The day started early - 5.30am early!
We were downstairs at 6am and picked up our breakfast bag from reception - croissants and fruit.
The mini bus arrived on time - he had one more pick up to do but not in Dubai!
We ate breakfast and watched the sun come up over the desert! Lots of camels around but never when I had the camera ready!
The other couple were picked up in Ras Al Khaimah - about 90km from Dubai! We never got to understand what the attraction was there!
With a petrol stop and then the border control (stamped out of UAE and into Oman) we eventually arrived at the boat at 9.30ish.
The boat was skippered by a Jack Sparrow lookalike. Even down to his beard.
We had to wait for the last three people - meaning there would only be 9 of us on a boat that could easily fit 30 or 40!
We looked at the catch from the next boat ...
including some tuna!
A very sweet tea was served while we waited! The three people arrived about 9.50 and we were off by 10!
The landscape was so different - rocky mountains. This area is known as the Onan Fjords! It was spectacular but so very remote!
The first highlight were the dolphins - a pod of 5 or 6 of them swimming between the boats!
We were lucky in that our skipper stayed around far longer so we had ample chance of seeing them! What wonderful creatures they are - my photos don't do them justice!
Just one more
There were odd villages dotted around. Each one had 50-100 inhabitants and their only way of getting to the shops, school, doctors etc was by boat!
It was then time to go for the first snorkel! It was mainly sea urchins and a few fish!
That's me - O walked up the hill to see what was there!
I do exist
The water was incredibly salty! But at least we floated easily!
There were a few boats from different tours but it never felt busy or even touristy!
Lunch was served - the crew of 3 did an amazing job of keeping us watered (or sodaed or juiced! ).
Lunch included a spicy veg stew, tuna, rice, salad, pittas and humous! It was delicious!
The boat started up again and we hit a very green area! We went in again! How could we not!
With a bit of outside help (aka uneaten pittas!) we saw lots of fish! This was a first for three of us (I had only ever snorkelled once before in Florida with the manatees!)
Some of the fish were quite big!
A lot of jumping in was involved - my family love this and got most people involved - except me! I don't like going underwater...
We made our way back to Khasab. This is fish face rock! Very realistic!
The journey back took about an hour. J and F napped!
The drive back was just as long! Two more border controls and stamps in our passports - 4 for the day!
We got back at about 6.45pm - exhausted but having thoroughly enjoyed our day!
We were in time for canapés - asian night tonight! As lovely as usual - and saved us from having to go out again
We are all tired - not sure of our plans for tomorrow but no early get up