Al Fahal Island Shark Island
Al Fahal Island, a diver's and snorkeler's dream near Muscat, offering vibrant marine life and historical fishing grounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Smoother waters for boating
Al Fahal Island Shark Island
Best Time
Smoother waters for boating
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Al Fahal Island, a diver's and snorkeler's dream near Muscat, offering vibrant marine life and historical fishing grounds.
"One of my favorite dive sites in Muscat. Superb location for SCUBA diving and snorkeling."
🚤 Boat & Jet Ski Safety First
Check weather; rough seas are dangerous. Ensure recovery ropes for jet skis. Inexperienced users should avoid rough waters.
🐠 Dive & Snorkel Gear
Bring your own or rent from local operators. Visibility is generally good for underwater exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Coral Reefs & Marine Life
Around the island
Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with fish. A haven for divers and snorkelers seeking underwater wonders.
Tuna & Mackerel Fishing
Deeper waters near the island
Historically significant fishing grounds, offering a chance to catch larger game fish like tuna.
Sheltered Bays
Various points on the island
Discover calm bays perfect for a relaxing swim or a break from diving.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Dive Sites Near Muscat
Jet Ski & Boat Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Oman - anyone recommend diving there?
🚤 Boat & Jet Ski Safety First
Check weather; rough seas are dangerous. Ensure recovery ropes for jet skis. Inexperienced users should avoid rough waters.
🐠 Dive & Snorkel Gear
Bring your own or rent from local operators. Visibility is generally good for underwater exploration.
Diving spots in Sur
☀️ Sun Protection
The sun is intense. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for protection during your boat trip.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially if you're spending a full day out on the water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚤 Boat & Jet Ski Safety First
Check weather; rough seas are dangerous. Ensure recovery ropes for jet skis. Inexperienced users should avoid rough waters.
🐠 Dive & Snorkel Gear
Bring your own or rent from local operators. Visibility is generally good for underwater exploration.
☀️ Sun Protection
The sun is intense. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for protection during your boat trip.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially if you're spending a full day out on the water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Al Fahal Island is a highly recommended destination for diving and snorkeling near Muscat, praised for its marine life and scenic beauty. Visitors enjoy the underwater exploration and the historical significance of the island as an ancient fishing ground. However, safety precautions are crucial due to potentially rough waters, and the lack of facilities means visitors must come prepared.
"🛑Prehistoric fisher folks of RH5 [ 6th to 4th millennium BCE] used to fish small fish like sardine,anchovy, and herring on the qurum mangrove and beach by simple nets and gorges.
while they used to come to deep sea in small palm frond boats called SHASHAH carrying 1-2 people. they may have come till al fahal island to catch tuna and mackrel.
Tuna – Malayalam: choora, chura – Arabic: Taban, tuban, zainoop, Qibab [yellow fin tuna]
The presence of large jars with the base of bitumen of mesopotamia and of large fish bones at RH 5 is an indirect evidence of the capability of oceanic or transoceanic boat travel by the people of RH5 in 6th millennium BCE.
Basically , the RH5 fishermen caught forage fish at the Qurum beach and mangroves while they caught Yellow fin tuna ( THUNNUS albacares) near al fahal island."
Amol Mutkekar
"Very cool little island to visit. It will take you approximately 25-30 minutes by Jet Ski from Al Shari Beach, one way. Ensure you have recovery ropes for Jet Ski’s.
The water can get rough during high winds and may push you into the rocks— you should not travel here during rough waters if you are inexperienced with Jet Skis or boats.
Overall it is a good trip out to the island and well worth the ride and time."
C Turner (Jr.)
"One of my favorite dive sites in Muscat."
Dale Pereira
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Al Fahal Island is best reached by boat or jet ski. The journey from Al Shari Beach typically takes about 25-30 minutes one way. Several tour operators in Muscat offer boat trips to the island for diving and snorkeling.
No, Al Fahal Island is a marine location and cannot be accessed by car. You will need to arrange for boat transportation.
From Al Shari Beach, expect a travel time of approximately 25-30 minutes by jet ski or boat to reach Al Fahal Island.
Public transport does not go directly to Al Fahal Island. You'll need to book a private boat tour or join a group excursion.
