Boat Trips in Muscat, Oman

Dolphin-spotting Boat Trip in Muscat

Dolphins may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about things to do in Oman, but who doesn’t love to watch as these playful mammals swim gracefully in Arabian waters? 

Several species of dolphins can be found around the coastline of Oman as they have already made the Arabian Sea their home – hence, it is almost a guarantee that you’d see them during your boat trip. Furthermore, Muscat is also known for its whale sightings, from false killer whales to blue whales, though the latter is less commonly sighted. 

Aside from dolphin- and whale-watching, you can also admire the breathtaking views of Oman’s coastline. Whether it is the rocky coves, hidden sandstone buildings left by the Portuguese, or the mosque domes and turrets reaching for the sky, there’s no denying that they all make for fantastic photo opportunities. 

Things to know before going on the boat trip in Muscat, Oman

Location: Most boat tours have the option to pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, if not, they usually leave from Marina Bander Al Rowdha.
Cost: 10 to 40 OMR
Time needed: Generally, dolphin spotting tours in Muscat can last between two hours and half a day if you’ve combined it with other water activities. 

Take A Boat Trip Out To Snorkel In Daymaniyat Islands

Sitting approximately 40km off the coast of Muscat, is a small and uninhabited archipelago consisting of nine islands. Commonly known as the “Jewel of the Middle East”, these stunning islands are home to beautiful grains of whitewashed sands and rocky outcrops. But, it’s what lies beneath the surface of the blue waters that makes your boat trip to the Daymaniyat Islands worthwhile. 

The islands and the reefs found beneath the waters have been marked as a protected nature reserve since 1996, and have been a popular nesting spot for nesting hawkbills and green turtles. As the islands and their wildlife are very strictly protected, they cannot be accessed from May till October to ensure that the animals can nest comfortably. 

Hence, the best way to explore the islands is to join a tour. Going on a boat tour in Muscat with the locals offers a higher chance of spotting turtles, stingrays, moray eels, and even black-tipped reef sharks. Throughout summer and autumn, if you’re lucky enough, whale sharks can also be seen in these nutrient-rich waters. 

Things to know before going on the boat tour to Daymaniyat Islands in Muscat, Oman

Location: Daymaniyat Islands; most tours leave from the Wave Marina
Cost: 28 to 50 OMR depending on the boat tour you choose, and equipment hires
Time needed: The boat tours are usually half-day. Most boats leave in the morning and return in the early afternoon. 

Book Boat Tours in Muscat, Oman

Book tickets for your boat trip and tour in Muscat, Oman, through our concierge services. Aside from securing tickets and sharing insider local information about these tours, our GHM concierge team at The Chedi Muscat can also help you arrange for transport to and fro the marina. 

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