Oman Dive Center, Muscat, Oman

Located just south of Muscat, between two of the poshest hotels in Oman, the Oman Dive Center may feature straw huts rather than marble floors, but having visited the neighbors, we’ve very happy we stayed here.

We’re snorkelers, not divers, so we’ll fess up right away we can’t tell you anything about the dive situation.  There are a few small reefs swimming distance from the beach, in the protected bay where the center is located, but they’re not especially healthy.  You’re better off tagging along on one of the boat trips further out.

As far as a place to stay, however, it’s pretty great.  I’m not sure how authentic reed beach huts are in Oman, but let that slide and just enjoy them.  Clean & spacious, with a private but semi-outdoor bathroom, they’re a lot of fun.  The setting is also spectacular – baked rocky outcrops run directly down into the sea.

The restaurant is buffet-style, but surprisingly good quality and variety, even staying there for a week. Camel meat might be a bit of a gimmick for the tourists, but it’s also pretty tasty.  For the quick-burning tourists – like us – there are also some shady spots at the restaurant and a bar/tent, where you can watch the waves roll in without getting cooked.