Oman / Muscat in August

[martinswal]

Hi
First ever post here - looking for some advice. We have looked at going to Oman on the Dhow liveaboard followed by a week in Muscat diving the Daymaniyats but are concerned about the heat. I know this is subjective but do people think its too hot for a dive holiday in August. We are stuck with school holidays. Also has anyone done a transfer from Dibba port to Muscat via road and was that easy or hard work.

Thanks for any replies

Martin

[NeilB]

Well, there you go.....1st post on a Yorkshire forum about a country 3000 miles away and you get a reply from a man who lives there! Marvels of modern technology or what!!

I live in Muscat and have used Al Marsa several times. You can't go wrong. The boats are good. The skippers are local men with local knowledge. There is a crew of six, including a chef, to look after you. The diving is good.

Having just checked my dive log for the last 4 years August seems a good time of year to come. The air temp is middle 30s and water temp is high 20s. So not too hot, and the dhows do have A/C - although it is an on or off job as it cools the whole lower deck. On the top deck during the day with a sea breeze it will be lovely.

From Dibba you pass through Fujairah and Kor Fakkan on the way to the border at Khatmat Malawah. There is a 20dhs (£3) charge per person to leave the UAE but no charge to enter Oman except for the 6 rial (£8) visa charge. The road is good and takes us about 3.5 hours to do the 400km. It is a straight run down the coast through Sohar.
If you are then planning to stop at Al Sawadi Beach Resort for the Damaniyat Islands diving you can knock 40mins off the travel time as it is 90km from Muscat.

If you have any specific questions please feel free to email or PM me.

Neil