Dolphin Watching in Muscat - Your Guide For a Fulfilling Aquatic Experience

Blessed with an abundance of breathtaking beauty, Muscat, the capital city of Oman, has an aura of its own. Surrounded by mountains on one side and the Gulf of Oman on the other, the Muscat waters are home to a lot so fascinating marine creatures, one of them being the majestic dolphins. The spirited and cheerful nature of dolphins has always been viral, especially among kids. These majestic underwater creatures are an absolute treat to watch, which undoubtedly makes dolphin watching in Muscat, a prevalent activity among the tourists.

Best Time for a Dolphin Watching in Muscat

The best time for dolphin watching in Muscat is between October and May. It is advisable to go on a dolphin-watching trip is on a bright, sunny day, because dolphins are less likely to come out of the water on a cloudy day.

Dolphin Watching Highlights

1. Witness the tricks and playfulness of the dolphins around your boat with a few splashes of crystal clear water on your face!

2. Unlike other places, where you see a pair of dolphins and at the blink of an eye, they vanish into the water; at Muscat, you can witness an entire pod of dolphins jumping up and down with joy, almost in coordination.

3.With the guidance of experienced staff onboard, spot different species of dolphins such as Spinner dolphins, Risso's Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Striped Dolphins and many more.

4. If luck favours, you are likely to witness different varieties of whales and other fascinating marine creatures in the Muscat waters.

5. Some tour operators offer a combined package for dolphin watching and snorkelling, which is also a great combination as you can swim along with the dolphins just by your side!

6. Enjoy a fun boat/cruise ride with complimentary beverages, offered by almost every tour operator.

7. Enjoy a breath-taking view of the Muscat Coastline.

Here are few of the best tour operators you can refer to for a memorable experience of dolphin watching in Muscat

1. Muscat Sea tours 

Established in 2006, Muscat Sea Tours was set up as an independent Omani Tour agency, which offers a wide range of sea activities. These include dolphin watching, snorkelling, sunset trip, island excursion and a lot more. Their tours operate from the Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, and they also organise private tailor-made packages.

Price (per person)
Adult - OMR 15
Children (5 to 12 years) - Half rate
Children below 5 years of age - Free 
Price (per person - including hotel pickup and drop)
OMR 17
Inclusions: Non-alcoholic beverages
Timings:
Slot 1 - 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Slot 2 -10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location:Marina Bandar Al Rowdha
Contact: www.muscatseatours.com

2. Coral Ocean Tours

An independent local agency for dolphin watching in Muscat, this place offers affordable and tailored packages for their customers. Other than the marine adventures package, they also have a wide range of options which help tourists experience the culture of the city.

Price (per person)
Adult - OMR 15
Children (5 to 12 years) - Half rate
Children below 5 years of age - Free
Price (per person - including hotel pickup and drop)
OMR 17
Inclusions: Non-alcoholic beverages
Timings:
Slot 1 - 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Slot 2 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location:Marina Bandar Al Rowdha
Contact:www.coraloceantours.com

3. Sidab Sea Tours

Sidab Sea Tours is a popular agency, offering a wide range of sea tours, ever since it was established in 1998. With experienced staff on board, they make sure that your trip becomes a memorable one.

Price (per person)
Adult - OMR 17
Children (5 to 10 years) - OMR 10
Children below 5 years of age - Free
Inclusions: Light refreshments and snacks
Timings:
Slot 1 - 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Slot 2 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location:Marina Bandar Al Rowdha
Contact:www.sidabseatours.com

4. Nomad Tours

Nomad Tours was established in 2006, with the sole purpose of making tourists experience the beautiful country of Oman with proper guidance. It organises a lot of exciting activities such as mountain treks, desert treks and of course marine adventures.

Dolphin Watching:
Price (per person- including hotel pickup and drop)
Adult - OMR 17
Children (5 to 10 years) - OMR 10 
Children below 5 years of age - Free
Inclusions: Non-alcoholic beverages
Timings:
Slot 1 - 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Slot 2 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Dolphin watching + Snorkelling
Price (per person - including hotel pickup and drop)
Adult - OMR 22
Children (5 to 10 years) - OMR 11 
Children below 5 years of age - Free
Inclusions: Non-alcoholic beverages
Timings:
Slot 1 - 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Slot 2 - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Marina Bandar Al Rowdha
Contact:www.nomadtours.com

5. Az’Zaha Tours

One of the leading tour operators for dolphin watching in Muscat, Az’Zaha Tours conducts several exciting outdoor adventures such as desert tours, overnight island camping, fishing charters other than the marine adventures such as dolphin watching, snorkelling, dhow cruise etc.

Price (per person)
Adult - OMR 15
Children (5 to 12 years) - Half rate
Children below 5 years of age - Free
Price (per person - including hotel pickup and drop)
OMR 17
Inclusions: Non-alcoholic beverages
Timings:
Slot 1 - 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Slot 2 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Slot 3 - 12:00 PM tp 2:00 PM
Location:Marina Bandar Al Rowdha
Contact:www.azzahatours.com

6. Ocean Tours Oman

One of the prominent ocean tour operators in Muscat, this agency offers numerous ocean activities such as dolphin watching, ocean sightseeing, coastal cruise etc. With their professional service, they strive to make your holiday a cherishable one.

Dolphin Watching
Price (per person- including hotel pickup and drop)
Adult - OMR 17
Children (5 to 10 years) - OMR 10
Children below 5 years of age - Free
Inclusions: Non-alcoholic beverages
Timings:
Slot 1 - 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Slot 2 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Dolphin watching + Snorkelling
Price (per person - including hotel pickup and drop)
Adult - OMR 22
Children (5 to 10 years) - OMR 11
Children below 5 years of age - Free
Inclusions: Non-alcoholic beverages
Timings: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Location:Marina Bandar Al Rowdha
Contact:www.oceantoursoman.com

7. Oman Day Tours

Oman Day Tours plans out the schedules of their tourists carefully, to give them an unforgettable experience and they make it a point to introduce you to the culture and history of the beautiful city.

Price (per person - including hotel pickup and drop)
Adult - OMR 22
Children (5 to 12 years) - OMR 14
Children below 5 years of age - Free
Inclusions: Non-alcoholic beverages
Timings:
Slot 1 - 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Slot 2 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Marina Bandar Al Rowdha
Contact:www.omandaytours.com

8. Grand City Centre(GCC) Tours

A leading sea tour operator in Muscat, GCC Tours offers a wide range of marine adventures such as dolphin watching, ocean sightseeing, snorkelling, dhow cruise and much more. They also organise private parties onboard.

Price (per person)
Adult - OMR 15
Children (5 to 12 years) - Half rate
Children below 5 years of age - Free
Price (per person - including hotel pickup and drop)
OMR 17
Inclusions: Non-alcoholic beverages
Timings:
Slot 1 - 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Slot 2 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Marina Bandar Al Rowdha
Contact:www.gcctoursmuscat.com

Essential Tips While Dolphin Watching in Muscat

1. While most tour operators have two-time slots between 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the first slot always offers the best view.
2. Most of the dolphin watching packages take place in Marina Bander Al Rowdha region. However, make sure you check the area of boarding beforehand.
3. Since it is a day trip, carry your summer gears such as sunglasses, hats etc.
4. Make sure you take your binoculars and keep your cameras ready at all times, to capture perfect shots.
5. Do not forget to carry your passport on the day of your trip.

Dolphin watching in Muscat is bound to be a memorable experience not just for young kids, but for people of all ages. These extremely playful and social creatures are an absolute delight to watch. Just hop on a cruise and enjoy the thrill amidst these marine creatures, and your day is sure to be made.