The dive sites themselves range in character from walls to extensive coral gardens. The combination of plankton and strong local currents attract a great range of pelagic species, which includes both manta and eagle rays, along with whale sharks. Numerous shark species can also be encountered, as well as most species of turtle. The trade off for the high concentrations of marine life is underwater visibility, which typically lies in a range from 12 and 20 metres.
These sites represent only a very small portion of what is available in the Musandam area.
These sites represent only a very small portion of what is available in the Musandam area.
.:: Octopus ::.
With its distinctive undercut top, this isolated stack lies 3 km offshore to the north of Leema and is another great Musandam dive site. The almost round rock is approximately 50 meters in diameter and its sides drop more or less vertically to a mixed rock and sand seabed. The rocky bottom runs in ridges to the west and north, forming sandy-bottomed gullies. The depths of the gullies vary from 15-20 meters around the base of the rock, then to the south-east slope off onto a sandy seabed descending more than 50 meters. Octopus rock is a marine zoo that can be enjoyed in most weather and tidal conditions due to its sheltered location in Leema Bay.
Depth: 5 -30 m Snorkeling: yes
Lying due north of Dibba, Leema Island marks the southern entrance to Leema Bay amidst a plethora of corals and marina life. This island is a pinnacle of limestone rock approximately 800 meters long by 200 meters wide with steep, jagged sides. The waves have undercut the rock in many places, leaving shallow caves and deep fissures. Sheer cliffs drop almost vertically into the water to a depth of around 12 meters, then boulders and scree run steeply down to a sandy bottom at more than 60 meters.
.:: Leema Isl ::.
Depth:12m - 60 m Snorkeling: yes
Ras Marovi is a collection of four islands; the two larger islands run in a line south-east from the mainland of Al Khatamah mountan. The first large island is separated from the mainland by a 100 metre channel and the second large island has a 200 metre channel dividing it from the first island. The best diving is in the two channels. The depth of the channel nearest the shore varies from 30 metres to thr north, rising up to 6 metres, and then dropping off to 28 metres in the south.
The shallowest point of the second channel is 18 metres, dropping to over 30 metres on either side. The rock and boulders slope down to a sandy bottom with a covering of both hard and soft corals. When the currents are running, drift dives through the channels can be great fun.
The shallowest point of the second channel is 18 metres, dropping to over 30 metres on either side. The rock and boulders slope down to a sandy bottom with a covering of both hard and soft corals. When the currents are running, drift dives through the channels can be great fun.
There are lots of soft corals on these sites, including plenty of orange and blue teddybear coral. The islands attract a lot of reef and pelagic fish. Leopard sharks, grey reef sharks, white tipped reef sharks and dolphins are regular visitors.
Depth max: 30+ m Snorkeling: yes
Depth max: 30+ m Snorkeling: yes
.:: Marovi Isl ::.
The boulder coral on this site is extensive, running along the side of the cloff from 5 meters down to 16 meters, where the coral reef gently runs down to the sandy bottom. Every available gap is filled with a variety of corals, from brain, daisy and tables of staghorn to great clumps of cauliflower coral fighting for space between the boulder coral.
This is a shallow site with the corals covering most of the fallen rocks down to a depth of 16 meters. Cape Hamra is a good site for reef fish as there are lots of hollows and gaps where the fish dart in and out, playing " hide and seek ". You will also often see turtles resting between the clumps of coral.
This is a shallow site with the corals covering most of the fallen rocks down to a depth of 16 meters. Cape Hamra is a good site for reef fish as there are lots of hollows and gaps where the fish dart in and out, playing " hide and seek ". You will also often see turtles resting between the clumps of coral.
.:: Cape Al Hamra ::.
Depth max: 18 m
Snorkeling: yes ( just drift over the reef without leaving the surface and admire the marine zoo)
One of the Best for UW Photographers!
Snorkeling: yes ( just drift over the reef without leaving the surface and admire the marine zoo)
One of the Best for UW Photographers!
These Caves are not visible from the surface when is hight tide. Erosion by the sea has cut these caves deep into the limestone rock face.The main chamber is an undercut section running into the rock for about 10-15 meters. The bottom is sandy with boulders at about 10 meters. There are several deeper caves at the back of the main chamber.
Depth max: 18 m Snorkeling: yes
.:: The Cave ::.
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