Horizon Blue’s most popular tour. A shared, 5-hour snorkelling trip from Al Mouj Marina in Muscat out to the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve — a protected chain of nine islands roughly 18 km offshore, home to hawksbill and green sea turtles, vibrant coral reefs and hundreds of species of reef fish. Tours run daily and include everything you need on the water.
Quick answer: A shared half-day snorkelling trip from Al Mouj Marina to the Daymaniyat Islands costs OMR 30 per adult (OMR 18 per child, under-5s free), lasts about 5 hours, and runs daily at 8:30 AM. The islands are 18 km offshore — a 35–45 minute crossing. Snorkelling gear, refreshments and nature-reserve permits are all included, and check-in is at Kiosk 1, Al Mouj Marina, 30 minutes before departure.
| Price | OMR 30 per adult · OMR 18 per child (5–12) · under 5 free |
|---|---|
| Duration | ~5 hours (8:30 AM – 1:30 PM) |
| Departures | Daily at 8:30 AM |
| Meeting point | Kiosk 1, Al Mouj Marina, Muscat |
| Group size | Shared boat, up to 15 guests |
| Season | Year-round · whale sharks June–November |
| Includes | Captain, snorkelling gear, refreshments, reserve permits |
Last updated: June 2026
What’s Included
- Round-trip boat transfer from Al Mouj Marina
- Licensed captain and crew (30+ years on Omani waters)
- Snorkelling mask, fins and life jacket
- Bottled water and light refreshments
- Ministry of Environment snorkelling permits (worth OMR 0.5–3 per person, as of June 2026)
- Two snorkelling stops at different sites around the Daymaniyat Islands
Tour Itinerary
- 8:00 AM — Check-in at Kiosk 1, Al Mouj Marina, safety briefing
- 8:30 AM — Departure
- 9:15 AM — Arrive at first snorkelling site
- 10:45 AM — Move to second snorkelling site
- 12:30 PM — Refreshments on board, begin return journey
- 1:30 PM — Back at Al Mouj Marina
We run one departure a day, in the morning — the calmest, clearest window on the water, and the best light for underwater photos.
Where Do We Meet?
Check-in is at Kiosk 1, Al Mouj Marina (Street 6, Al Mouj, Muscat) — find it on Google Maps. There is free public parking beside the marina boardwalk, a short walk from the kiosk. Please arrive 30 minutes before departure for check-in and the safety briefing.
When Is the Best Time to Snorkel the Daymaniyat Islands?
Snorkelling runs year-round. October to May brings the calmest seas and 15–25 metres of visibility; June to November is whale shark season, peaking from late August to early October; May to October the islands themselves are closed for turtle nesting but the water stays open and excellent.
Marine Life You May Encounter
The Daymaniyat Islands sit in some of the richest waters in the Arabian Sea. Hawksbill and green sea turtles are sighted year-round and are the most commonly seen large marine animal on our tours. The reefs host more than 250 species of fish — butterflyfish, parrotfish, angelfish, clownfish in their anemones, snappers and groupers — alongside stingrays and moray eels. Pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphins often appear on the boat ride out. From June to November, whale sharks (the world’s largest fish) pass through the area, with sightings peaking from late August to early October; they’re harmless and spotting one is a genuine highlight.
First Time? Non-Swimmers & Kids
You don’t need to be a swimmer to enjoy the Daymaniyat Islands. Life jackets come in all sizes — including children’s — floating noodles are on board, and the crew gets in the water with you. Snorkelling stops are chosen for calm, shallow bays, there is no strict minimum age, and children simply need a parent or guardian with them.
What to Bring
- Swimwear (wear it under your clothes for a quicker change)
- Quick-dry towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher
- Hat and UV-protection sunglasses
- Underwater camera (optional)
- A light snack if you have dietary needs we haven’t asked about
Pricing
30 OMR per adult. Children aged 5 to 12: 18 OMR. Under 5: free. Snorkelling equipment, captain, refreshments and Ministry of Environment permits are all included in the price. The Daymaniyat Nature Reserve entry permit alone is OMR 0.5–3 per person depending on nationality and age (as of June 2026) — on this tour it is collected with your booking, with nothing extra to pay on the day.
Photos from Our Daymaniyat Tours
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the sharing snorkelling tour depart?
The tour departs Al Mouj Marina daily at 8:30 AM and returns by about 1:30 PM. Check-in is at Kiosk 1, Al Mouj Marina, 30 minutes before departure for the safety briefing.
How long is the boat ride to the Daymaniyat Islands?
Approximately 35 to 45 minutes each way from Al Mouj Marina, depending on sea conditions — the islands sit about 18 km offshore. Dolphins are often spotted on the crossing.
How much does the tour cost, and is the Daymaniyat permit included?
30 OMR per adult, 18 OMR per child aged 5 to 12, and free for children under 5. The Daymaniyat Nature Reserve entry permit — OMR 0.5–3 per person depending on nationality and age (as of June 2026) — is already included in those prices, along with equipment, refreshments and the licensed captain.
What is the best month to snorkel the Daymaniyat Islands?
Snorkelling runs year-round. October to May brings the calmest seas and 15–25 metres of underwater visibility, while June to November is whale shark season, peaking from late August to early October. There is no bad month — only different highlights.
Can we land on the Daymaniyat Islands?
Landing is permitted from November to April. From May to October the islands themselves are closed for sea turtle nesting, but snorkelling in the surrounding waters stays open and remains excellent.
Will we actually see turtles?
Almost certainly. Hawksbill and green sea turtles live on these reefs year-round and are seen on the vast majority of our trips — often several in a single swim. Wild sightings can never be guaranteed, but the Daymaniyat Islands are one of the most reliable turtle spots in Oman.
Can I see whale sharks at the Daymaniyat Islands?
Whale sharks visit Omani waters from June to November, with sightings peaking from late August to early October. They are harmless filter feeders, and snorkelling alongside one is a genuine bucket-list moment — though, as with all wildlife, a sighting is never guaranteed.
I can’t swim — can I still join the tour?
Yes. Life jackets are provided in all sizes and are required for non-confident swimmers, floating noodles are on board, the crew joins you in the water, and our snorkelling stops are chosen for calm, shallow bays.
Is there a minimum age for the snorkelling tour?
No strict minimum — children of all ages are welcome and under-5s travel free. Children wear life jackets on deck and in the water, and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Do I need a wetsuit? What should I bring?
No wetsuit needed — the water is a comfortable 26–32°C year-round. Bring swimwear (modest swimwear and burkinis are very welcome), a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Masks, snorkels, fins and life jackets are provided.
What if I get seasick?
The morning crossing is the calmest of the day — one reason we depart at 8:30 AM — and it takes only 35–45 minutes. If you are prone to motion sickness, take a tablet about an hour before departure and sit towards the back of the boat in the fresh air.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first. If the captain cancels a departure because of sea conditions, you receive a full refund or a free reschedule — your choice. You can also cancel free of charge up to 48 hours before your trip.