< Previous30 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com Top snorkelling and diving holidays Abeer Khan thinks you need to get on your radar Moalboal, Philippinestimeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 31 Underwater adventures 32 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com Seventy percent of the planet is covered in water, so why would you limit yourself to exploring only the remaining thirty? Take the plunge and you’ll Ànd a world of sharks, barracudas, sea turtles, and the breathtakingly beautiful walls of glowing corals just waiting to be discovered. There are a lot of beautiful destinations you can explore below sea level, but to stop you getting overwhelmed we’ve narrowed it down to just 13 top destinations across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. Masks (not the ones you’re thinking), snorkels and Àns at the ready. BANANA REEF, Maldives This site got its name from the underwater curve, which resembles the shape of, you guessed it, a banana. This destination is Daymaniyat Islands, Muscat great for advanced divers who are looking to try out some drift diving or wanting to revel in mesmerising views of marine life and the vibrant corals. Manta rays and sharks can be seen throughout the year at Banana Reef, while squirrelÀsh, bannerÀsh, oriental sweetlips, grouper, jacks, barracudas, and blue-striped snappers also make their appearances. DAYMANIYAT ISLANDS, Muscat First opening to tourists in 2013, the Daymaniyat Islands have been Muscat’s best kept secret (until now, that is). The snorkelling spot is open all year round, but the best time to spot whale sharks – which are undoubtedly why you are here – is between September and November. You can also see tiger sharks, ocean sunÀsh, turtles, eels, angelÀsh, Arabia butterÁyÀsh, clownÀsh and more. In addition, you’ll get to see gorgeous coral reefs, sea turtles and indigenous birds. Located just a 45-minute boat ride away from Al Mouj Marina near the airport, all skill levels can go snorkelling and diving at this spot. GULF OF AQABA, Jordan There are plenty of places on this list where you can go snorkelling and see pretty coral beds and marine life. But there’s only one place you can see a submerged tank, and that’s the Gulf of Aqaba. If you’re looking to avoid the harsh summer or the chilling winters, then the water temperatures are best in April, May, September and October. Watch clownÀsh in their anemones, snowÁake morays, lionÀsh, and yellowtail surgeons at this site perfect for Àrst-time snorkellers. Underwater adventuresUnderwater adventures timeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 33 “Head to Banana Reef to try out drift diving or to just admire the corals” Banana Reef, Maldives Underwater adventuresUnderwater adventures 34 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com Kas, TurkeyUnderwater adventures timeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 35 “The waters here are rich with the likes of barracudas and rays” KAS, Turkey Pronounced cash, and perhaps rightly so because these waters are rich with the likes of barracudas, rays, octopi, eels, BlueÀn sea turtles and seals. The stretches of corals, and crowd-free pebbly shores like Patara Beach deÀnitely deserve a shout, too. Kaû offers almost unparalleled underwater visibility of up to 130 feet, which means on a good day snorkellers can treat their eyes to the same hypnotic views as the deep-sea divers. Below the surface, there are also shipwrecks, caves and natural formations to be explored. We’ll Kaû you there. KOMODO, Indonesia A part of the Komodo National Park, the waters here are home to whitetip reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, eagle rays, manta rays, stoneÀsh, seahorses, manatees, hawksbill turtles, and dolphins, plus seahorses and snake eels, if you’re lucky. You’ll also Ànd a beautiful garden of colourful hard and soft corals. While visibility is good all throughout the year, temperatures can sometimes go as low as 25ºC, so carrying extra layers of neoprene is recommended. This one’s for experienced divers, and the best time to go is between April and June, so get planning for the new year now. MIRBAT, Oman If you go here in November, your dive boat might be accompanied by pods of dolphins swimming in tandem. Open to all skill levels of divers, these waters are brimming with life. You can spot lobsters, rays, octopuses, pharaoh cuttleÀsh, turtles, torpedo rays, blue- spotted rays, eagle rays, guitarÀsh and loads of different kinds of moray eels. You can also see shoals of pretty Àsh hanging out by the two shipwrecks in the waters here, which add an extra punch to the site and are popular among tourists – one of which is more than 120 years old. MOALBOAL, Philippines This secluded spot in the Philippines makes for a great site for snorkelling, especially for those looking to snorkel away from swarms of tourists. The wall of the coral reef is six miles long, which means there’s plenty of ground to cover. The waters of the peninsula house green sea turtles and hordes of pretty Àsh. The highlight here is the chance to spot a particularly large sardine run with over a million Àsh – all swimming packed together like, well, sardines. The best time to head here is between March and May. Book your Áights now to beneÀt from the best prices. KOH RONG, Cambodia This serene little island makes for the perfect quiet snorkelling experience, with none of the heavy tourist crowds but all of the goodness of sandy beaches and clear glistening waters. Take a plunge to see brightly-coloured corals and sea slugs with gorgeous patterns. Koh Rong comes with a bonus for the nocturnal adventurers because during the night, you can see bioluminescent plankton glowing in glittering shades of blue against the water. Plan for this tranquil trip between mid- November and early May, when the weather is just perfect.Underwater adventures 36 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com OUALIDIA, Morocco Oulidia is becoming increasingly popular with the deep-sea diehards. The scenic lagoon and calm stretches of beaches make for an ideal coastal escape. Life under water in Oualidia is only made better by life above, as the likes of Áamingos, curlews, sandpipers and plovers pay visits to the nearby wetlands and marshes. If you’re looking for some quiet time, skip going here in August. The current in these waters can get strong, so it’s best to have some experience and be accompanied by a professional at all times. Head here in October for the best experience, and bearable heat. