MY Oman Explorer
Boat
The Oman Explorer, formerly known as the Saman Explorer, has been operating under the management of Extra Divers Worldwide since 2011, guiding divers to the most fascinating dive sites in the Sultanate of Oman. Depending on the season, the vessel offers both northern and southern itineraries, allowing guests to explore the diverse underwater landscapes of this remarkable region.
This spacious steel vessel can accommodate up to 22 divers in 11 cabins. On board, a dedicated international crew of around 10 members, along with a maximum of 2 experienced dive guides, ensures a high level of service. The main language on board is English.
The Oman Explorer features a large dive deck, an air-conditioned salon, and an expansive sun deck with shaded lounging areas. There is also a cozy seating area on the upper deck, perfect for relaxing between dives.
More about the destination
Equipment & Cabines
Guests on the Oman Explorer are accommodated in 10 twin cabins located on the upper and lower decks, as well as one spacious master cabin. All cabins come equipped with a fan, wardrobe, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with shower and WC. Fresh towels (for the cabin and sun deck) and a hairdryer are also provided.
Standard Cabins:
• Two single beds (1 m x 2 m each)
• Located on the lower and upper decks
• Upper deck cabins offer stunning sea views
Master Cabin:
• Located on the main deck
• King-size double bed
• Additional amenities include a refrigerator and TV
Catering
Full board is included, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served daily, along with coffee, tea, juice, and water. Light snacks and afternoon treats are also provided. For those who enjoy a cold drink, beer and wine are available for purchase. Meals are generally served buffet-style in the air-conditioned salon, offering a varied and delicious selection to satisfy every appetite.
Diving
Aboard the Oman Explorer, guests can enjoy 2 to 4 dives per day, including night dives. However, no diving is typically conducted on embarkation and disembarkation days (usually Saturdays). The final day of diving is generally Friday, with 1 to 2 dives depending on the itinerary.
Depending on the number of guests, 1 to a maximum of 2 experienced dive guides are on board, providing detailed briefings before each dive. Standard tanks are 12-litre aluminium cylinders (DIN/INT), while 15-litre tanks are available on request and at an additional charge. Nitrox is also available for certified divers for an extra fee.
The spacious dive platform is well-equipped with rinse tanks and freshwater showers, and the large dive deck provides ample storage space for equipment, including personal gear boxes. Dives are conducted either directly from the platform or from the two RIBs.
Required Dive Experience: OWD + Deep or AOWD certification with a minimum of 30 logged dives.
A short description of all tours can be found under Routes.
Diving in Oman
Oman is easily accessible from Europe, with flight times of approximately 6 to 7 hours, making it a great alternative to the Red Sea. Many dive sites are still relatively untouched, offering divers the rare opportunity to explore vibrant underwater landscapes without the crowds. With typical dive depths ranging from 15 to 30 metres and generally weak currents, these sites are suitable for both beginners and advanced divers.
What truly sets Oman’s waters apart is the incredible marine biodiversity. The plankton-rich seas attract large schools of fish, rare moray eels, leopard sharks, stingrays, colourful nudibranchs, turtles, cuttlefish, octopuses, and majestic eagle rays. Many marine species here tend to be larger than those found in other popular diving destinations. With a bit of luck, divers might even encounter whale sharks or elusive ocean sunfish (Mola mola).
In the southern Hallaniyat Islands, a resident population of humpback whales can occasionally be spotted, adding a unique highlight to any diving trip.
The reefs themselves are a stunning mix of rocky plateaus, walls, and shallow coral gardens. Depending on the location, they can range from sparsely covered to densely packed with vibrant hard and soft corals. Visibility can vary between 5 and 20 metres due to high nutrient levels and occasional thermoclines, but the sheer abundance of marine life more than compensates for this, offering unforgettable encounters with large schools of fish and unique underwater landscapes.
Dive Safari
The Oman Explorer offers 7-night itineraries with Saturday embarkation and disembarkation. Additionally, twice a year, the vessel undertakes special 10-night ‘Best of Oman’ expeditions, travelling from north to south or vice versa, showcasing the most stunning dive regions in the Sultanate of Oman.
