7 Dolphin Watching Trips in Muscat to Book Before You Land

1.Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 388 reviews · 3 hours · from $52Our pick

Spend three hours off Muscat searching for dolphins with an experienced captain, then snorkel in a sheltered spot among coral, colourful fish, and possible turtles. Captains such as Faisal, Masoom, Shakir, and Khalid have been praised for careful boat handling and patient snorkelling help. Hotel transfers are available, with departure from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha.

“Really nice trip, we saw lots of dolphins! And during snorkeling also a lot of turtles. Great trip!”

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2.Snorkeling at Dimaniyat Islands and Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 347 reviews · from $87Top rated

From Seeb Port, you’ll take a four to five-hour boat trip to the Dimaniyat Islands, with snorkeling gear, drinks, snacks, and a guide who knows the local wildlife spots. Expect turtles and colorful fish, with a chance of dolphins, reef sharks, or whale sharks. The return route passes Al Alam Palace.

“The scenery itself is super! We saw dolphins along the journey and turtles during snorkeling. However, the service of the tour guide requires much improvement. We were given the snorkeling mask but not the fins though fins were available on boat. For the snacks, we were given one slice of sandwich and one slice of watermelon each.”

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3.Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 332 reviews · 2 hours · from $28Best value

Join Nobles Marine Tours for a two-hour dolphin trip from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha. Guides such as Sufyan and Sabbir know the coast well and help you spot Risso’s, bottlenose, spinner, and long-beaked common dolphins. Expect a modern boat, coastal views, water, juice, and the chance of seeing turtles or stopping to snorkel.

“We had a fab time. My mum aged 78 loved it. Our guide Sufyan made sure that we saw the dolphins and were as close to the dolphins as possible. Thank you. The only disappointment was that our tour was meant to be for 2 hours from 10am to 12 noon but we didn’t start until 10.20am ☹️ but finished at 12 noon.”

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4.Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 224 reviews · 4 hours · from $90

Travel from Muscat to the sea for a 4-hour dolphin watching and snorkeling trip. You’ll search for spinner, bottlenose, and common dolphins, then snorkel around Bandar Khiran Bay with turtles and tropical fish. English-speaking guides provide equipment, water, transfers, and help with wildlife spotting. Dolphin swimming is not included, only watching.

“Snorkeling was great. Lots of time to explore. Saw some sea turtles within minutes of being in the water. Boat was great. Better quality than expected. Lots of dolphins. Cool at first, then kind of funny because it was just a bunch of tourist boats chasing after dolphins. Poor dolphins.”

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5.Dolphin Watching Boat Trip with Snacks & Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 65 reviews · from $60

Set out from Marina Bandar al Rowdha on a 2-hour dolphin-watching boat trip with a licensed captain and local guide. You’ll cruise past Arch Rock and Bustan Palace, look for dolphins in open water, and enjoy snacks, soft drinks, and water. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with morning departures around 8 and 10 am.

“Excellent trip out to sea. Well organised. Good clean boat. Hundreds of dolphins all around. Tour along the coastline. Drinks and snacks provided.”

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6.Muscat Dolphin Watching & Coastal Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 44 reviews · 2 hours · from $35

Set out from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha near Al Bustan Palace with Sidab Sea Tours for a two-hour dolphin search along Muscat’s coast. Captain Talib and other English- and Arabic-speaking crew members may adjust the route when dolphins appear elsewhere. Expect a fast boat ride, coastal views, soft drinks, snacks, and a real chance of seeing dolphins, but no guarantee.

“We had a great dolphin-watching experience with Sidab Sea Tours. The speed boat ride was exciting and well-managed. We were lucky to see dolphins up close, and the crew was professional and friendly throughout the trip. Safety was well taken care of, and the overall experience was enjoyable and worth it. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Oman!”

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7.Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 23 reviews · 3 hours · from $50

Meet Nobles Marine Tours at Office 10 in Marina Bandar Al Rowdha for a three-hour boat trip off Muscat. Expect dolphin watching, swimming, and snorkeling with gear, life jackets, water, and juice included. The crew speaks English, Arabic, Hindi, and Urdu, but hotel transfers are not provided.

“Perfect day, perfect place perfect crew. Sightseeing was very nice with very good information. Snorkelling after was in perfect spot. Thanks to everybody.”

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