It is a nature reserve before it is a dive site
The Daymaniyat Islands are the only marine reserve in Oman. Diving there is a privilege with rules attached.
A protected reserve
The Daymaniyat Islands are Oman's only marine nature reserve. Access requires permits, which are included in the price of every trip we run there.
Look, do not touch
Briefings cover buoyancy and distance before every dive. Coral takes decades to grow and seconds to break, and turtles do not want to be ridden.
Turtles nest here
Green turtles nest on these islands. Seasonal restrictions on landing exist to protect them, and we dive around them rather than through them.
Whale sharks on their terms
When we find whale sharks on the crossing we stop and snorkel. We approach quietly, keep our distance and never block the animal's path.
What we ask of you
Nothing complicated. Keep your fins off the coral, keep your hands to yourself, take your rubbish home, and give the animals room to leave. A turtle that swims away from you was disturbed; a turtle that keeps feeding while you watch was not.
If you want to get better at this rather than just avoid harm, buoyancy is the single skill that matters most. It is covered in the Advanced Open Water course and in the Peak Performance Buoyancy specialty.
See it while it is still like this.
Small groups, permits included, and a briefing that covers more than where the exit is.