The recently launched 100-birth marina at Jebel Sifah by Muriya Tourism Development offers a spectacular opportunity for water enthusiasts to explore a raft of uncharted splendours in the sea of Oman. Muhammed Nafie reports.
Have you had enough of driving around Oman? Tired of exploring by road the grandeur and beauty of the Sultanate’s mountainous terrain? But its rugged and idyllic coastlines still hold a lot in store for you. Marinas coming up in different parts of the country offer tremendous opportunities for water enthusiasts to visit various uncharted splendour of Oman in the sea, including stunning natural bays and beaches, amazing snorkelling, diving and fishing spots, isolated islands tucked away amidst gorgeous rocks etc.
The recently launched 100-birth marina at Jebel Sifah by Muriya Tourism Development serves as a gateway to many of such lovely locations at the Gulf of Oman such as Bandar Khayran and islands of Ras Abou Daoud. Set to transform the area into an exotic locale, the marina is the heart of the integrated tourism complex that Muriya is setting up at Jebel Sifah. Apart from natural beaches, bays and Island, those who have a love for nautical adventure are offered an opportunity to experience snorkelling, diving and fishing.
“The marina not just offers berthing facilities but also presents an opportunity to explore destinations that are located at close proximity,” sated Philip A Jones, CMM, senior director, marinas. “The natural beaches along with the majestic mountain backdrop add to the overall allure of the place.” He also informed that there was a special offer until the end of 2012. The first 10 early birds to book berthing space would get two years of free berthing while the next 10 bookings would get one year free.
The marina can accommodate various types of boats from smaller boats up to larger six-metre boats. Philip said that most of the smaller boats required pontoons in order to facilitate getting on and off the boat. “In the coming months, the marina will offer 360º services such as boat management, engines maintenance, repairs and much more,” he added. “An option of dry or wet berthing facilities will also be available.”
Philip informs that there are a lot of recreational activities planned to attract more water enthusiast to enjoy the facility such as fishing competition. We have also set up camping areas on the beaches where youngsters can come and camp.
The marina also provides an interesting opportunity to travel halfway by water and halfway by road to some of the interesting destinations in the country. For instance, a 20-minute cruise from Jebel Sifah will take you to Quriyat from where you can go to the spectacular Wadi Shab in another 20 minutes by road.
As the project aims to connect the capital area by water in the long run, it will help the sightseers to make a hop on and off trip to various scenic spots both on and off the sea. As Philip exudes confidence, sooner or later, we will be able to make a round-the-Muscat cruise starting from Jebel Sifah to Seeb with stopovers at Shangri-La, Al Bustan, Marina Bandar, The Wave Muscat etc.