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt Yes, most people go to Egypt for the pyramids, but that’s not all that’s on offer in this diverse country. Jam-packed with marine life and gorgeous underwater geography, this Red Sea gem is one of the most popular diving sites in Egypt. It is home to the Ras Mohammed National Park, which makes for safe, regulated and exciting diving. Hidden in the coral walls here are anemones and clownÀsh, but out in the deep waters, you’ll also Ànd sharks, trevallies, jacks and barracuda. Bonus highlights for the waters here are the Strait of Tiran and the SS Thistlegorm wreck, which makes for a slightly more challenging dive. Diving is open throughout the year, but the best time is to go between November and March. From April to October, water temperatures can go up to 45ºC, so we’d only go then if we were interested in some hot tub diving – which we’re not, but you do you. SIMILAN ISLANDS, Thailand The best time for a dip in the Andaman Sea here is between late October and early May. But if you’re looking to spot whale sharks and manta rays, then your window lies between February and April. There are two sides to this Àn, with the East and the West coast Similan Islands, Thailand “Expect calm waters, great visibility and blooming corals”Underwater adventures timeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 37 serving two different experiences for divers. On the East, there are calm waters and great visibility, with pretty blooming corals strewn all over. And on the West you’ll Ànd stronger currents, giving the waters plenty of tunnels, sim-through archways, caves, canyons and caverns to explore. Feast your eyes on leopard sharks, whale sharks, guitar rays, turtles, triggerÀsh and mantas. SIPADAN, Malaysia Teeming with life underwater, this island makes for an ideal below-sea photography spot. Turtles and reef sharks are most common, while manta rays are the hardest to Ànd. Also Ànd leopard sharks, grey sharks, hammerhead sharks, frog Àsh, leaf Àsh and seahorses. The blushing coral beds feature steep walls laden with barrel sponges and sea gorgonians. The diving season lasts from April to December, with April to June being ideal. Make sure you secure a permit beforehand, which is needed to dive in the waters around Sipadan Island. While there’s no accommodation on Sipadan Island, you can stay at one of the many resorts at nearby islands of Mabul and Kapalai. SNOOPY ISLAND, FUJAIRAH, UAE Against the backdrop of the majestic Hajar Mountains, lies this island named after the popular image of Snoopy sleeping on top of his doghouse, complete with rocks that rise up to create the nose, protruding belly and the feet. The water is warm throughout the year, making the waters here ideal to spot marine life and stunning coral reefs any time of the year. Snoopy Island accommodates all levels of expertise, and amateurs can receive lessons from certiÀed professionals, based on their choice of skill and level of expertise. Looking for somewhere to go this October? It’s just a two hour drive from the capital. Sipadan, Malaysia38 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com beac Good vibes, good music and good people. Book your sunbeds ASAP. Life’s atimeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 39 Love to spend your weekends chillin’ out, maxin’ relaxin’ all cool? Then you need to pack your beach bag, suncream and sunglasses and head to one of these incredible beach clubs in Abu Dhabi. One of the reasons why the capital is so popular among tourists and residents alike is because we have some of the UAE’s most beautiful white sandy beaches. Here in the city, you can make your weekends feel like a summer holiday, thanks to not only the gorgeous weather but the luxury beach clubs we’ve got on our doorsteps. Think good vibes, good music and good people. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker who lives for the adrenaline rush of water sports, love an Ibiza-style sunset party or simply enjoy kicking back on a sun lounger all day with a good book, you will Ànd some of the best beach clubs here in Abu Dhabi. Just take your pick… AAl MMaayya Islaand Reessorrt One for the adventure seekers, this beach club is located on a private island meaning you’ll need to take a 20-minute boat trip to reach it. But who’s complaining? Once you arrive, you can expect to Ànd everything from wakeboarding, kitesurÀng, banana boat rides, kayaks and more watery fun awaiting you. There’s also a huge pool, DJs spinning the best tunes, and delicious dining options making it perfect for you and your mates, or with your family. O Dhs100. Al Maya Island Resort, almayauae.com (02 667 7777). BBayyshoore Beeacch CClubb If you’re keen on exploring the depths of the Arabian sea, then Bayshore Beach Club is where you need to show face. The club is home to a comprehensive dive training school but also offers other boating experiences. You can also rent kayaks, pedalos and paddleboards with your mates or if you’re looking for some alone time out in the ocean. If you prefer to just relax, then make yourself comfy on one of the luxury cabanas and hammocks available or soak up the heat on a sun lounger. O Call for prices. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street, intercontinental.com (800 4642). BBeaacch Rootanna AAbuuu DDhabi BBeaacch Club As the name suggest, the hotel’s focal point is its 120m beach located in Downtown and Al Zahiyah. Get a day pass to enjoy every inch of it as well as access to an adults’ pool, a kids’ paddling pool, two squash courts, three tennis Emirates Palace Beach Club ch Your guide to the best beach clubs you’ll never want to leave (but you must). Next >