How to Protect the Daymaniyat Islands

The Daymaniyat Islands are Oman's first marine nature reserve: fragile coral, resident sea turtles, all protected for good reason. They stay this beautiful because the people who visit choose to tread lightly. Here's how to be one of them, and how we live it.

Why it matters

The reserve is small, busy and delicate. Coral grows slowly and breaks easily; turtles nest on these beaches from spring to autumn; and daily visitor limits exist because too much pressure damages the very thing everyone comes to see.

Visitor dos

• Wear reef-safe sunscreen, or cover up with a rash vest
• Keep your distance from turtles and all wildlife: watch, don't chase
• Float, don't stand: never put your feet down on coral
• Take everything home: all your rubbish leaves with you
• Follow your guide and the reserve rules
• Book with a licensed, permitted operator

Visitor don'ts

• Don't touch, chase or feed turtles, rays or fish
• Don't stand on, break or collect coral, shells or sand
• Don't bring single-use plastic
• Don't drop anchor on the reef: boats moor on buoys
• Don't land on the islands during nesting closures (around May to October)

How we live it

• Single-use-plastic-free trips: refillable water, no plastic cups
• We moor on buoys, never anchor on coral
• Small groups to keep our footprint light
• Reef-safe sunscreen guidance for every guest
• Leave-no-trace: we carry out everything we carry in
• Respecting permits, daily limits and seasonal closures, without exception

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