THE MIDDLE EAST · SNORKELING

The 15 Best Snorkelling Trips in the Middle East

21 tours  ·  from $37 a head

The Daymaniat Islands off Muscat and the Musandam bays are the two that justify the boat. These 15 compare them against the Fujairah and Red Sea trips, on price, how many stops you get and whether gear and lunch are included.

Muscat: Daymaniat Islands Snorkeling Trip with Brunch - The boat ride from Muscat to open water
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Muscat: Daymaniat Islands Snorkeling Trip with Brunch

1.Daymaniat Islands Snorkeling Trip with Brunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,317 reviews · 4h 30m · from $86Our pick

Spend 4.5 hours cruising from Muscat to the protected Daymaniyat Islands, snorkeling at several clear-water sites, and relaxing with sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and soft drinks. Guides such as Captain Ola, Captain Nemo, Captain B, and Captain Happy are known for helping nervous swimmers and locating turtles. Beach access depends on the season.

“It was a wonderful experience. I really enjoyed snorkeling with turtles. The landscape was amazing.”

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Khasab: Half-Day Dhow Cruise, Dolphin Watching, & Snorkeling - What happens from pickup to the harbor
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dhow Cruises, Dhow Cruises in Oman, Dolphin Watching, Half-Day, Musandam & Khasab Cruises, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Oman, Tour Reviews, Tours in Khasab, Tours in Oman

Khasab: Half-Day Dhow Cruise, Dolphin Watching, & Snorkeling

2.Half-Day Dhow Cruise, Dolphin Watching, & Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 507 reviews · 3 hours - 210 minutes · from $37Best value

Set sail from Khasab on a decorated Omani dhow for about three to three and a half hours. You’ll cruise past steep fjord walls, look for wild dolphins, swim and snorkel with provided gear, and enjoy water, fruit, tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Guides such as Sohel and Opu have earned praise for attentive service.

“Sohel our guide spoke fantastic English and took care of our every need. He answered our questions and was very knowledgeable. we saw lots of dolphins, a podof about 20 with babies. the views from the boat were beautiful and calm. the only negative was the plastic bottle rubbish on the dockside we had to walk through to get to our boat. also the litter in the sea mostly plastic. by the cruise ship. Oman Khasab need to clean up the area a bit more if they want to break into Tourism.”

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From Dubai: Snorkeling Trip to Dibba Al-Fujairah - Getting ready at the Fujairah center
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From Dubai: Snorkeling Trip to Dibba Al-Fujairah

3.Snorkeling Trip to Dibba Al-Fujairah

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 503 reviews · 8 hours · from $111

Travel from your Dubai hotel to Dibba Al-Fujairah, then take a boat to snorkeling sites around Snoopy Island and Dibba Rock. Guides such as Hassan, Karim, Mustafa, and Mickey help beginners in the water. Expect colorful fish, turtles, possible reef sharks, snacks, soft drinks, and a long but worthwhile day.

“The trip was wonderful AS ALWAYS! We live in Dubai and do this trip 3 - 4 times per year. We have probably been there a dozen times. We always have a good time! Obviously! They take you to very good snorkeling places. We must have seen 15 or more turtles yesterday. We are experienced snorkelers. But, I am always impressed with the way they take care of the people who are inexperienced or even totally unexperienced. Everyone is totally safe with Nemo!”

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Dubai: Yacht Cruise with Swimming, Snorkeling and BBQ Lunch - Dubai Marina from the water
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Dubai: Yacht Cruise with Swimming, Snorkeling and BBQ Lunch

4.Yacht Cruise with Swimming, Snorkeling and BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 438 reviews · from $87

Join Sky Walker Yachts at Dubai Harbour for a shared cruise through Dubai Marina and a swim stop near JBR Beach. You get a BBQ lunch, unlimited included drinks, music, inflatables, a pool, and snorkeling equipment. The slide is available with selected options, while jet skis cost extra. Ian and Mohammed are among the onboard team mentioned by name.

“Staff were amazing, very helpful and friendly. Transportation was organised very well and hospitality on board was excellent. Would happily go again”

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Muscat: Daymaniat Islands Snorkeling Tour with Refreshments - Meeting at Seeb Port before the 8:30 am departure
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Muscat: Daymaniat Islands Snorkeling Tour with Refreshments

5.Daymaniat Islands Snorkeling Tour with Refreshments

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 426 reviews · 4 hours - 270 minutes · from $72

Set out from Seeb Port at 8:30 am for a fast 25-minute boat ride to Oman’s Daymaniat Islands Nature Reserve. You will snorkel at two sites, often with turtles, coral, rays, eels, and reef fish. Guides such as Captain Hassan, Captain B, and Captain Happy help with equipment and water safety. Sandwiches, fruit, juice, and cold water are included.

