Thursday 25 / April / 2024
Muscat: People who wish to see Oman's underwater beauty will now be able to board a ship that partly descends into the water so that people can enjoy the country's marine life in their natural habitat.
The tour is being organised by marine adventure company Searush, who want people to see up close and first-hand what Oman's stunning ocean wildlife looks like.
Captain Mahesh Mohan, who operates the tours at Searush, told Times of Oman, "We have already begun operating a few trips as tests of private services, but the service will be open for the public during the Eid Holiday.
He added: “With this vessel, starting at Bandar Al Rowdha, we use the semi-submarine to cover the coastline, as well as the Bandar Al Khairan island. You can find different types of coral reefs and coral life, which you can visit. Bandar al Khairan has particular areas where you’ll see most of the coral reef and coral life, such as the particular fish that live there."
The vessel features a transparent bottom so that visitors can enjoy the country's marine wealth up close.
“We are insured to carry 60 passengers onboard, 30 of whom can come below-decks in the submerged part of the vessel at any time,” Captain Mahesh said. “A normal trip starts with a normal boat which leaves Bandar al Khairan for beach activities and dolphin watching but these trips offer something different.”
According to him, the trip is perfectly safe for the marine life in the area, as the ship uses sensors and a special map to stay away from activities that could damage the coral reefs.
