Diving provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the world in a different light. Whether you’re interested in marine life, coral reefs, or exploring hidden shipwrecks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, thanks to the ocean’s vibrant yet tranquil demeanor. In this post, we will focus on the exploration of diving in the UAE, to answer the question on every budding diver’s lips, is scuba diving in the UAE worth it? Let’s find out.
What Makes Diving in the UAE Different?
What is diving like in the UAE? The juxtaposition from the hustle and bustle of Dubai’s city life to the serene, calm waters is an experience like no other. There is an abundance of marine life, including clownfish, angelfish, and stingrays. If you’re lucky, you may also spot the small reef sharks and sea turtles that inhabit the UAE waters. You’ll experience pleasant water temperatures all year round, making diving in the UAE far more comfortable than in other locations.
Where to Dive in the UAE Waters?
If you choose to dive in the UAE, you’ll be spoilt for choice with superb diving spots that won’t disappoint. Let us name just a few of our favorites:
- Dibba Rock: As the oldest marine protected area (MPA) in the UAE, Dibba Rock has a wealth of biodiversity and provides perfect photo opportunities. Here you are likely to find large coral bommies, reef sharks, turtles, cuttlefish, octopuses, squid, a huge variety of reef fish, as well as macrofauna such as nudibranchs.
- Martini Rock and Hole in the Wall: You won’t be short of life here at Martini Rock and Hole in the Wall. Expect to see impressive corals, sea turtles, rays, seahorses, and so much more. Don’t forget to try the signature swim-through cave at Hole in the Wall!
- Zainab Wreck: Perhaps the most famous spot in Dubai, this oil tanker (originally named the Seasroun Five) sunk in 2001 and provides an excellent opportunity to explore history, as well as a variety of marine life such as barracudas, yellow snappers, and batfish.
When is Best to go Scuba Diving in the UAE?
Although diving in the UAE is fun throughout the year, there are distinct diving seasons that bring specific experiences. The summer months are typically from late May through to October, and during this time the surface of the water can reach up to 36°C in the Southern Arabian Gulf (West coast) or around 34°C in the Gulf of Oman (East coast). Diving is one of the best ways to escape the summer heat, and there is lots to see underwater. The winter months start in November and bring cooler waters, sometimes dropping to between 22-25°C, as well as occasional storms. There is a wide variety of sealife present all year, as well as seasonal migrations such as the whale sharks observed on the East coast.
The time of day you take to the water will also affect your experience. If you’re after a more relaxed dive, with the best visibility for optimal photo opportunities, then early morning is your best bet. You’re likely to beat many other divers, so the spots will be your own, and the wildlife will be in their most active state. We would, however, recommend diving after hours. What is diving like in the UAE at night? We have just one word for it, extraordinary! Here you will discover the UAE’s nocturnal animals come to life, as well as the impressive bioluminescent organisms that live underwater.
Is it Safe to Scuba Dive in the UAE?
Although it’s easy to get carried away with the wonders of the sea, it’s essential to remember that your health and well-being is the top priority. So, is it safe to scuba dive in the UAE? The simple answer here is yes, it’s absolutely safe to dive in the wonderful waters of the UAE. However, as with all dives, it’s essential to follow the proper safety guidelines, and we recommend diving with a certified dive professional to get the maximum enjoyment from your dives.
What Do You Wear to Deep Dive in the UAE?
We are often asked what to wear when diving in Dubai, which is why we have included these frequently asked questions below:
- What do you wear to deep dive in the UAE? The thermal protection for diving in the UAE varies greatly according to the season. In summer, a rash vest and shorts or a lycra skinsuit (better for protection against stingers) is all you need. As winter approaches, many divers move to a 3mm wetsuit, then to a 5mm wetsuit as the water cools. Some divers prefer drysuit diving in the winter! Whichever you choose, you will need dive boots and fins, a well-fitting dive mask, and a weighting system appropriate for your size.
- Do you wear a bathing suit under a wetsuit? Yes, this is a practical and hygienic choice that acts as an additional layer between you and your wetsuit.
- What not to wear scuba diving? It’s not a great idea to wear jewelry or expensive watches as these can be easily lost. We also don’t recommend cotton garments as they can be uncomfortable underwater and can make you feel cold after the dive if there is wind blowing on the boat.
You Won’t Regret Deep Diving in Dubai
As you can see, diving in the UAE offers an out-of-this-world experience for both experienced divers and new enthusiasts alike. The diverse range of locations, wildlife, and historic wrecks provide a unique and memorable time that you won’t get anywhere else.
So, to answer, is scuba diving in the UAE worth it?
Absolutely!