An ideal time for snorkels, snacks, and sunscreen

Observer

15-05-2025

As the mercury begins its steady summer climb and the inland air grows still, Omanis turn instinctively to the sea. It's a tradition as old as the tide—when the land heats up, the water becomes our sanctuary.
From Al Mouj Marina to the fishing docks of Seeb and Barka, boats commence their seasonal rhythm. They fill with families, friends, couples, and curious solo travellers—armed with snorkels, snacks, and sunscreen—eager to answer the sea's timeless invitation. And topping everyone's list of must-visit escapes? The Daymaniyat Islands.
Just 18 kilometres off the coast of Batinah, this necklace of nine uninhabited islands floats like a dream on the Gulf of Oman. The Daymaniyats are no secret, but somehow, they still feel like a private discovery—untouched, uncrowded, and unforgettable.
An ideal time for snorkels, snacks, and sunscreen
'We had a wonderful and busy Eid holiday,' said Diana Samonenko, General Manager of Seascape tour boat agency. 'Now that temperatures are rising and the water is finally warming and clarifying, we're seeing more and more people coming out to enjoy snorkelling activities on our boat. It's the perfect time.'
April marks the gateway to peak season. Muscat's temperatures are already nudging past 35°C, and in the heat of the day, the cool waters around Daymaniyat promise instant relief. But these islands offer far more than a refreshing dip. With each visit, there's a sensory richness—bright coral gardens pulsating with life, sea breezes laced with salt and sunshine, and a horizon that stretches your thoughts well beyond city limits.
An ideal time for snorkels, snacks, and sunscreen
For many, the magic begins the moment the boat leaves the marina. Within 30 to 40 minutes, the city fades away, replaced by a horizon of rocky islets, turquoise lagoons, and seagulls soaring above untouched coves. On arrival, the water is so clear it's hard to believe—glass-like in its stillness, inviting in its calm. It's the kind of view that draws exclamations even from seasoned travellers.
Although the islands themselves are uninhabited, they're anything but lifeless. The underwater world teems with colour: Hawksbill turtles glide beneath the surface with a grace that stills the breath, blacktip reef sharks patrol the reef edges, while clownfish, parrotfish, and angelfish flicker like jewels among anemones and coral branches. Moray eels peek from rocky hideaways, and schools of barracuda and stingrays make occasional appearances.
An ideal time for snorkels, snacks, and sunscreen
'The Daymaniyat Islands are a special place in Oman,' said Captain Fahad Rashid Said Al Maashri, owner of Daymaniat Shells. 'Visitors can enjoy snorkelling with turtles, blacktip sharks, rays, eels, and very colourful reef fish. It's a complete experience—you don't have to be a diver to see the magic.'
Fahad has spent over 25 years at sea, and since 2016, has operated Daymaniat Shells from Al Mouj Marina. His commitment to safety, professionalism, and environmental responsibility is central to his mission. 'We're proud to be plastic-free and certified in green tourism,' he shared. 'We want people to enjoy these islands—but we also want to protect them for the future.'
Summer, he noted, brings a shift in the visitor profile. 'From May onwards, during the hotter months, we see fewer international tourists overall. But we have more GCC visitors and Oman residents joining our trips. Everyone's trying to escape the city heat and refresh—especially on weekends.'
An ideal time for snorkels, snacks, and sunscreen
And there's an added bonus to venturing out in summer: 'The water is like a swimming pool,' Fahad said. 'Fantastic visibility. And if you're lucky, there's even a chance to spot whale sharks around Muscat on the way to the islands. It's incredible.'
Indeed, this is a time when nature feels close—almost welcoming. The islands are part of a protected nature reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and access is controlled by a strict permit system. Visitors are reminded: no littering, no stepping on coral, no camping outside designated areas. The rules are firm, but they preserve something rare—a marine environment still vibrant and alive.
Back on deck, as boats gently idly near the reef, it's common to see families stretched out under shaded canopies, children watching the waves for dolphins, couples sharing fresh fruit, and divers bubbling up with wide grins. The Daymaniyat experience is less about speed and more about stillness—being present in a world that doesn't rush.
An ideal time for snorkels, snacks, and sunscreen
Asaad Al Alhassni, Captain and diving instructor at Movula Diving and Snorkelling Centre, echoed the seasonal shift: 'April to May was really busy, with more international tourists joining our trips. These days, we're seeing more local visitors and residents seeking cooler weekend adventures out at sea.' He also noted that while access to the islands themselves remains restricted—meaning no beach activities or camping are currently permitted—the Daymaniyat Islands will reopen for onshore visits from 3rd November until 3rd May, in line with conservation efforts and environmental guidelines.
So, if you're feeling the heat creeping in, don't sweat it—literally. Pack your swim gear, grab your hat, and ride the wave with the growing community of Omanis heading to the Daymaniyat Islands. Summer is approaching, the sea is calling, and nature's most soothing spectacle is just a short boat ride away.