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 PADI 5 Star dive centre at Al Mouj Muscat Marina, running daily dive and snorkel trips to the Daymaniyat Islands plus Bandar Khayran and Fahal Island.
Good to know
MolaMola Diving Center is a PADI 5 Star dive centre based at Al Mouj Muscat Marina, on 18th November Street; its address also uses the name The Wave Muscat. Its location on the western side of the capital makes it well placed for the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve, the protected islands known for clear water and coral reefs, and the centre runs daily dive and snorkelling trips there.
Beyond the Daymaniyat Islands, the programme includes trips to Bandar Khayran, where the options include a wreck dive and a night dive, and to Fahal Island. Snorkelling trips are offered for non-divers, and beginners can book a Try Dive with an instructor to experience scuba for the first time without committing to a full course. For those who want to qualify or progress, the centre teaches PADI courses from beginner to advanced levels, and its team includes PADI instructor development staff. Nitrox diving is available for certified divers, and private trips can be arranged for families and groups.
The centre is open every day from 7am to 9pm, and bookings can be made by phone, WhatsApp or email. Book the Daymaniyat trips in advance, as places on the boats are limited, and bring your certification card and logbook if you already dive. As with all diving, leave at least a day between your last dive and a flight, and tell the team about any medical conditions beforehand.
MolaMola suits certified divers looking for regular trips, beginners wanting a supervised first experience, families who want to snorkel together and anyone staying in Al Mouj or near the airport. Bring sun protection, a hat and a light layer for the boat ride, and a reusable water bottle. If you are unsure whether to dive or snorkel, ask the team which sites suit your experience; the Daymaniyat trips are the most popular, while the Bandar Khayran wreck and night dives are better for divers who already have some experience. Underwater camera users should check whether rental equipment is available before the day.
Al Mouj Muscat Marina is close to the Kempinski Hotel Muscat and around 15 to 20 minutes by car from the airport-area hotels, while guests staying in Qurum or Mutrah should allow longer. Contact the centre on +968 9667 4612 or at [email protected] to check the day's schedule and conditions.
At Al Mouj Muscat Marina on 18th November Street.
Yes, it is a PADI 5 Star Dive Center.
To the Daymaniyat Islands daily, plus Bandar Khayran and Fahal Island.
Yes, a Try Dive is offered with an instructor.
Yes, snorkelling trips run for non-divers.
Every day from 7am to 9pm.
Yes, Nitrox diving is offered for certified divers.
Call or WhatsApp +968 9667 4612 or email [email protected].
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.