Sports and leisure activities Muscat

Serious and well-organized, this club offers 2 dives every morning between 8.30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and one in the afternoon. PADI courses are offered at all levels, from beginner toAssistant Instructor, with instructors speaking several languages, including French. Equipped with a pool suitable for learning to dive, the center has a wide range of quality equipment and three boats. It also offers a number of water sports activities: kayaking, SUP, dolphin-watching excursions, sunset cruises...

Dolphins are abundant in the waters around Muscat, and you're almost guaranteed to see them - sometimes even hundreds of them - when you take part in a boat trip along the coast. Whatever the company, the program is always more or less the same and consists of sailing along the "wildest" part of the capital, the one with the most indented shores, namely the area around Al Bustan, Sidab and Old Muscat (the south-eastern section of the city). Here, not far from the Al Bustan and Shangri-La hotels, a small marina serves as an anchorage for dhows and boats of all kinds: the Bandar al Rowdha Marina, complete with Italian restaurant and swimming pool. It's from here that cruises generally depart, lasting an average of 2 to 3 hours depending on the program and whether or not snorkeling is included. Dolphins are almost always present, and are happy to follow the boats: a spectacle made all the more visual by the raw, arid coastline punctuated by ochre mountains. As you approach old Muscat, you can see the Al Mirani and Al Jibali forts, as well as the sultan's palace in the distance. Several serious companies are present at the marina, so don't hesitate to shop around and compare prices: Al Sansool Cruises (www.alsansool.com - ✆ +968 9679 0191), GCC Tours (www.gcctoursmuscat.com - ✆ +968 9901 3424), Az'Zaha Tours (www.azzahatours.com - ✆ 9942 5461), etc.

Co-managed by the charming Léa, this human-sized company was created in 2016 by Captain Fahad, like a dream come true. Passionate about the sea, concerned about the environment and with a solid experience as a diving instructor and seasoned skipper, Fahad makes you discover the wonders of the Arabian Sea through a nice range of outings on his own boat. House speciality: excursions to the Daymaniat Islands, day and even overnight trips with bivouac camping on site under the care of the ultra-professional team.

Two dives every morning (departure at 9 h), one afternoon and one night upon reservation. PADI courses of all levels. In addition to being a diving club, Blue Zone is a leisure centre that organizes snorkeling, sunset cruises or excursions to see dolphins.

This center, which has been present in Oman for over 30 years, takes divers to the Fahal Islands and Bandar Khairan, but specializes above all in diving in the Damaniyat Islands, only 25 minutes away by boat. The only NAUI center in Oman, it offers the full range of courses, from Baptism to Dive Master, with the emphasis on small-group teaching (4 to 5 students per instructor). In addition to dives of varying depths, we also offer snorkeling sessions, diving trips with bivouacs on the islands and even complete diving holidays.

The C38a, as the route is called (yellow-white-red markings), begins with a flight of stone steps, reaches a viewpoint overlooking the souk, the corniche and the port, before descending into Mutrah, offering several panoramic views. This path was once the main route linking Mutrah's old town to the port. It is thought to have been used as far back as the Magan civilization 5,000 years ago. It also features some of the best-preserved and most exposed volcanic rock outcrops in the world, known as "ophiolites".

Overheated in the capital? The brand-new Snow Park at the Mall of Muscat is the solution for a fun way to cool down to -4°C! Once you've paid for your pass, all the equipment is provided, as Omanis are not used to these low temperatures: snow boots, fleece gloves, disposable socks, pants, jackets and helmets. Then it's on to ice-skating, snowball fights, sledging...and for an extra 7.5 OMR, an incredible encounter with real penguins! On-site catering and refreshments.

This highly professional Omani company offers a wide range of activities: snorkeling trips to Bandar Khiran Island, fishing, dolphin, turtle or even bird watching sessions on Fahal Island, sunset cruises, strolls in Muscat's fjords, etc. As the company owns several boats, including a comfortable 3-cabin yacht, it also organizes, on request, private outings lasting from a few hours to several days, with meals on board or on exclusive beaches, tailor-made activities, etc.

Created in 1998, Sidab Sea Tours is one of the oldest companies in Muscat to offer sea trips and water activities in the heart and immediate surroundings of the capital. From the Bandar al Rowdha marina where the company is based (with the possibility of transfer from some hotels on the coast), one can participate in dolphin watching cruises, sunset boat trips, fishing parties, dhow trips, etc. Privatization of boats on request and tailor-made excursions.