Al Shari Beach is a common and convenient departure point for reaching Al Fahal Island by jet ski or boat.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets for Al Fahal Island itself. However, you will need to pay for boat or jet ski rental and potentially for guided diving or snorkeling tours.
Al Fahal Island is accessible during daylight hours. Tour operators typically run trips in the morning and afternoon. It's best to confirm timings with your chosen provider.
Costs vary depending on your chosen mode of transport and activities. Boat rentals or tours can range from moderate to higher prices. Diving excursions will be more expensive.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your boat tours or diving excursions in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
Generally, no special permits are required for recreational visits to Al Fahal Island. However, always check with local authorities or tour operators for any updated regulations.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Al Fahal Island is renowned for SCUBA diving and snorkeling. You can also enjoy fishing, swimming in sheltered bays, and exploring the island's natural beauty.
Yes, Al Fahal Island is a superb location for snorkeling, offering good wildlife viewing opportunities around the island.
You can expect to see a variety of fish and marine life. Historically, it was known for tuna and mackerel, and today it's a good spot for observing reef fish.
Al Fahal Island is a natural island and typically has no facilities. It's advisable to bring all your own food, water, and any necessary supplies.
While there are sheltered bays, the surrounding waters can be deep and currents can exist. Inexperienced swimmers should stay in designated safe areas or swim with a buddy.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning underwater shots while diving or snorkeling, the rugged island landscape, and the scenic boat journey. The clear waters offer great photographic potential.
For underwater photography, a waterproof camera or a camera with a waterproof housing is essential. For surface shots, a standard camera or smartphone with good zoom capabilities will work well.
Morning light often provides softer, more even lighting for surface photography. For underwater shots, midday can offer good light penetration, but always check conditions.
The island itself offers various angles. The approach by boat provides excellent panoramic views, and the sheltered bays can offer unique perspectives.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or your tour operator regarding drone operation permissions before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with children, prioritize booking a boat tour with a reputable operator who is experienced with families. Ensure the boat has adequate safety features, and always supervise children closely near the water. Bringing plenty of snacks, drinks, and sun protection is essential, as there are no facilities on the island. Consider a shorter trip if your children have shorter attention spans.
🐠 Diving Enthusiasts
It's advisable to book your dives with a certified dive center that knows the best spots around the island and can cater to different skill levels. Ensure your dive gear is in good condition, and always follow safety protocols. The island's accessibility makes it a convenient option for a day trip focused purely on diving.
🎣 Anglers and Fishermen
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Diving and Snorkeling Paradise
For snorkelers, the shallower areas around the island and within its sheltered bays provide ample opportunities to see marine life without needing full diving gear. The presence of calm bays offers a safer and more accessible environment for those less experienced with open water. It's recommended to bring your own snorkeling gear or arrange for rentals through your tour provider to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable exploration of the underwater world.
When planning your dive or snorkel trip, consider the time of year and weather conditions. While Al Fahal Island is accessible year-round, calmer seas during certain months will significantly improve the experience. Local dive operators can provide the best advice on current conditions and the most rewarding spots around the island.
Navigating the Waters: Boat and Jet Ski Safety
If you're using a jet ski, ensure you have recovery ropes readily available, as breakdowns can occur. The review mentions that rough waters can push vessels into the rocks, highlighting the importance of maintaining a safe distance and having good control over your craft. For those new to jet skiing or boating in the area, it's strongly advised to either go with an experienced guide or choose a day with exceptionally calm conditions.
Tour operators often provide safety briefings and ensure their vessels are well-equipped. If you're renting a jet ski independently, make sure you understand its capabilities and limitations. Prioritizing safety will ensure your trip to Al Fahal Island is not only memorable but also incident-free.
A Glimpse into History: Ancient Fishermen
For deeper sea fishing, they employed small palm frond boats called 'SHASHAH,' capable of carrying one to two people. It's believed they ventured as far as Al Fahal Island to catch larger species such as tuna and mackerel. The presence of large jars with Mesopotamian bitumen and significant fish bones found at RH5 sites indirectly supports the theory of oceanic boat travel by these ancient people. [^Review]
This historical context adds another layer of appreciation to Al Fahal Island, transforming it from just a natural attraction into a site with deep cultural and historical significance. It reminds visitors of the long-standing relationship between humans and the sea in this region. [^Review]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit