Overview
The Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve is a protected archipelago of nine small islands located approximately 18 kilometres off the coast of Muscat in the Gulf of Oman. Designated as a nature reserve in 1996 by Royal Decree, the islands and their surrounding waters harbour exceptional marine biodiversity including coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, seabirds, and whale sharks. The islands are uninhabited and access is carefully regulated, with the reserve closed to visitors during the turtle nesting season from May to October. During the open season, the Daymaniyat Islands are Oman’s premier diving and snorkelling destination, offering pristine underwater environments within easy reach of the capital.
Key Facts
- Archipelago of nine islands approximately 18 km off the Muscat coast
- Designated as a nature reserve by Royal Decree in 1996
- Features pristine coral reefs and exceptional marine biodiversity
- Important nesting site for hawksbill and green sea turtles
- Seasonal closure from May to October to protect nesting wildlife
- Premier diving and snorkelling destination in Oman
- Home to diverse seabird colonies and migratory species
Significance for Vision 2040
The Daymaniyat Islands demonstrate Oman’s capacity for effective marine conservation that enhances rather than conflicts with tourism development. The reserve’s management model, with seasonal closures and visitor number limits, shows how environmental protection can create scarcity value that increases the desirability and premium pricing potential of eco-tourism experiences. Vision 2040’s environmental sustainability pillar calls for expanding protected areas and marine reserves while developing nature-based tourism products. The Daymaniyat Islands’ proximity to Muscat makes them an accessible tourism product that can be incorporated into short-stay itineraries, adding value to the capital’s tourism offering. The reserve also contributes to marine science research and coral reef monitoring, supporting evidence-based environmental management across Oman’s coastal and marine ecosystems.