If you are planning a Daymaniyat Islands snorkeling shared tour for 2026 or 2027, one number explains why timing matters more than ever. Visits to the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve almost doubled in just two years, and the growth has not slowed down.
Here is what the official figures show, what they could mean for 2027, and how to plan a trip that still feels peaceful.
The numbers: 2023 to 2025
Oman’s Environment Authority tracks visitors to the reserve every year. According to figures reported by the Times of Oman, the reserve recorded 136,549 visitors in 2025, up from 105,686 in 2024. An earlier report put 2023 at 71,263 visitors (Times of Oman).
| Year | Visitors | Change on previous year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 71,263 | – |
| 2024 | 105,686 | +48.3% |
| 2025 | 136,549 | +29.2% |
That is a 91.6% rise between 2023 and 2025. Spread across a full year, 2025 works out to about 374 visitors a day, and most of them arrive in the cooler months.
One note on the data: a report published in March 2025 gave a lower 2024 total of 96,625. The authority’s later report used 105,686, so we use the more recent figure here.
Why the reserve is getting busier
Three trends are pushing numbers up.
- More people are visiting Oman. The country welcomed around 4 million visitors in 2025, according to national statistics reported by Zawya. Hotel guests at three- to five-star hotels rose 10.9% in the first 11 months of the year.
- Eco-tourism is in demand. Officials linked the 2025 jump directly to growing interest in nature-based travel.
- The islands are easy to reach. The boat ride from Seeb Port takes only 20 to 25 minutes, so a full snorkeling trip fits into a single morning.
What 2027 could look like
There is no official forecast for the reserve, so we built two simple scenarios from the 2025 figure. These are our own projections, not government numbers.
| Scenario | Yearly growth | 2026 visitors | 2027 visitors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steady growth | +15% | about 157,000 | about 181,000 |
| 2025 pace continues | +29% | about 176,000 | about 228,000 |
Even the cautious scenario adds roughly 44,000 visitors in 2027 compared with 2025. If the 2025 pace holds, the reserve would see around 91,000 more visitors than it did in 2025, or about 624 people a day on average.
What this means for your trip
More visitors does not have to mean a crowded day on the water. It does mean planning ahead pays off.
- Book early for November to April. These are the most popular months, and shared boats fill first on weekends and holidays.
- Go in the morning. Our tours leave Seeb Port at 8:00 AM and return by noon, when the water is usually calmest.
- Consider a private boat for groups. A private Daymaniyat snorkeling tour gives your group its own boat and pace, which matters more as the shared trips get busier.
- Try the reefs from below. Certified divers and first-timers can join our shared scuba diving trip in the Daymaniyat Islands and see a quieter side of the reserve.
- Protect what you came to see. More visitors put more pressure on coral and turtles. Read our eco-friendly guide to snorkeling with turtles before you go.
Plan your visit
The Daymaniyat Islands are still one of the easiest marine reserves in the region to visit from a capital city. The difference in 2027 will be how many people share that experience with you.
If it is your first trip, start with what to expect on a Daymaniyat Islands tour from Muscat and our list of what first-time snorkelers should know. Then pick your date early and let us handle the permits, equipment and boat.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
How many people visited the Daymaniyat Islands in 2025?
The reserve recorded 136,549 visitors in 2025, according to figures reported by the Times of Oman. That was 29.2% more than in 2024.
Is the Daymaniyat Islands reserve open all year?
Boat trips for snorkeling and diving run all year. Landing on the islands’ beaches is banned from May to October to protect nesting birds and turtles.
Will the Daymaniyat Islands be crowded in 2027?
There is no official forecast. Our projections suggest between about 181,000 and 228,000 visitors in 2027. Early departures and private boats are the easiest ways to enjoy a calmer trip.
How long is a Daymaniyat snorkeling trip?
Our tours last about four hours, from 8:00 AM to around noon, including a 20 to 25 minute boat ride each way.
Sources: Times of Oman, 2025 visitors · Times of Oman, 2023–2024 visitors · Zawya, Oman 2025 visitors
