Water activities :

• Diving : With 3,165 Km of coastline and clean unpolluted waters, Oman is one of the best kept secrets in the diving world.

  The diving available in Oman provides adventure and enjoyment with dramatic wall drop-offs to scenic coral lined fjords, ranging in depth from 6-40 meters. Oman enjoys good sea conditions with an average visibility of 20-30 meters. Several superb dive sites encircle the Capital Area, including Fahal Island, Dimaniyyat Islands and Cemetery Bay.

  Night dives are popular and divers are often astounded by the amount of phosphorescence found in Oman's night-time waters. During winter months, the sea temperature drops to 20-25 C° and one may require a 5 mm wetsuit. In summer, as the sea temperature rises, a 3 mm wetsuit will suffice.

  Sea-life is abundant regardless of chosen site, with a variety of hard and soft corals present, and shoals of fish every where. The diving is easy diving with good intact corals and a spectacular range of fish, with a possibility to see dolphins on the way to the dive sites.

  A number of Diving Agents do operate in the Sultanate, and can arrange trips to the numerous diving sites surrounding the Sultanate at convenient conditions.

• Surfing : One of the great places to surf in the Sultanate is Masirah Island. The size of the surf depends on the time of the year, but 4-6 feet is normal.

  Masirah is also an ideal spot for Windsurfing, particularly during the Khareef (monsoon season; June to September). Visitors can camp on the clean, unpolluted beaches and purchase essential provisions from local shops.

  The Island is reached only by ferry from the village of Shanna on the mainland; a trip taking roughly one hour. Ferry times depend on tides, but there are usually four trips each day. Once docked, it is a 15-minute drive eastbound to where the surf breaks.

• Kayaking : Kayaking is a recent introduction into Oman and is currently limited to the Capital Area.

  Kayaking experience in the warm waters of Oman is indeed ideal. Kayaking tours are available among the fjords of Bander Al-Kheran in Muscat. It is laso possible to only rent single or double sea kayaks with optional glass bottom.

Land Activities :

• Rock Climbing : Rock climbing enthusiasts of all levels will find plenty to keep them busy throughout Oman, with its towering mountains, steep cliffs and rouged paths, all overlooking breathtaking sceneries of nature and history

  The Sultanate provides everything to interested climber: from sports climbing and cragging to multi pitch routes –bolted or traditional– where the rocks are high as 250 m. The rocky towers of Wadi Al-Ghool in A'Dakhiliyah Region, scaling to a height of 300 meters, offer Alpine style climbing at it’s best, as well as the gorgeous South Western façade of Jabal Mishfat with climbs from 120 to 500 meters.

  Jabal Misht remains the model location for climbing in Oman due to its rocky façade, potentially the largest in the Arabian Peninsula. It’s South-South Eastern façade extends roughly for 6 Km and rises to 850 m. Alpine style routes of all grades are available.

  The biggest problem however won't be hypothermia but heat exhaustion; the façade could be extremely hot and sharp. Route choice is subject to year time and facing direction.

  "Rock Climbing in Oman" by R. A. McDonald describes over 160 climbs which have been graded in British, Continental, Australian and American systems for versatility. The climbs range from easy to extremely difficult, so both the amateur and professional are catered for. Also included within the book are details of treks and explorations in the more remote corners of the Sultanate.

Next :