The United Arab Emirates offers many interesting and amazing diving sites to discover. The waters off Dubai offer considerable attractions and variety for scuba divers, both novice and expert. The diving areas in the U.A.E are very different from each other.
For examples the dive sites off Abu Dhabi are completely different to the eastern coast. On the west coast you may have a 2 hour boat journey to the dive site.
1: Khasab & Dubai diving centers
The waters off Dubai offer considerable attractions and variety for scuba divers, both novice and expert. Diving is a pleasure in Dubai with favorable wind conditions, clear visibility and rich marine life. Dubaiās diving clubs and centers hire out a comprehensive range of equipments, offer courses, and are well equipped to cater all kinds of visitors. This dive centre is situated in Khasab, the capital of the Musandam amidst the Hajar mountain range. Dive trips leave from Khasab port on dhow or speedboat and the spectacular site is reached in around 30 mins.
2: Musandam-Oman
The Musandam is famous for its deep blue waters with an amazing diversity of marine life, from exotic Reef fish to schooling Barracuda, Turtles, Reef Sharks and even the mighty Whale Shark. The dive site is teeming with an array of hard and soft corals and splashed with colorful sponges. The water temperature varies from 15 degrees C in the winter to 35 degrees C in the summer. The area has been inhabited for over 2000 years, with hidden secrets including caves containing ancient wall paintings. Diving is organized as two dives per day and priced at 300 Aed which includes tank and weights.
A visa is required to visit the Omani region and can be obtained through Scuba International for international visitors. If customers have residence visas for the UAE they can either obtain visas at the border or apply for a Multiple Re-Entry Visit Visa. Accommodation is priced at 100 Dhs per night, inclusive of evening meal and breakfast. However diving prices vary depending upon your nationality.
3: Dubai Diving Centre
The centre has equipment for rental to certified divers and a 230 bar compressor for tank fills. The centre has a large retail outlet stocking a full range of MARES diving equipment complemented by ranges of wetsuits from Bodyglove, accessories by Cetacea, Pelican and IST and technical equipment from Diverite and specialist Rebreather equipment from Drager.
4: Dibba dive centers
This centre is situated in the port of Dibba, which is located in the northern territory of Oman, on the east coast. The dive centre is manned by well-qualified and experienced PADI Diving Instructors. Wetsuits are required in the winter months only as the water temperature drops as low as 18 degree Celsius.
Along the way you will be impressed by the beauty of the Hajar Mountains as they grow in size to reach their zenith in the Straits of Hormuz. Lima Rock offers deep water with strong currents enabling divers to see larger species of marine life and the rugged coastline is a gift for experienced divers. Most of the sites available from the Dibba Dive Centre are suitable for experienced divers only. Daily trips are run from the 30 ft. catamaran and the dive trips consist of two dives on a tank and weights basis including light refreshments and costs 250 Dhs per person.
5: Ocean Divers
This diving centre at Khorfakkan Beach at the Oceanic Hotel is nestled in the dramatic Hajar Mountains. It has calm weather year round which, combined with beautiful sandy beaches makes this an excellent diving destination. The center is recognized as a Golden Palm Resort and is manned year round by well-qualified and experienced Diving Instructors. Water temperatures range from about 18 - 32 degrees Celsius.
The majority of the dive sites are within 20 minutes boat ride and the center runs both single dives and two tank trips to enable visitors to dive more northerly sites, which range from beginner sites through to advanced sites for the more adventurous diver. The average depth range of diving is between 5 - 25 meters and the visibility ranges from 5 - 20 meters. In this dive center, equipment hire is available, including wetsuits which are only required during the winter months.
6: Scuba International
At Khorfakkan, an east coast city separating United Arab Emirates from northern Oman, 'Scuba International' is a haven for divers. The diving here is home to many tropical species like the venemous 'Porcupine fish', related to the Pufferfish. Scuba International takes you to many interesting dive sites off the coast of Khorfakkan. You will have the opportunity to dive with many amazing marine animals such as sharks, rays, turtles, barracuda, moray eels, lionfish, pipefish and much more. If you want to snorkel with Blacktip Reef Sharks in very shallow water you can do this at Shark Island near Martini Rock, off Khorfakkan. The best time of year is December for doing this.
Emirates Diving Association
Emirates Diving Association (EDA) was established 1995 and is based in Dubai. The EDA is responsible for all the diving activities in the UAE. It ensure environmentally respectful diving practices, Promote and support the diving industry within the UAE, promote diving safety, preserve historical aspects of diving and enhance environmental education to diving and non-diving communities through EDA activities.
Emirates Diving Association
Heritage & Diving Village,
Shindaga Area,
P.O.Box: 33220.
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +97-4-3939390
Fax: +971-4-3939391
Email: edadiver@emirates.net.ae
projects@emiratesdiving.com
Tips for the Divers
Divers visiting and using any of these Scuba International Dive centers are asked to adhere to some general rules in keeping with local regulations and also to follow the more accepted diving practices:
Never touch lobster pots or interfere with fishing nets.
Report to the dive centre staff if any lobster pots are found with no lines to the surface.
Do not remove anything from the sea.
Do not touch or break coral.
Do not use spear guns.
Remain neutrally buoyant at all times.
Adhere to the maximum depth limit of 30m for all dives.
Follow the minimum 12-hour surface interval rule for flying after diving.
Make a Safety Stop after all dives.
Add to Favorites
Print