“Captain Peter was very friendly and kind helpful; we enjoyed the tour he was a good guide we saw many turtles beautiful fishes even a stingray; snacks and drinks enough great !”

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From Dubai: Fujairah Snorkeling with Turtles, Transfer & BBQ - Snoopy Island: the likely first look underwater
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From Dubai: Fujairah Snorkeling with Turtles, Transfer & BBQ

6.Fujairah Snorkeling with Turtles, Transfer & BBQ

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 406 reviews · 8 - 10 hours · from $135

Travel from Dubai to Fujairah for two guided snorkeling stops near Snoopy Island and Sharm Rocks. Yulia, Julia, or another instructor can help beginners feel at ease while you look for turtles, colorful fish, rays, squid, and small reef sharks. The day also includes a BBQ lunch, hotel transfers, and stops at Al Bidya Mosque, Khorfakkan Waterfall, and the amphitheatre.

“We liked how relaxed and friendly the day was. The team just wanted us to enjoy our day whatever we wanted to do.”

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Daymaniyat Island: Snorkelling Tour with Tasty Lunch - Meeting at Seeb Marina at 8:15 am
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Daymaniyat Island: Snorkelling Tour with Tasty Lunch

7.Daymaniyat Island: Snorkelling Tour with Tasty Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 403 reviews · from $60

Meet guides such as Arif or John at Seeb Marina at 8:15 am for a half-day boat trip to Daymaniyat Islands. You’ll snorkel at two sites, look for turtles, rays, reef sharks, and colorful fish, relax on a white-sand beach, and enjoy fruit, sandwiches, crisps, and drinks aboard the boat.

“Awesome activity to do in Oman, the guides were fun and supportive, helping even the beginners to snorkel and see turtles and the islands are just gorgeous! You can’t miss it!”

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Muscat: Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Excursion - The two-hour speedboat search for dolphins
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Muscat: Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Excursion

8.Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 388 reviews · 3 hours · from $52

Spend three hours off Muscat watching for dolphins, then snorkel among coral, turtles, and colorful fish. Sidab Sea Tours provides a speedboat, equipment, water, soft drinks, and snacks. Captain Faisal, Masoom, Shakir, and Khalid have all received praise for careful boat handling and patient snorkeling help. Hotel pickup is optional.

“Great communication, well organised transport. Boat was stocked with complimentary refreshments & wasn’t too busy so we had space to sit and relax. We did see dolphins briefly and were then taken across to an excellent snorkeling spot to swim with fish and turtles. All equipment provided, would absolutely recommend!”

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Muscat: Daymaniyat Islands Snorkeling Trip with BBQ Lunch - Meeting the crew at Al Mouj Marina
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Muscat: Daymaniyat Islands Snorkeling Trip with BBQ Lunch

9.Daymaniyat Islands Snorkeling Trip with BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 376 reviews · from $70

Join MolaMola Diving Center at Al Mouj Marina for a full day at the Daymaniyat Islands. Cruise by catamaran to two snorkeling sites with guides such as Ahmed, Ibrahim, or Lena, looking for turtles, rays, reef fish, and coral. Gear, permits, lunch, snacks, drinks, toilets, and showers are included.

“Our trip to Daymaniyat islands was really fun! Our tour guides: Ahmed, Ibrahim, and captain DJ were super friendly and helpful. They took us to different spots around the islands to snorkel. I would highly recommend Mola Mola!”

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Daymaniyat Islands Snorkeling Sharing Trip - The Boat Ride Out to the Islands
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Daymaniyat Islands Snorkeling Sharing Trip

10.Daymaniyat Islands Snorkeling Sharing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 369 reviews · from $106Top rated

Meet at Al Mouj Marina at 8:00 am for a five-hour group boat trip to the Daymaniyat Islands. Your captain chooses snorkel spots with turtles, coral, and colorful fish. Guides such as Faisal, Sharif, and Ilyas may help you find marine life. Kayaks, snacks, water, and snorkel gear are included. Beach access depends on the season.

