Sur is a city in Oman and is located over a hundred kilometres from Muscat, the capital. The city of Sur is found on the coast of the Gulf of Oman and is a popular spot for a variety of water related activities. This includes everything from dolphin watching and cruising to scuba diving and snorkelling. Sur has some really wonderful diving sites and tourists are sure to enjoy exploring this exotic world found beneath the waves. The waters, even in the shallow areas, are filled with life and one can spot all kinds of coral and fish.
For those who want to explore the marvels of the ocean, snorkelling is no substitute to scuba diving. However, the former has the advantage of being easier to do and does not require much prior training. There are two excellent spots for snorkelling close to the Sur Harbour, each not more than seven metres in depth. The one to the north boasts a large variety of coral and fish. The spot to the south does not have the same species richness, although it makes up for it by having a small population of turtles.
Travel further south and one can experience the wonderful Ras Al Hadd diving sites. Some of the shallower areas are between three to five metres in depth and are perfect for snorkelling. Those further out are much deeper and require diving equipment. The Ras Al Hadd area is known for its aquatic biodiversity, with the occasional whale being spotted here.
Although at one time Oman was difficult for outsiders to access, it is now a lot more open and welcoming. The locals are friendly and are quite helpful and luckily, English is commonly spoken. The country boasts an excellent public transport system although the best way to get around is by hiring a car. Tourists planning a vacation to this part of the Middle East and are on the lookout for good Oman hotels to stay at can try the Sur Plaza Hotel. Offering warm, friendly service and a range of facilities, it is an excellent hotel Sur Oman has to offer.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+