January 14 2014 – Muscat, Oman: Oman is a boater’s paradise, surrounded by beautiful, azure waters and home to a wealth of cruising, diving and watersports opportunities to explore from luxurious anchoring destinations. Located on the Tropic of Cancer and engulfed by the Sea of Oman, Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea, everyone from boating enthusiasts visiting for a week, to locals in search of a leisurely and relaxing day trip can enjoy its islands, boating areas and plethora of water-based activities.
Oman has a rich maritime history, and today, cruising, diving and water sports have become major tourist attractions.
Oman is well-endowed with marinas located just a short distance away from picturesque cruising destinations. For tourists and locals, Oman’s The Wave, Muscat development offers the ideal anchoring spot at the prestigious Almouj Marina, which has become a flagship yachting destination and a premier marina facility in the Middle East.
Almouj Marina, managed by Mourjan Marinas and designed to accommodate 10-40 metre yachts across 121 spacious berths, boasts five-star service and eco-friendly, state-of-the-art facilities and a wealth of waterfront cafes and restaurants. The Marina’s expansion plan will take it to an impressive 400 berths .
Boaters can also reap the benefits of Almouj Marina’s recently opened Omanoil fuelling station which conveniently provides both diesel and benzene fuels, enhancing the overall customer experience.
From the stunning Almouj Marina, boaters can set off into the local waters and discover a series of breath-taking islands and abundance of marine life and coral reefs in some of the region’s most prominent diving destinations.
Less than 15 nautical miles away lies the uninhibited Damaniyat Islands. The islands are protected as a nature reserve and home to rare birds and marine life including more than 100 species of tropical fish, dolphins, whale sharks and the rare Hawksbill turtle. Secluded bays fringed by white sandy beaches and glittering waters, the islands offer boaters the chance to unwind in complete tranquility.
The Damaniyat Islands are home to 21 dive sites to impress even the most seasoned divers and snorkelers. Spoilt for choice, divers can enjoy an exceptionally diverse range of dive sites and environments near Muscat including Al Khayran, Al Fahil Island, and Al Makbara Bay.
For thrill-seeking boating enthusiasts, Oman’s warm crystal-clear waters provide an idyllic playground for water sports such as jet-skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, diving and parasailing. Additionally, visitors can learn to sail with Oman Sail sailing school, based in Almouj Marina. While those looking to spend a more relaxing time on the water can rent a luxury yacht for a sunset cruise, providing stunning views of the city skyline at night.
Whether an international boating enthusiast, or a local searching for fun adventure and blissful relaxation, Muscat’s luxurious Almouj Marina, calm azure waters, and sandy island beaches make Oman an ultimate cruising destination.
