Been there, done that, in no hurry to do it again lol
UAE East Coast Temperatures
- Thread starter Searcaigh
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Temperatures here are anywhere between 23-26C at the moment. A few weeks ago it was 22C at 40m on Lima Rock...so I'm back in my 5mm 
There are a lot of seahorses on Octopus Rock at the moment Searcaigh (record so far is 5 spotted on one dive) and they're big too! Between 10-15cm.
We spotted what is probably a False Killer Whale near Umm al Fayyarin last week - it was too far away to be 100% sure (saw it from the boat) but a big steep dorsal fin points in that direction...definitely not a whaleshark!
There are a lot of seahorses on Octopus Rock at the moment Searcaigh (record so far is 5 spotted on one dive) and they're big too! Between 10-15cm.
We spotted what is probably a False Killer Whale near Umm al Fayyarin last week - it was too far away to be 100% sure (saw it from the boat) but a big steep dorsal fin points in that direction...definitely not a whaleshark!
OP
I heard last week when I was at Blue Planet that the "restrictions" on the Omani-UAE Dibba border have changed again and there is no need for letters etc in order to cross.
This has been my main reason for not diving Musandam over the past few years, having heard horror stories of the massive queues and chaos on some days.
I also noticed last week that Freestyle has gone and heard that Nomad are taking over, anyone with news on this subject?
This has been my main reason for not diving Musandam over the past few years, having heard horror stories of the massive queues and chaos on some days.
I also noticed last week that Freestyle has gone and heard that Nomad are taking over, anyone with news on this subject?
Not heard anything about the Dibba crossing situation, be great if that was the case, but they have spent money on the crossing point with lighting, cameras, barriers etc. so would be surprised if they had relaxed it.
Took an hour the last time I was on a dhow trip to get back into the UAE.
Yep, Nomad will be in place of Freestyle, and The Dive Centre will be at Sandy Beach as well as Dubai
Took an hour the last time I was on a dhow trip to get back into the UAE.
Yep, Nomad will be in place of Freestyle, and The Dive Centre will be at Sandy Beach as well as Dubai
OP
Alla from Blue Planet told me last week, seems she had a multiple entry letter, and was told no need, just show passport of Emirates ID now
Oh yes heard that Jason was planning to open up on the east coast, I only recently found out he was operating out of Mina Siyahi. Have not used Sandy Beach in years, probably the 90s actually.
Searcaigh, the border procedures haven't been relaxed recently, but I guess it's what you compare it with . UAE residents still need a permit (which your op in Dibba can arrange) which takes at least 48 hours to arrange and requires a copy of your passport and visa page. There is no invitation letter needed, nor do women require a letter of approval form their husband/boss anymore (phew!). Border goes smooth most days, but around holidays there can be long delays, like on UAE National Day last week...
There are some rumours that certain professions (managers? doctors?) don't need a permit anymore but no one seems to know for sure so better not count on that.
It's maybe worth pointing out that the border is entirely controlled by Sjarjah - hence the random checks for alcohol. Oman probably wouldn't give two ****s about whether you bring alcohol or not.
Nomad will open a shop on the UAE side of the border as well, where Freestyle used to be (Royal Beach resort), expected early 2015.
. UAE residents still need a permit (which your op in Dibba can arrange) which takes at least 48 hours to arrange and requires a copy of your passport and visa page. There is no invitation letter needed, nor do women require a letter of approval form their husband/boss anymore (phew!). Border goes smooth most days, but around holidays there can be long delays, like on UAE National Day last week...There are some rumours that certain professions (managers? doctors?) don't need a permit anymore but no one seems to know for sure so better not count on that.
It's maybe worth pointing out that the border is entirely controlled by Sjarjah - hence the random checks for alcohol. Oman probably wouldn't give two ****s about whether you bring alcohol or not
.Nomad will open a shop on the UAE side of the border as well, where Freestyle used to be (Royal Beach resort), expected early 2015.
OP
Thanks for the update ScubaRose, perhaps we will meet at some point at Dibba, but I doubt I will be chancing anything on the Oman side of Dibba until this permit thing is changed.
Just back from Sunny Saudi, need to figure out if I will have time to dive this weekend.
Just back from Sunny Saudi, need to figure out if I will have time to dive this weekend.
Temperature on Saturday was a refreshing 25c on Inch 2 and Martini.
First dive with the camera since getting it back from Ikelite. All sorted after the flooding. Shame that the battery that appeared fully charged, wasn't. I have a feeling it was the battery that was in the camera when it flooded and no longer holds a charge, Shame to have to just carry the extra ballast round on the first dive, especially with the additional batteries left in my bag at Sandy Beach. Ho hum.
I haven't dived Martini for a while, but what has happened to the site? The top section of the main rock used to be covered in Teddy Bear coral, now it is nearly barren. Issues with the ships heading to the port??? From being one of the prettier sites, it now resembles so many others.
Scorpionfish aplenty too, can't remember seeing that many on one dive.
First dive with the camera since getting it back from Ikelite. All sorted after the flooding. Shame that the battery that appeared fully charged, wasn't. I have a feeling it was the battery that was in the camera when it flooded and no longer holds a charge, Shame to have to just carry the extra ballast round on the first dive, especially with the additional batteries left in my bag at Sandy Beach. Ho hum.
I haven't dived Martini for a while, but what has happened to the site? The top section of the main rock used to be covered in Teddy Bear coral, now it is nearly barren. Issues with the ships heading to the port??? From being one of the prettier sites, it now resembles so many others.
Scorpionfish aplenty too, can't remember seeing that many on one dive.
OP
Simon, Martini usually has plenty of scorpionfish, perhaps the lack of Dendronephthia coral makes them more obvious.
One of the cuts through the rock usually has 7-10 lurking around, I call it Scorpionfish Gully.
Were you diving with Jason's new op at Sandy Beach?
One of the cuts through the rock usually has 7-10 lurking around, I call it Scorpionfish Gully.
Were you diving with Jason's new op at Sandy Beach?
Gordon,
I am beginning to shoot in RAW. What software have you been using?
Michael
I am beginning to shoot in RAW. What software have you been using?
Michael
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