Oman / Extra Divers Qantab
WRECK DIVING, DOLPHIN TOURS AND A LUXURIOUS HOTEL COMPLEX!
The Extra Divers dive centre at Qantab is located directly in the marina of the luxury hotel, Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort & Spa, in the middle of Muscat Bay, surrounded by spectacular cliff formations. From here the most beautiful dive sites of Bandar Al Khairan and Fahal Island can be explored on daily boat trips. An abundance of fish, various species of moray eel, rays, brightly coloured nudibranchs, turtles and a large wreck are just a few of the region’s diving highlights
Contact: qantab@extradivers.org or by phone (+968) 96 31 90 81 or (+968) 2477 6042
Diving/Dive spots
Many dive sites are close to the centre; for example, Fahal Island, which delights visitors with its beautiful coral gardens and its abundance of fish. Besides shrimps, anemones and a myriad of fish, there are often various rays, turtles and even reef sharks at the dive sites. Bandar Al Khairan’s variety of dive sites is impressive – from steep walls to gently sloping coral gardens, there’s something for everyone here. Another highlight is the 3,000-tonne, 84-metre-long Al Munassir wreck, sunk in 2003 by the Royal Navy of Oman in Bandar Al Khairan. This marvellous wreck, overgrown with soft coral, lies at a depth of 30m and is home to a large variety of fish species. The dive sites of Bandar Al Khairan and Fahal Island can be reached in 15 to 30 minutes by speedboat.
Altogether there are about 20 different dive sites, with visibility ranging from 5 to 20 metres. Diving is exclusively by boat and in small groups with a maximum of 4-5 divers per guide (depending on experience and level of training). In the mornings there’s usually a two-tank dive, consisting of two dives, and in the afternoons there’s a trip with one dive. Night dives are available on request. The use of a dive computer is compulsory (computer hire available). Dive training is offered in various languages (booking courses in advance is recommended).
A special experience for the whole family – including non-divers – is the daily dolphin watching tours, with a very high probability of encountering the playful marine mammals. As well as dolphin watching, there are snorkelling tours to Turtle Bay, sunset cruises and private boat trips.
Team & Education
Michele and Anna, born in the Italian part of Switzerland, are enthusiastic and expierenced divers. Mixed with their office management experience it is a perfect combination for an unforgettable adventure at Extra Divers Qantab. A knowledgeable and high-quality diving team will make your day safe and extraordinary at the same time. Altogether, six languages are spoken fluently by the staff, and they can’t wait to meet you to share some memorable moments. Extra Divers Qantab provides diving courses and specialty courses according to SSI Scuba School International standards. In addition, they provide different tours like dolphin tour, snorkeling, and sunset tour. Training is currently provided in English, French, and Italian.
Facilities
The dive center of the Extra Divers Qantab, offers of course new equipment and high quality diving!
The boutique offers everything the diving heart desires from souvenirs to equipment and also a workshop in which our friendly and accustomed competent team will be happy to assist you with the maintenance of your equipment.
• 140 aluminium tanks (DIN connection, INT adapter available)
• 30 sets of high-quality Aqua Lung equipment for hire
• 3 dive boats
• digital UW cameras
• boutique and on-site workshop
• 2 compressors
• 1 nitrox filling station / nitrox for certified divers for a surcharge of approx. 2 OMR per dive
• oxygen first aid kit
Payment on-site
Please note that Oman generally does not accept US dollar bills older than 2007!
Highlights & Specials
Dolphins!!!!
Spinner, Common and Bottlenose: we organize daily 2 boat trips, with beautiful navigation in open sea to reach the shoal – 90% of chance to spot dolphins! most of the time you can encounter lots of this beautiful creatures, and - few times a year- also the majestic ones can be spotted during their migration – you’d like to know what we are talking about? Surprise! Come and see with your eyes! :)
Snorkeling in Turtle bay: a massive reef formed by pocilloporas (pinky, orange, purple, brown..) hosts colorful fishes and TURTLES in shallow waters. What else better than this? : ) You can join us, during our afternoon trips at Turtle Bay!
For divers, Al Munassir wreck is rated as one of the best dive sites in the whole area, so just come and discover it!
Sometimes, in the evening, the bank of plankton makes the water glow on the sandy shore: this and other very little simple things - that are giving emotions - are worth an entire holiday here in Oman.
