Duration: Full day (approx. 8 hours incl. hotel pick-up/drop-off in Muscat; boat crossing approx. 45 minutes–1 hour each way)
Departure: By boat from a marina near Muscat (e.g. Al Mouj Marina or Seeb Marina)
Difficulty: Easy — suitable for confident swimmers and non-swimmers alike (life jackets provided); scuba diving available for certified divers
Access restriction: The reserve is closed to all visitors from May to October each year to protect nesting turtles and breeding seabirds — trips only run from November to April
What to bring: Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a light cover-up (it can get windy on the boat), a towel, and motion-sickness tablets if you’re prone to seasickness
Group size: Ideal for small groups of 2–7 travelers, private or shared basis available