Things to do in Muscat

Head out to sea for some whale watching

The waters around Oman’s port capital are teeming with a cacophony of creatures, including two of its most prized: dolphins and whales. For fans of these magnificent mammals, the best way to see them is with a boat trip. Climb aboard with Alsansool (tel: +968 9274 8669; www.alsansool.net) to see them in their natural habitat.

Enjoy excellent scuba diving all the year round

Warm seas, vibrant coloured fish and excellent reefs make Muscat a world-class location for year round scuba diving. Lua Lua Diving (+968 9691 7330; www.lualuadiving.com) offer PADI courses for beginners, excellent day trips to established sites such as the Daymaniyat and Fahal Islands for the more experienced, and some superb shoreline snorkelling too.

Spend a night under the stars

Muscat is morphing into a very modern city and despite its transformation it remains rich in cultural traditions. For an insight into a lifestyle at risk of disappearance, visitors can spend a night in the Wahiba desert with the nomadic Bedouin tribe. Oman Sarafis (tel: +968 9286 4776; www.omansafaris.com) can make the necessary arrangements.

Make a splash with some watersports

Muscat’s location means that much of its activity is centred on the sea, and the warm azure waters are a great place for adrenaline junkies to make a splash. From going full-throttle on a jet-ski and catching air with a kite-board to discovering the thrill of wakeboarding, Uniboats (tel: +968 9261 1222; www.uniboats.com) do it all.

While away an afternoon with a round of golf

Golf is a game that’s gaining popularity in Oman, and thanks to the warm weather and additional challenge of the sea breeze, it is well suited to Muscat. Ex-pro Greg Norman designed one of the finest courses in the area, Almouj Golf (tel: +968 2200 5990; www.almoujgolf.com), whose stunning coastline location offers golfers a memorable round.

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