“Trip was as advertised. Would recommend. The island was beautiful, and the guides were super nice. I got lucky and got to see the turtles.”

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Snorkeling at Dimaniyat Islands and Dolphin Watching - Snorkeling with turtles and reef life
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Snorkeling at Dimaniyat Islands and Dolphin Watching

11.Snorkeling at Dimaniyat Islands and Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 347 reviews · from $87

Set out from Al Seeb Port for a 4 to 5-hour boat trip to Oman’s Dimaniyat Islands. Snorkeling gear, water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and snacks are included. Guides such as Fahad and Captain Yaseen help locate turtles, reef sharks, dolphins, and, with luck, whale sharks. The trip also passes Al Alam Palace.

“We didn't see any dolphins and the captain didn't seem too focused on making it happen. Realistically you should consider this a beach and snorkeling trip. The two spots were nice. The first was the most algae filled water (nearly green Read more”

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Oman: Daymaniyat Islands Visit and Snorkeling - Turtle watching, reef life, and crowding
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Oman: Daymaniyat Islands Visit and Snorkeling

12.Oman: Daymaniyat Islands Visit and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 223 reviews · 270 minutes - 5 hours · from $85

From Almouj Marina, Marmar Tourism takes you by shaded speedboat to Daymaniyat Islands for two snorkeling sessions, turtle spotting, snacks, and a beach stop in winter. Guides such as Captain Ghanim, Haroun, and Rahila help beginners in the water, while the boat carries gear, life vests, a toilet, and fresh water.

“Really fun and so nice to see the turtles! The water was very choppy on the return journey but our captain drove the boat back expertly and got us back safely.”

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Khasab: Dolphin Watching Day Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch - Finding dolphins without chasing a guarantee
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Khasab: Dolphin Watching Day Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

13.Dolphin Watching Day Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 188 reviews · 6 hours · from $65

Meet your guide at Khasab Port for a six-hour dhow cruise through Khor Sham. You will pass Nadifi, Qanah, and Sham village, watch for wild dolphins, and stop at Telegraph Island and Sibi Island for swimming and snorkeling. Ishmael, Moyath, and Rajak have been praised for attentive service, fresh fruit, drinks, and generous onboard meals.

“Fantastic service. Beautiful relaxing day on the water with amazing scenery. Staff knew the best spots to see dolphins, stop for a swim/snorkelling and their hospitality on board was top notch.”

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From Dubai: Fujairah Half-Day Scuba Dive and Snorkeling - Getting kitted out at the Fujairah base
Half-Day, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in Dubai

From Dubai: Fujairah Half-Day Scuba Dive and Snorkeling

14.Fujairah Half-Day Scuba Dive and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 186 reviews · 8 hours · from $157

Travel from Dubai to Fujairah for a beginner-friendly scuba session and snorkeling trip. You’ll receive equipment, hotel transfers, and close guidance from English or Arabic-speaking instructors such as Sergio, Hassan, and Faisal. Certified divers may make two underwater visits, while beginners learn at a calm pace near Fujairah’s coral reefs.

“We had a good time. Traveling from Dubai to Al Fujairah took some time but it was worth it. It was a very good driver. We got a lot of time to snorkel and the dive was great. My wife had a bad ‘first dive experience’ on an earlier holiday. This time things worked out good because Hassan (the instructor) really took his time to make her feel safe. We want to thank the full crew for this wonderful day: driver, captain, snorkel guide and Hassan!”

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Khasab Musandam Full Day dhow cruise with lunch and Snorkeling - Seebi Island and the second water stop
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dhow Cruises, Dhow Cruises in Oman, Full-Day, Musandam & Khasab Cruises, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Oman, Tour Reviews, Tours in Khasab, Tours in Oman

Khasab Musandam Full Day dhow cruise with lunch and Snorkeling

15.Khasab Musandam Full Day dhow cruise with lunch and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 186 reviews · from $50

Spend about six hours on a traditional dhow in Khasab’s Khor Sham fjord. You’ll stop near Telegraph Island and Seebi Island for swimming and snorkeling, with equipment, towels, lunch, fruit, coffee, tea, and soft drinks included. Pickup is available, and the boat returns to Khasab Harbor.

“Wow wow wow. What an excursion. I did this excursion during a cruise stopover. If you are coming to Khasab, this is the excursion that you need and nothing else. The host were so nice to us, good food as well. They made sure that we see as many dolphins as possible. And the mountains are spectacular. 100 % recommended.”

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