In April this year, I was privileged to be invited to an overnight diving trip along the Musandam Peninsula in Oman.
The Musandam Peninsula is absolutely stunning. The contrast between the overwhelming mountains that seem to drop and disappear into the stunning blue sea is breathtaking.
We drove from the UAE to Dibba, Oman where we boarded a traditional dhow boat. From there we cruised up the peninsula to our first dive spot called Octopus Rock. It is named after an octopus because the rock formation looks like octopus legs underwater, you may need to use your imagination here. From what I’ve been told however, is that this is one of the best dive sites in the area, and it lived up to expectations. There were so many colourful reef fish that didn’t take any heed of us and literally swam all around us. This was the first time I’d seen so many lionfish swimming in the open water. Near the end of the dive my crazy and super fun dive partner, Felicitas and I, saw a huge stingray, without a doubt the biggest one I’ve seen to date.
That afternoon our skipper anchored close to shore and allowed us some chill out time where we jumped off the boat, some of us pin dropping, others back-flipping and one person, in particular, face planting not once, but twice! In the evening, we had a braai (BBQ) on the beach with some well deserved cold drinks and some roasted marshmallows around a bonfire. We all ended the day in perfect fashion, sleeping under the stars on the top deck of the boat.
The next morning after a very fresh morning swim to wake up, we geared up for our second dive at a site called Ras Marouvi – another beautiful dive location with a plethora of reef fish and multi-coloured coral. It was on this dive that my dive partner, again Felicitas showed me the joy of diving upside down. Yes, you read right. She spent most of the dive upside down while she observed the coral and fish below. I still do not know to this day how she does not get a head rush but admittedly, after trying it, I got quite addicted to swimming upside down too.
Our third and last dive was at a site called Ras Sanout. This was a drift dive, and although the current was fairly strong it was very enjoyable. I quite enjoy drift dives as you don’t need to put much effort in, just relax and go with the current. My weekend diving was capped off when we saw a turtle, a sea horse, and two large squid.
Our trip was organised by one of the funniest guys I’ve met, Julio Corredor. This was the first time I have met him, but I’m sure it won’t be the last! Julio is a member of the Rotaract Club Jumeirah Dubai, and part of our fee to come along on the trip was donated to three employees of Le Meridien Hotel Fujairah who, unfortunately, lost their homes in the recent earthquake. So once again, thank you, Julio, for arranging such an incredible trip and at the same time organising to help others in need.
Words by: Richard Steward
