Oman / Extra Divers Mirbat
Located along Oman’s untouched southern coastline, just an hour’s drive from Salalah Airport, Extra Divers Mirbat operates two dive centres set amidst a stunning natural landscape of mountains, bays, and desert. The area surrounding the picturesque fishing village of Mirbat remains a true hidden gem – perfect for divers and travellers seeking spectacular underwater experiences and genuine Arabian atmosphere, far from the tourist crowds.
The dive centres are affiliated with two high-quality resorts: the luxurious Alila Hinu Bay and the comfortable Wyndham Garden Hotel. All diving is conducted via boat trips to pristine, rarely visited dive sites rich in marine life.
Please note: The dive centres are closed due to weather conditions from 1st June to 30th September each year.
Diving/Dive spots
Around 20 diverse dive sites are accessible from Extra Divers Mirbat. The area boasts an impressive biodiversity, ideal for photographers, marine enthusiasts, and reef lovers alike.
Highlights include:
• Vibrant, fish-rich coral reefs
• Encounters with turtles, octopuses, lobsters, and moray eels – including the rare dragon moray
• Large pharaoh cuttlefish
• Several species of rays: blue-spotted, eagle, torpedo, and guitar rays
• Two fascinating wrecks:
• The Chinese Wreck
• The Marriott Wreck – both serving as artificial reefs teeming with schooling fish
The dive sites are suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced divers. Most dive depths range between 5 and 25 metres, as southern Oman does not feature steep drop-offs or reefs deeper than 30 metres.
Seasonal Marine Life Highlights
• Dolphin sightings (from November): Large pods can be observed from the boat or during snorkelling trips from shore.
• Whales & orcas (January to April): With a bit of luck, these majestic creatures can be spotted from the dive boat.
Dive Centres Overview
Alila Hinu Bay Dive Centre – Located right on the sandy beach of the Alila Hotel:
• Reception & dive shop
• Two bathrooms with showers
• Rinse tanks
• Cosy sun terrace
Wyndham Garden Dive Centre – Situated near the hotel’s spa on the way to the beach:
• Reception & dive shop
• Classroom
• Two bathrooms with showers
• Outdoor showers
• Workshop & compressor room
• Equipment storage
• Comfortable terrace area
Diving Logistics
• Two fibreglass speedboats depart daily from the Wyndham Garden floating jetty
• Two morning dives with return by early afternoon
• A third dive is available in the afternoon on request (minimum participants required)
• Special snorkelling excursions to nearby Bird Island
Team & Education
The dive centers operate under professional German management and offer courses and specialty courses for all levels, following SSI standards. Courses are available in English, Italian, French, and with assistance in German.
Facilities
• 16 Aqua Lung full sets
• 25 aluminum tanks (12L) with DIN & INT valves
• 2 L&W compressors
• Nitrox available for OMR 2 per tank
• Reception and shop
• Workshop
Payment on-site
Payments can be made in OMR, EUR, or USD, processed through the hotels. Exchange rates are updated daily. Please note that US dollar bills issued before 2007 are not accepted anywhere in Oman.
