Spot sharks and turtles or swim through wrecks on a dive in the United Arab Emirates, where sites range from the artificial to the unexpected – and there’s something to spot whatever your experience level. There are also plenty of snorkelling spots if you’d rather stay close to the surface, where colourful fish and stingray can be found.
Outside of what the natural world has to offer in the UAE, there are man made corals as well as the world’s deepest dive pool, which plunges to 197ft.
1. Fujairah
There are around 14 dive sites in Fujairah, including four wreck dives that are a hot favourite with certified divers. Inchcape 1 and 2 are wreck dives where you’ll see seahorses, Honeycomb Moray eels, and – in the right season – frogfish.
Other sites in the emirate include Dibba Rock, where the shallow waters are home to turtles, reef sharks and colourful fish, and Hole in the Wall, which has an underwater tunnel that you can swim through. One of the most popular spots is Snoopy Island, where you can spot triggerfish, trumpetfish and parrotfish, as well as stingrays, turtles and the odd shark.
The sandy sea floor here means you’ll likely spot marine life like stingrays below you, while turtles have been known to pop up at Fujairah’s dive spots. Given its depth, you can also see a decent amount here on a snorkelling excursion.
Freestyle Divers and Barracuda Diving Center are among a handful of outlets here that will arrange trips for you, but note that you can also hire snorkelling equipment and swim out to some sites.
2. Deep Dive Dubai
One of the most bizarre diving experiences you’re likely to have in the UAE, Deep Dive Dubai is a man-made underground playground with a huge crater that submerges to 197ft (the world’s deepest dive pool). The dive site itself has been created to look like a sunken city, complete with brick walls, furniture, even art hanging on the walls. The post-apocalyptic feel of the site gives this dive an eerily fun feel (plus your friends and family can watch you go below the surface via screens and windows in the facility).
Those without a Padi certificate can dive up to 40ft at the site, or snorkel at surface level (a great way for the whole family to take part). Certified Padi divers can go all the way to the bottom of the site. There are also freediving opportunities for the experienced and those new to the sport.
3. Ras al Khaimah
Top snorkelling spot Ras al Khaimah is a great place to spot marine life from the surface, thanks to the excellent visibility in the area. Take a trip out to shark island, where – as the name suggests – you can spot a variety of sharks including grey- and black-tipped reef sharks, or snorkel straight off the beach at Jazirat Al Hamra. You can also take a dive or boat and snorkel trip with Al Jazeera Diving & Swimming Centre to get further away from the shore and snorkel or dive in less crowded locations. You can also grab snorkel equipment from dive shops and enquire about the best places to spot marine life.
4. Abu Dhabi
Check out the coral reefs off the coast of Abu Dhabi with dive and snorkel sites perfect for spotting the diverse marine life in the Arabian Gulf. These warm waters are home to some dolphin species and turtles, as well as angelfish, butterfly fish and snappers, among others. Get a boat out to the clear turquoise waters off Zaya Nurai Island for diving and snorkelling or book onto a half or full-day dive excursion with Al Mahara Diving Centre.
Their excellent instructors will take you out to dive sites such as Ras Gurab, which features wreck dives for those who are qualified. Many dive centres that run day excursions will provide refreshments, as well as the usual equipment hire. Sir Bani Yas Island and Beach Rotana Club have excellent snorkelling opportunities.
5. Pearl Diving Experience
Part diving experience, part theme park, the Pearl Diving Experience at Yas Waterworld is one that’s great for slightly older kids. Set in an underwater tank, those aged 8 or over can hunt for pearls, replicating one of the traditional industries of the UAE (of course these pearls are placed around the tank rather than painstakingly pried from under the waves). You can have any pearls that you find in the tank made into jewellery as a keepsake of the experience.
6. Musandam
Easily reachable for a day trip or overnight stay, neighbouring Musandam boasts some excellent diving and snorkelling. A governorate of Oman on the peninsula above Ras al Khaimah, Musandam has a number of dive sites including Lima Rock, where you may get lucky enough to spot a gigantic whale shark. The limestone rock island, which sits at the entrance to Lima Bay, contains different levels of corals and is home to sharks, rays, sunfish, tuna and jacks – it’s an underwater treasure trove and can be dived (or snorkelled) in most conditions. Take local advice on weather suitability.
