Daymaniyat Islands are the jewel of Nature Reserves in Oman. They host the migrating birds from Asia, Europe and Africa, and a healthy population of green and hawksbill turtles. Daymaniyat is an archipelago of nine islands along the coast of Wilayat al Seeb (Muscat) and Wilayat Barka (see the attached map). They are surrounded by rocks and shallow seas which lie only 16-18 kilometers from the coast and can only be reached by boat. The islands were designated as a nature reserve on 3/4/1996 to conserve turtle nesting beaches, natural scenery, coral reefs, and birds, as well as promote ecotourism. Additionally, the islands are designated as UNESCO World Heritage site of grade “X” due to their importance in supporting migrating birds, whale sharks, turtles, and other marine life.
