With clear, warm waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life, Ras Al Khaimah is a leading destination for snorkeling and scuba diving in the UAE. The emirate is a haven for outdoor activities where you can explore nature while engaging in an exhilarating adventure. And where better to start than at its 64km of sensational coastline?
Grab your goggles and get ready to visit a fascinating underwater world with this guide to:
- The best spots for scuba diving and snorkeling in Ras Al Khaimah,
- Where to learn the basics, hire guides, and find equipment.
- How to get the most out of your aquatic adventure here.
Getting Started With Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Ras Al Khaimah
Before heading underwater, you need to make sure you are well-prepared and well-equipped and understand the safety aspects of scuba diving and snorkeling. This way, you’ll have the best time on your dive or snorkel. Here’s what you need to know.
Snorkeling Vs. Scuba Diving
So, what is snorkeling, really, and how is it different from scuba diving?
Snorkeling is swimming face down on the surface of the water with the help of a mask and a breathing tube. Using this basic equipment, you can witness marine life in shallow waters. With some basic instruction, snorkeling is easy to master.
Scuba diving involves swimming underwater aided by a breathing apparatus and an oxygen tank. This equipment means you get to stay under the surface and, therefore, dive deeper and explore waters much further from the shore than snorkeling allows.
You’ll need extended instruction on how to use scuba diving equipment safely and some diving techniques, but even beginners can take on an open-water dive after practicing in shallow waters on a one-day course.
Scuba and Snorkeling Tips
- Snorkel or scuba diving equipment can be purchased or rented from dive operators in Ras Al Khaimah. Always ask a professional to check your kit before each dive or snorkel.
- You need to be a competent swimmer and in good health.
- Never dive or snorkel alone, and always stay within your skill level.
Ras Al Khaimah Scuba Diving Essentials
It’s vital you only scuba dive either under the supervision of a certified professional or as a certified diver yourself, accompanied by a buddy. You need the correct equipment and have to make the required safety checks.
In Ras al Khaimah, several dive operators offer both beginners and more experienced divers the opportunity to dive safely and explore the ocean. Various courses are available to take your skills to the next level.
For example, you could take a taster-style discovery dive if you’ve never dived before. Some operators offer training for the PADI qualification as well as advanced courses. There are even courses for children.
The Best Ras Al Khaimah Diving Trips and Locations
Here’s where you can learn to snorkel or scuba dive, put existing skills into practice, or just have a fun day exploring the beautiful Ras Al Khaimah and UAE shoreline.
Options for All Abilities
Both newbies and those experienced in snorkeling and diving can enjoy these experiences.
Fujairah Snorkeling Experience With Travco UAE
Pickups from Ras al Khaimah hotels will take you to your vessel for the day, a traditional Arabian dhow. You will head towards neighboring Emirate, Fujairah, and Dibba Rock for a full day of swimming, snorkeling, and fishing that will delight the whole family. It offers the chance to see big marine life finning along the reef wall.
All equipment and lunch are provided. A banana boat or speed boat ride is included, too.
Al Jazeera Diving & Swimming Center
Al Jazeera Diving & Swimming Center is a popular and well-established PADI five-star dive center. They offer a range of scuba diving courses, from beginners’ and kids’ classes to PADI divemaster and instructor qualifications.
The center uses 29 dive sites off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, giving you the chance to explore many different reefs and wrecks, including some as deep as 70-80m. There are plentiful shallow dives close to the coastline, such as Jazeera Island and its wreck, a partially submerged boat teeming with marine life.
Scuba Diving With Adventure Sports
Adventure Sports takes divers of all skill levels out to sea from two Ras Al Khaimah hotels, Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island and Doubletree by Hilton Marjan Island.
You can choose from beginner and refresher day courses in scuba diving, various PADI training options, or advanced courses for experienced divers. Bubble Maker is the name of Adventure Sports’ family-friendly experience for children aged over eight years.
Options for Experienced and PADI-Qualified Divers
If you’re already skilled or highly experienced in diving, these activities are for you:
Shark Island
Shark Island is a rocky outcrop off the coast of Khorfakkan with black stones and dazzling white sand that’s often referred to as a mini-Maldives.
The real draw for divers is the marine life, including sea turtles, angelfish, and starfish, but thankfully not any dangerous sharks. The island is named after the timid blacktip reef sharks that are common in the area.
To dive at this site, you’ll need to drive to Khorfakkan, 90 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah, where there are dive centers organizing trips to Shark Island.
Wreck Diving From Dubai or Abu Dhabi
Keen and experienced divers will find the journey from Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai or Abu Dhabi worthwhile. There are various large sunken vessels and barges off the UAE coastline that have become home to an exciting array of sea creatures, such as barracudas, eels and rays. Highlights include the Mariam Express ferry that sank in 2006 and MV Ludvig, a large ship lost in 2000, which are both very well-preserved.
These sites are a few hours offshore and are served by Dubai or Abu Dhabi dive operators.
How to Get the Most Out of Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE coastline offer breathtaking marine life, wrecks, and reefs to explore. With a guide or on an organized dive trip, you are assured of an amazing experience while also staying safe. Here are some final tips to make the most of your time snorkeling or scuba diving in Ras Al Khaimah.
- The best time to snorkel or scuba dive in Ras Al Khaimah is between October and May when the water is clearest.
- Consider bringing along an underwater camera to record your memories.
- Try a variety of sites in Ras Al Khaimah; each has its own unique beauty.
- Avoid stirring up sand and touching or disturbing coral reefs and other marine life to help protect this fragile ecosystem.
While you’re planning your diving adventure, why not also check out these top things to do in Ras Al Khaimah for the ultimate trip or holiday?
Our website is full of information on where to stay, what to do, and how to get to and around this spectacular part of the UAE.