This trek can be made from either Sifah or Qurayyat, a small town south of Sifah on the coast. Total length 21 km, so bring good hiking boots, as the paths, like everywhere in Oman, are rocky and sometimes slippery. There are several places on the trek where you can cool off and swim, either in the wadis or in the sea.
Arriving in Sifah by car, turn right and continue to the end of the tarmac road. Then turn left onto the unpaved road leading to the sea. The traffic lights are visible at the end of this track. It is still possible to drive to the beginning of the trail, for about 2km, with a 4x4 vehicle. The trail is well signposted and often runs parallel to the coast. It crosses several wadis into which you have to descend and then climb again. It also passes several magnificent creeks where you can swim.
At the two-thirds point, the trail descends to a very long beach called Abu Dawood. This is the ideal place to take a break, feed and swim in the sea. You then have to cross the entire wadi to find the marks on the other side again. The trail then climbs back up to a plateau and the marks are harder to find. The trail then descends again to the beach, which you must walk along before starting the climb up the rocks opposite. The trek ends in the village of Qurayyat near the flamingo lake.

Founded in 1971, he is the dean of golf in the Sultanate. In the heart of a wadi, a stone's throw from the city centre, with a panoramic view of the mountains and Muscat from certain holes, this old sand course has been grassed and now offers 5,967 metres of challenge, Par 72. A few carts are available, but not too many as Ghala advocates walking and is the only one of the 5 Muscat golf courses that you will be able to cover entirely on foot. On site: driving range and putting green, Golf Academy, Club House, Pro shop, restaurant and bar.

The legitimate offspring of diggers and pharaonic ambitions, this 18-hole PGA Links cavorts and undulates along the seafront to the east of the Al Mouj marina. From the entire course, you can admire breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and the Hajar Mountains. Technically speaking, the course is a 6,675-metre Par 72 designed by Australian champion Greg Norman. The golf course features a driving range, a 9-hole Par 3 course lit in the evening, and a Club House with proshop and restaurant - open continuously from 6.30 a.m. to 10 p.m. for a snack, a drink or a meal.

The karting track, also known as Muscat Speedway, is located on the premises of the Oman Automobile Association, in the Seeb district at the entrance to the city, close to Muscat airport and the Oman Convention & Exhibition Center. A variety of well-maintained karts, a quality circuit and standard protective equipment are all available on site. If you're a fan of go-karts and want to let off some steam, this is the place to be! Races are regularly organized. Attention all fans!

Sea Oman is a company propelled by Oman Sail, a non-profit organization created in 2008 at the initiative of the Sultan, to revive Oman's maritime heritage and promote the Sultanate through sailing. The initial goals of establishing Muscat as a regular destination on the world sailing circuit by organizing international races and regattas in Omani waters have been largely achieved. Every year, professional sailors from all walks of life come to Oman to compete.

It is on the strength of this acute knowledge of navigation that Sea Oman was born and today offers individuals numerous activities in and under Omani waters. The seabed is very rich and the coastline often spectacular. Sea Oman, the country's leading provider of nautical leisure activities, has understood this and offers a wide range of products such as dinghy courses, wakeboarding, RYA motorboat courses, PADI diving courses and a complete marina service. From the Al Mouj marina, the boat rental with skipper allows you to go for a day trip to the Daymaniyat Islands or to sail along the so varied coastline of the capital... unless you opt for a navigation of several days aboard a luxury catamaran equipped with 4 cabins (the biggest model of the fleet). In the latter case: captain's care, angling, meals on board and swimming stops with masks and snorkels. Many options available, see the website.

The territorial waters near Muscat are full of fish and it is very nice to try to hook tuna, barracudas, kingfishes, sea breams, etc... Created in 2008, Alsansool is the first nautical company in Oman to specialize in fishing. We are dealing here with specialists who know the best spots and know how to identify the best places to go fishing according to the seasons. Like the vast majority of marina providers, Al Sansool also offers dolphin watching cruises.

This excellent PADI club, which opened over 12 years ago, offers diving courses for all levels, including nitrox. The competent and friendly team speaks English, Italian and German, and the center is equipped with top-quality equipment and three boats. Two trips a day are usually organized to Bandar Khairan or Fahal Island, and to Damaniyat on request. Euro-divers also offers snorkeling and dolphin cruises. To save time, you can start your Open Water course online.

This par 72 of 6,383 metres long was the first grass course in the Sultanate. Located on a royal estate, it was designed by Paul Thomas on the heights of Muscat and conceptualized with respect for the environment and the Omani landscape, which it enhances. The complexity of the course lies mainly in the greens and the links between holes 15 and 18, which can quickly lose points. Lessons are given all year round on reservation.

With 4 centers in the country, Extra Divers is the most represented diving center in the sultanate. The one in Qantab is directly located on the site of the Shangri-La hotel in the south of Muscat and offers no less than 20 diving spots nearby. Fahal Island can be reached in 30 minutes, Bandar Al Khayran in 15 minutes and the famous Damaniyat Islands in 90 minutes. Extra Divers only takes small groups of 4 to 5 divers maximum depending on the experience of each diver, to guarantee more safety and fun. Courses for all levels in several languages.