Oman’s diverse environment extends to its coastal waters that are rich in marine life. The large numbers of Indian Ocean varieties of dolphins found along Oman’s coastal areas throughout the year make dolphin watching a favourite year round activity. Taking a dolphin watching cruise is among the top things to do in Muscat. Al Falaj Hotel in the heart of Muscat offers convenient access to things to do and see in the city.
As many as 21 species of dolphins have been identified in the country’s coastal waters. The spinner, the Indo-Pacific humpbacks, Risso’s and bottlenose dolphins are the most common. As they are found in great numbers tour operators guarantee successful sightings. This is quite possible as dolphins are creatures of habit and leave in search of food and return to the reefs at more or less the same times daily. Many dolphin watching tours leave early morning to catch the dolphins when they are leaving to chase after tuna. Late afternoons when they return from feeding are the next best time to view them. Boats have to travel for over an hour from the coast to catch a glimpse of dolphins although they are known to come quite close to the shore. Spinner Dolphins are a treat to watch as they jump out of the water, sometimes twirl in the air as their name suggests and swim alongside the boats. Although boat operators get close to dolphin pods so that visitors can have photo opportunities this is not the ideal way to view dolphins. Environmentalists agree that a minimum of 50 meters should be kept between the animals and boats and no attempt should be made to touch them or get in their way. Viewing these cetaceans in their natural habitat having a great time in the water is the best way to enjoy them. October to May are said to be the ideal months to go out dolphin watching as they are seen in vast numbers along coasts of countries bordering the Indian Ocean at this time probably because the Indian Ocean is at its calmest, the air and water temperatures are pleasant and food is plentiful.
Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.