Yesterday was my birthday and as it fell on the weekend we decided to see a bit of Oman and do something that all of us would enjoy as a family. So we booked a 3.5 hour dolphin watching, snorkelling and coastal cruise trip in a glass bottomed boat. We left Marina Bandar al Rowdha near al Bustan , about 20 minutes or so outside of Muscat, at 0830 with the temperature a balmy 33 degrees (well balmy compared to the 40 plus degrees it was until last week). Not long after leaving the marina and heading out to sea, we encountered a school (or pod, I'm not sure which is the correct term...) of what seemed like around a dozen dolphins. We think they were common or spinner dolphins which apparently are the most common types found in the gulf of Oman. 100 or so photos later and I think that I managed to get 1 or 2 reasonable shots of these amazing creatures, showing just how close to them we were.
A little further along the coast, past a couple of fishing villages and a few big exclusive hotel resorts (I made a mental note to visit sometime!) and we pulled into a secluded cove surrounded by coral reef. Here we spent some time snorkelling in the warm waters which due to high salinity made it seem particularly easy to float, a bonus in my case as I am not a particularly strong swimmer. We saw several different types of colourful fish that are only found in this area of the World such as the Majestic Tang with it's yellow fins and bright blue fringe, the electric blue, yellow tailed Tang as well as an eel-like creature...hmmm wasn't so keen on that one!
On the way back to the marina the captain pointed out places of interest along the coast including the Parliament buildings which looked as if they were practically on the beach and the popular Oman Dive Centre which we plan to visit sometime. All in all it was a relaxing and very enjoyable morning and the perfect way to spend a birthday, feeling blessed!
Finally, I had to include this quote of the day as it did make me laugh.
Husband (pointing to dolphins)' you don't see that in Goring'
Youngest daughter (pointing at the sun) ' no and you don't see that either!'
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| Qantab Village |
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| Al Bustan village |
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