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Get Wrecked in Oman

Early in 2016, Oman announced the discovery of the oldest known shipwreck from Europe’s Golden Age of Exploration, located off the coast of Dhofar.

Early in 2016, Oman announced the discovery of the oldest known shipwreck from Europe’s Golden Age of Exploration, located off the coast of Dhofar. Believed to be part of a fleet led by the legendary Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, the boat has been identified as the Esmeralda, one of two boats who sank during stormy weather in 1503.

Surpassing the drowned carcass of the São João by 49 years, and adding a treasure trove of knowledge to what historians understand about this enigmatic era, the Esmeralda is an excellent example of the incredible wreck dives to be found off the shores of Oman.

THE CITY OF WINCHESTER

ABOVE: Couple snorkeling at at the Zighy Bay resort in Oman.

The City of Winchester, a cargo steamer once owned by the British Royal Merchant Navy, is one of the best dives in Oman, and for many is the diving highlight of the region. Lying just off the coast of Al-Hallaniyah island, at a depth of 92 ft, the ship was sunk on August 5, 1914 by the SMS Königsberg of the German Imperial Navy, giving the beleaguered vessel the honor of being the very first casualty of WW1. Blanketed with soft coral, sea anemones and sea fans, the 394-foot-long wreck – which collapsed under its own weight long ago – is a cornucopia of marine flora and fauna and also teases the possibility of catching sight of humpback whales and manta rays in their natural habitat.

AL MUNASIR

ABOVE: The Al Munasir wreckage originally built in England.

Originally built in England, the Al Munasir wreckage was deliberately scuttled in 2003 by the Royal Navy of Oman, once it had reached its end of service and had been decommissioned, with the eventual aim of creating an artificial reef near Muscat.

Fourteen years on, and Al Munasir is covered in a beautiful layer of soft and hard corals and is teeming with life; the 275-foot-long wreck has become a playground for an endless list of underwater creatures. You might find yourself coming face to face with moray eels, boxfish, and angelfish. There are also shoals of cavorting snapper and goatfish, as you float joyously around the hull. The Al Munasir wreck has evolved into a stunning and unique diving spot and is an absolute must for divers traveling to Oman. However, be warned that this spot is not for newbies; the plunge to this awe-inspiring site is serious business.

 MS MIMOONA

ABOVE: MS Mimoona commonly known as the Quriyat wreck.

MS Mimoona, a sunken cargo ship, also commonly known as the Quriyat wreck, is a wonderful diving experience mixing striking and unique features that make it stand out from the already exceptional crowd of the Oman diving scene. Easily accessible by boat from the mainland, and just 52 ft below the waves, the site is a perfect spot for divers of all levels from beginners to the more seasoned pro’.

The relatively shallow depths involved allow for a gentle and serene pleasure dive, where you can find all manner of sea life including multiple ray species – sting, torpedo, and eagle – as well as turtles, seahorses and vibrant coral gardens.

THE TUG AND BARGE

ABOVE: The Tug and Barge site is a paradise for exotic fish, whales and whale sharks.

Best known for the extensive range and quality of its marine life more than its history, the Tug and Barge site is a paradise for exotic fish, whales and whale sharks, not to mention the occasional bottle-nose dolphins which delight in swimming through and around the two wrecks. The site, sitting in 79 ft of water, can be reached in just 20 minutes on a boat from Muscat. In the water, the popular hard-to-get-to site will require a guide to navigate the way, as it is very difficult to find on your own.

Once on the scene you will be met with a proliferation of corals, sponges, colorful fish and the glorious technicolor of the nudibranch – a type of soft-bodied, marine gastropod mollusk noted for their extraordinary, almost psychedelic appearance. Like all dive sites in Oman, the Tug and Barge has a high density of plankton which, dependent on the conditions at the time, can affect the visibility on your dive. The upside to this is an abundance of plankton means an abundance of fish, so your experience will be memorable whatever the weather!

ABOVE: British SS World War 2 shipwreck at a dive site in the Middle East.

British SS World War 2 shipwreck at a dive site in the Middle East.

That is just four of the many numerous dive sites that can be found in Oman, but there are several others – like the Daymaniyat Islands, where you can see a selection of corals, eagle rays and dolphins, and if you are a turtle fan make sure to visit the Ras Al Hadd resort, especially developed for the conservation of marine turtles. You’ll find there’s more than enough to keep you occupied until such time that the Esmeralda site is open to the public and you can investigate the mysteries that lie within yourself.