiliers, emperor fish and horse mackerel. Barracudas, turtles, cuttlefish and stingrays are also frequently spotted here. Lobsters sometimes hide under the reef edges!
On the north and south sides there is a slight current, just enough to keep the reef alive. But the dives here are mostly relaxing, with plenty of time to admire all the life underwater.
In the evening, sail to Al Hablayn, a remote spot known for its tranquility and rugged beauty, ideal for a night dive.
Day 5 | Diving at Al Hablayn
Today’s dives are at Al Hablayn, again one of the most beautiful dive sites in Musandam. The dives have a depth of 14 – 32 meters and the site is quite varied: from rocks and sloping slopes to sandy bottoms and coral formations. The marine life is diverse and rich, with many chances to see different species of fish and other marine animals. Currents can be strong, especially during high tide, making it primarily dive sites for experienced divers.
After lunch, the boat set sail for Qabal, a beautiful bay where the mountains seem to rise directly from the sea.
Day 6 | Diving at Ras Marovi
We sail early toward Ras Marovi, a very rich area near the village of Lima. The dive sites are only 60 meters from the mainland.
Underwater you will find a sloping coral reef wall to a sandy bottom with a maximum depth of 24 meters. There is a rich biodiversity that includes coral gardens, stingrays (devil, cowtail, eagle and mobula), nudibranchs, arrowfish, turtles, lionfish, trumpetfish, cone-shells and the occasional leopard shark.
It is also a great place for a night dive! The current here is mild, so these are relaxed dives with plenty to see.
Day 7 | Diving at Lima Island
The final day begins with a morning dive at Lima Island, a location known for schools of fish and healthy coral formations. There is a sloping reef with soft corals and you will find all the beauty between 5 and 18 meters. Features include cowtail rays, harlequin shrimp, turtles, whip goby, coral groupers and nudibranchs.
There are also beautiful pinnacles.
After lunch, the boat sails to tranquil Sanat Bay, the perfect place to relax and look back on a special week.
Day 8 | Return home
After a week of unforgettable dives, colorful coral gardens and impressive marine life, the adventure comes to an end. The morning begins quietly aboard The Vision with a final breakfast. ans,
After checking out of the cabins and saying goodbye to the crew, the group will be gathered for the transfer to the airport and you will begin your journey back home.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from the underwater world in Musandam?
Macro & nudibranchs
Red Island is known for its colorful coral gardens and rich macro life. You can discover a wide variety of nudibranchs here, including Chromodoris, Hypselodoris, Nembrotha and Phyllidia. Among the coral you will also find other small inhabitants such as shrimp and arrowfish, perfect for those interested in macro observation and photography. This dive is an ideal place to get a closer look at the small, colorful wonders of Musandam.
Drift dives
Ras Musandam is one of the most spectacular dive sites in the region and perfect for drift dives. Early morning dives along steep walls offer excellent visibility and plenty of current, making the water seem full of life. Here you can encounter large pelagic species and, with luck, even whale sharks, leopard sharks or blacktip sharks. The combination of current, depth and impressive marine life makes this an unforgettable diving experience.
Fjords of Arabia
The fjords of Musandam, often called the “fjords of Arabia,” offer breathtaking views above water. Steep mountains rise from the turquoise waters and form sheltered bays and inlets, through which the yacht glides. The contrast between the rugged coast and calm waters creates an almost magical landscape. As you cruise along the fjords, you feel the silence and grandeur of this remote region, a perfect combination of adventure, nature and tranquility.
The liveaboard
The accommodation and cabins
The Vision
The Vision liveaboard is a 29-meter luxury yacht designed specifically for diving and cruising in the spectacular waters around Musandam, Oman. The yacht accommodates up to 12 guests divided into six comfortable cabins, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere on board.
The cabins are fully air-conditioned and equipped with high quality bedding, a private bathroom with hot shower and large windows that let in plenty of natural light and offer stunning sea views. This makes it the ideal place to relax after a day of diving or cruising.
On board, a dedicated team of 6 experienced crew members is ready to provide every guest with a comfortable and carefree experience. From preparing fresh meals to guiding dives and ensuring daily comfort, everything is geared towards making your stay aboard The Vision unforgettable.
The teak-finished sun deck provides a perfect place to relax, sunbathe or simply enjoy the breathtaking views of Musandam’s fjords. With modern facilities and comfortable, stylish furnishings, The Vision combines luxury, safety and optimal performance for an unforgettable liveaboard experience.
Travel costs
What is included
This diving vacation to Oman is available from US$ 3.545 per person based on two people in one cabin. The diving trip can be expanded 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 this diving vacation to Musandam, Oman? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from US$ 3.545 p.p.
- 7 nights in an Explorer Cabin
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Water, tea, coffee, fruit juice
- Dive package of +/- 16 dives
- Watersports
- Port fees
- WiFi
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Dubai from US$ 686 p.p.
- Dive & Travel Insurance
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Nitrox
- 15L tank
- Diving equipment
Email this diving holiday
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Frequently asked questions about Musandam, Oman
Diving general
The use of kayaks, wakeboards, paddleboards, kneeboards and towable toys is included. In addition, snorkeling equipment is also included.
All dives will be made from the speedboat. The dives will be a mix of reef dives and dives where you are a little further from the reef. The dives are for every level of experience.
The dive sites are close, they are short trips by speedboat so you get into the water exactly at the perfect spot.
Yes, it is possible to make a night dive. The 3rd dive of the day may be a night dive.
Yes, PADI courses are given.
Diving equipment
Both tanks are available.
Yes, some 15L tanks are available. This should be requested in advance.
Yes, you can. If you bring your own equipment, it’s no problem at all.
Yes, you can dive here with nitrox. The additional cost is $10 per tank.
Yes, renting a full set costs $20 per day.
Your diving equipment stays on the boat, so you do not have to drag your equipment on any day. After diving, everything is also washed on the boat by the crew.
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