Tour operator
Zahara Tours
One of Oman's longest-established travel companies, founded in 1971, running guided day trips from Muscat to Nizwa, the desert, the mountains and the sea.
A dive and snorkel operator with centres in Seeb, Al Mouj and Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, running boat trips to the Daymaniyat Islands and Bandar Khayran.
Good to know
Global Scuba Oman is a diving and snorkelling company with three bases around the capital, which gives visitors several options depending on where they are staying. The Seeb Dive Center is the gateway to the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve, known for clear water and coral reefs. The Al Mouj Dive Center at Al Mouj Marina runs daily snorkelling and private diving trips, and the Sidab centre at Marina Bandar Al Rowdha focuses on diving departures and training along the Bandar Khayran coastline. The company is listed among the licensed tour operators on Oman's official tourism website.
Diving is offered for all levels, from complete beginners trying their first dive to certified divers, and the company runs SSI training up to advanced courses. Snorkellers can join boat trips to the reefs of the Daymaniyat Islands and Bandar Khayran, which are among the most rewarding marine areas within reach of Muscat. Longer options include full-day sea excursions with a beach barbecue, which run from November to April, and overnight camping on islands. Dolphin, sunset and coastal tours are also on the programme.
Book diving in advance, especially for the Daymaniyat Islands, and bring your certification card and logbook if you are already qualified. The cooler months generally bring the most comfortable conditions on the water. Bring sun protection, a hat and a light layer for the boat ride, and tell the team about any medical conditions before diving.
The trips suit certified divers, families wanting a snorkelling day out, and beginners curious to try diving with instruction. Leave at least a day between your last dive and any flight, a standard safety rule for divers, and plan your diving early in your trip if you can. Snorkelling at the islands is one of the easiest ways to see Oman's marine life, and the camping trips offer something unusual for adventurous travellers.
Choose the base closest to your hotel: Al Mouj suits guests at the Kempinski and the airport-area hotels, while Marina Bandar Al Rowdha is closer to Mutrah and Old Muscat. Contact the company on +968 9931 7518 or through the contact details on its website to check departure times and availability.
From dive centres in Seeb, at Al Mouj Marina and at Marina Bandar Al Rowdha.
Yes, diving is offered for all levels, including beginners.
SSI courses, up to advanced level.
To the reefs of the Daymaniyat Islands and Bandar Khayran.
Yes, full-day sea excursions with a beach barbecue run from November to April.
Yes, overnight island camping trips are offered.
It is listed among the licensed tour operators on Oman's official tourism website.
Call +968 9931 7518 or use the contact details on the website.
Bar
An elegant, over-21s cocktail and malt lounge at the Kempinski Hotel Muscat in Al Mouj, styled after a traditional European lounge and open nightly until 1am.
Restaurant
Formal Omani restaurant beside the Royal Opera House, serving shuwa, harees and other national dishes in halls decorated with Omani patterns and silverware.
Café
The first Oman branch of the Danish coffee roaster and bakery, serving specialty coffee, sourdough and handmade pastries in Al Qurum from 7am daily.
Thing to do
One of Oman's oldest markets, a maze of covered lanes behind Mutrah Corniche selling frankincense, silver, textiles, spices and khanjars.