Arrival and Boarding
Upon arrival at the airport, guests are welcomed by a crew member and transferred to the vessel. Alternatively, hotel pickups can also be arranged. Check-in on board begins at 2:00 pm. Upon arrival, guests are treated to a delicious lunch, and depending on the schedule, the vessel departs either the same evening or the following morning.
On the sixth day of the trip, the vessel returns to port, depending on the tides. On the seventh day, the tour concludes with breakfast on board, followed by check-out at 9:00 am. Guests are then transferred to the airport or to their onward accommodation.
Safety
- First Aid: Emergency kit, oxygen, defibrillator
- Safety Gear: Fire extinguishers, life vests, life rafts
- Navigation: Radar, GPS, compass, radio, depth sounder
- Satellite Communication: Satellite phone for emergency use
Technical Data
- Length: 37m, Width: 9m
- Cabins: 6 lower deck twin cabins with ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning
- Upper Deck: 4 twin cabins with ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning
- Master Cabin: 1 master cabin on the main deck with ensuite bathroom, minibar, TV, air conditioning
- Engines: 2 x Daewoo, 720 HP each
- Power: 2 generators, 220V & 380V
- Compressors: 2 air compressors + Nitrox membrane system
- Tank Options: 12L aluminium and 15L steel cylinders (DIN/INT)
- Language on Board: English
- RIBs: 2 support boats (5.5m, 40 HP each)
WIFI is included in the tour price. However, connectivity depends on the vessel’s location, and there is often no WiFi or mobile phone signal at dive sites far from the mainland.
Payment on-site
For all tours, the following harbour and fuel surcharges apply:
- 140€ for 7-night trips / 160€ for longer itineraries (from 2026 it will be 150€ and 170€)
- Daily dive permit: 4 OMR per day / 12 OMR per day for Daymaniyat Islands
- Nitrox (per week): 22 OMR
- • 15L cylinder (per week): 15 OMR
Equipment rental is available on request (please pre-book).
Payments on board can only be made in cash (OMR, USD, or EUR). Please note that only USD bills from 2010 or newer are accepted.
Journey
Arrival by Oman Air from Frankfurt or Munich via Muscat to Salalah.
From here, the transfer from airport to ship takes about 1 hour.
Departure in Germany on Friday with arrival in Salalah on Saturday.
Please note check in time on Oman Explorer is around noon. The earliest boarding time is at 14 o’clock. Check out latest at 9am.
Muscat trips: If you arrive before 9 AM in Muscat, you can have breakfast and use the Pool at Sifawy Hotel for a fee (currently 10 OMR, to be paid on spot). You can go to the hotel reception and ask for assistance with your luggage to board Oman Explorer.
Salalah departures: If you arrive before 8 am in Salalah, we recommend booking a day room in a hotel near the airport. We will then pick you up at the hotel for embarkation.
All 7 nights of the liveaboard will be spent on board. Check-out is by 9 am at the latest. If you have an earlier return flight, we will arrange your airport transfer according to your departure time.
Departure and Arrival Ports
1. Best of Daymaniat – Fahal and Bandar Khayran: From/to Sifah (Muscat Airport – MCT). During the summer (April/May) and autumn (September to November), the Oman Explorer operates in the Muscat region. These trips start and end in Sifah, where the vessel anchors opposite the Extra Divers Sifah dive centre.
2. Hallaniyat Islands: From/to Mirbat or Hasik (Salalah Airport – SLL). During winter (December to March), the vessel is based in the south of Oman, exploring the remote Hallaniyat Islands.
3. Transfer Trip (Best of Oman) Sifah – Mirbat / Mirbat – Sifah: Twice a year, the Oman Explorer offers an extended transfer trip, providing a comprehensive dive experience across the full length of the Omani coast. IMPORTANT: A multi-stop (open-jaw) flight is required for this itinerary, as the distance between Mirbat and Sifah is too great for a land transfer.
The transfer from the port to the airport takes approximately 70 minutes.
Highlights & Specials
Oman offers much more than just spectacular diving. Its breathtaking deserts, picturesque oases and wadis, bustling souks, and rich cultural heritage make it a truly unforgettable destination. If you have the time, consider adding a few extra days to your trip to explore this extraordinary country.