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Dive Review of Al Boom Diving in
United Arab Emirates/Khor Fakkan, Gulf of Oman

Al Boom Diving, Jul, 2002,

by Phil Hamilton, Texas, USA . Report 27.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 3 stars Food 3 stars
Service and Attitude 3 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 3 stars Shore Diving 2 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ N/A
Beginners 4 stars
Advanced 3 stars
Comments Al Boom diving is located at the Sandy Beach Hotel in Khor Fakkan, having just moved there about 3 weeks ago.
Soon we were on their boat, heading for nearby Shark Island.

Shark Island - 45ft 36 min

Shark Island is just off the coast from Khor Fakkan. The air temperatures were in the 120s F, and the water was
just as warm here as in the Persian Gulf at this time of year. Because of the location in the Gulf of Oman, open to
the Arabian Sea, the fish life was much better than the Persian Gulf, though.

I found the Clownfish I have been seeking for so long, and in abundance. Everywhere I looked were
anemones, each fiercely guarded by its clown. We also found a Moorish Idol, some Oman Butterflys, a Moon
Wrasse, Orange Dottyback, Bridled Triggerfish, and several Bluetail Boxfish. In the summer, the hot
water is clouded with bacteria and plankton. I assume much better photo opportunities exist in cooler months.

As we circled the small island, we found even more beautiful specimens. Yellow ear Angelfish, Gardeners
Butterflys, Two Bar Bream, and an exquisite Collare Butterflyfish are among the many examples that we found
on this dive.

Diving in the UAE is relatively cheap, once you get here. I paid about 200 Dirham in Dubai, and a little less in
Khor Fakkan, which equates to about $50-55 US, including most of the gear. I took my regs, computer, mask
and camera only. These prices may be low season prices, as it is definitely the low season in July and August. The
temperatures are quite high at this time of year - the busy season is over the winter as Europeans (primarily from
the UK) come here to escape the miserable northern winters. Over the winter months, I am told the air temps are
in the low 80s f, and the water is about the same.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 51-100 dives
Where else diving [Unspecified]
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas calm
Water Temp 90-91°F / 32-33°C Wetsuit Thickness 0
Water Visibility 40-50 Ft/ 12-15 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile ?
Enforced diving restrictions [Unspecified]
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks None Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles None Whales None
Corals 3 stars Tropical Fish 5 stars
Small Critters 4 stars Large Fish 2 stars
Large Pelagics 1 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 4 stars Boat Facilities 4 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 3 stars Shore Facilities 3 stars
UW Photo Comments Hot water - a lot of plankton, etc.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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