Martini Rock is situated very close to Khor Fakkan on the east coast of UAE (GPS N 25 20.123 E 56 22.882) and is probably one of the most visited dive sites by the east coast operators. Most weekends, you will find several boats at this site.
Fortunately, there is a mooring at this site so anchors are not required, reducing damage to the area and avoiding accidents to those who may be below from dropping anchors. However, occasionally the mooring is cut, and sometimes, an anchor is required.
The site is suitable for divers of all levels from novice to the more experienced, and a good multi-level dive can be done here with still something to see on the safety stop at 6m, without having to hang on a line or float in the empty sea hanging on to your SMB, which every diver should carry.
Currently, the mooring line is anchored at around 13m (depending on tides), and following the rock on the left-hand side (counterclockwise) the depth drops to around 22m at the outer (eastern) side.
Temperatures this year have been below the norm, and rather cool thermoclines down to 22°C have been recently experienced despite air temperatures in the high 30’s and surface water temperatures around 28°C. I, for one, am getting cold after 30 minutes and will soon be donning my 5mm suit. Call me a wimp, but I would rather be warm and comfortable than cold. Remember that cold diving without suitable protection can be a predisposition to decompression sickness.
Marine Life
The most noticeable thing about this site is the plethora of colourful orange, red and purple soft corals of Dendronephthya species in the upper section (more about this later). Additionally, there is a lot of 
blue and yellow whip coral as you go deeper, and it is worth inspecting these closely with a torch as many smaller interesting creatures inhabit them.
Around the rock, you will come across many Pillow Stars (Oreasteridaesp) as well as other smaller members of the starfish family, and occasionally a large Crown of Thorns (Acanthasterplanci), which on close inspection, might reveal some example of symbiosis with shrimps living in between the spikes.
Fish life is generally abundant, with frequent shoals of gill-raker Mackerel seen swooping around along with rainbow fusiliers and snapper, frequently being chased and attacked by trevally or jackfish.
As this is a protected area, there are many groupers around, opportunistic predators, on the lookout for an easy meal. Lizardfish (Synodussp) are also sitting, waiting for something to swim past and launch themselves like torpedoes impaling their victims with their needle sharp teeth.
Plenty of scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsisoxycephalus) inhabit this site, and be very careful if you have to touch the rock for some reason; look carefully first, otherwise, you might be on a quick boat ride back to Khor Fakkan. One thing to remember, most marine poisons are low-temperature acting and by using warm water on the wound, the pain will subside as the heat breaks down the protein of the poison. However, poison from a stonefish (Synanceiasp) can be fatal and will require ananti-venom.
There are also a few Lionfish (Pteroisvolitans) hanging around, and when disturbed, they will spread their fins out and go in a head-down position ready to defend themselves also with poisoned spines – be careful!
Predating on the scorpionfish are the moray eels, and you will find various species lurking in the Dendronephthya corals, which are also home to many smaller fish including the small boxfish (Ostracionmeleagris) that dart around, their obscure non-streamlined shape belying their ability to swim off very quickly.
On the sandy surrounds of the rock, you will find plenty of gobies living in holes along with their live-in shrimp housecleaners (Alpheus sp). Sea Pens wafting in the current, and perhaps a ray or two half buried in the sand.
After about 20 minutes in the deeper side, move slowly back towards the mooring line shifting to a shallower depth for your multi-level dive, and by monitoring your dive computer, you will be rewarded with a longer time as air consumption will decrease when you ascend. Explore the small canyons, observe the Sergeant Majors (Abudefdufvaigiensis) laying their eggs (purple patches) and protecting them against other fish looking for a quick meal. The Red Tooth Triggerfish (Odonusniger), swimming awkwardly or hiding in crevices, perhaps sleeping. You may also be approached by one of several larger fish, the Broomtail Wrasse (Cheilinuslunulatus) with their distinct yellow marking above their pectoral fins.
Take your time to dive this site, swim slowly, touch nothing and take only photographs. Even in poor visibility, this site has a lot to offer.
Published in September 2012
