Spotting Sea Mammals In Oman

Of the world’s 88 species of cetaceans, around a quarter have been spotted in the coastal waters off Oman. Whale, dolphin and porpoise spotting are hugely popular activities. Humpback whales and Bryde’s whales are most commonly sighted, while the temperate waters of the Musandam Peninsula are considered a dolphin playground. Sperm whales have also been recently spotted off the Omani coastline. Local operators offer set programmes and chartered outings. While the Humpback Whale in the Arabian Sea is the World’s only non-migratory whale, it stays put; off the Coast of Salalah. 

Whales visit the shores of the Sultanate at irregular intervals, particularly in A'Sharqiyah South Governorate and AlWasta Governorate, in addition to Dhofar Governorate.

The most famous types of whales that visit Oman are: Bryde’s Whales or Tropical Whales, Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales, Dwarf Sperm Whales, Cuvier's Beaked Whale, Pygmy Killer Whales, Killer Whales, Melon-Headed Whales and False Killer Whale. Note that the dolphins seen in Omani waters belong to the whale species.

Dolphin shoals visit the shores of Oman in large numbers. Muscat and Musandam are famous for dolphin watching, although this pastime is also widespread in A'Sharqiyah South Governorate and AlWasta Governorate, in addition to Dhofar Governorate.

The types of dolphins that visit Oman are: Indian Ocean Dolphins, the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins, Risso's Dolphins, Common Bottlenose Dolphins, Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins, Rough-toothed Dolphins, Pantropical Spotted Dolphins, Striped Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, and Long-Beaked Common Dolphins.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om