Guide to Fahal Island in Oman

Fahal Island is a fossilized limestone formation with three prominent pinnacles that peek out above sea level. It is also known as Shark Island. It is a large piece of land located 4km offshore from Muscat's popular tourist beach. The easiest way to reach the island is by boat and it is an approximate ride of 20 minutes from the dive center.

The limestone that makes up the Island’s composition was originally part of the sea floor and the island is made up of shells, coral and algae. 

The Island was once submerged but the uplift and change in sea levels have resulted in the exposure of the rock. It is not an island where one can picnic but it sure does make an interesting trip to see how the changes in the rock has affected its composition, and of course to see the sea life that it is made up of.

It is a fantastic place for divers of any level as it boasts different experiences at different depths. The bays contain varieties of soft and hard corals which are perfect for exploration for novice divers and snorklers. 

SEE ALSO: Guide to turtle watching in Oman

There is a cave to swim through for the more adventourous divers, but ensure that you have the necessary experience for doing the swim through. It also boasts a wreck at 30 meters below sea level, a tug boat located just north of the island and definitely worth the visit. Deep reefs can be found at 40 meters below the surface.

Photo: divemuscat.info

If you will be diving at such depths, remember to ensure that you are not flying anywhere within 24 hours of your dive due to the possibility of decompression sickness with is never a pleasant experience. Also ensure that you haven't flown in a couple of days prior to the dive for the same reason.

SEE ALSO: Guide to scuba diving in Oman

The sea life around Fahal is varied and interesting. Schools of fish are often seen swimming in and around the corals and reefs, they are of different species, shapes and colours and are fascinating to watch. One can see schools of barracuda swimming by. Giant eagle rays will be gliding past in a distance and sharks are often lazing on the shallower sandbanks. A very lucky few have even seen whale sharks swimming by.

The Muscat sea area is rich in corals and at the centre of this diversity are the Fahal Islands. Exposed rocky shores facing north and east is the hub of soft coral growth, while south and west facing shores contain hard coral growth, for example at Cat Island, Cemetery Bay and Fahal Island. Excellent place for snorkelling and diving.