If you enjoy observing the beauty of marine life, there are plenty of sites in and around the UAE where you can do so. Doreen Ann Hardy checks out some of the more interesting ones including a few shipwrecks which now play host to a wonderful range of underwater creatures.
You've seen the film and laughed at the antics of Nemo and Dory but what's it really like under the seas? Finding out is easier than you think. The waters surrounding the UAE have an abundance of marine life; Nemos (Clownfish) in the hundreds and Dorys (Yellowbar Angelfish) in the thousands! So where exactly can you go and what can you see?
The shipwreck dive
Having passed through the Straits of Hormuz on December 13, 1979, the Energy Determination, once a crude oil tanker, suffered a massive explosion in starboard tank number 9.
The explosion resulted in the deck and starboard side being ripped open for approximately 13 metres from the bridge to the bow, and this eventually led to the end of this once-proud supertanker. After the captain's call to abandon ship, 37 of the crew of 38 were rescued from life rafts by the Oman navy.
The 38th man was, unfortunately, never found. A salvage crew managed to get a line on board and she was towed to a safe position clear of busy shipping lanes where, at 4:30 on the morning of December 15, she broke in two. The stern section sank east of Mina Saqr and lies at a depth of approximately 80 metres.
This is not a dive for the inexperienced diver. Currents can run at over five knots and dives need to be planned with care. The rewards are worth it!
The remains of Energy Determination are covered in yellow, white and red soft corals as well as some lime-green whip corals. And if you want more than coral, you have a good chance of catching sight of marble rays and even the remote possibility of a whale shark.
Be there before it's too late
In service as a cargo ship and passenger liner, the 399-foot Dara suffered a massive explosion between decks on April 8, 1961. The resulting fire raged for two days and the ship sank while being towed towards Dubai.
In this maritime disaster, 238 people lost their lives - the largest loss of life at sea in peacetime after the sinking of the Titanic.
In approximately 20 metres of water the currents around the Dara can be a problem and divers need to be aware of this. It is broken into three sections and it is still possible to get inside this wreck, but the superstructure is collapsing with each passing tide and this may soon not be possible.
She was once famous for the unusually large cowries to be found all around the wreck, especially on the hull side, though these are not so numerous as they once were. You can, however, still see many rays of all varieties.
Off the East Coast
Diving off the East Coast of the UAE can rival some of the best diving sites in the world. In waters at times as clear as glass and as warm as a balmy day on the beach, you can float along on the thermoclines gazing in wonder at what the seas have to show you.
The rugged coastline has thrown up a series of small islands perfect for divers of all ages and abilities to visit.
Snoopy Island
So called because of its resemblance to the sleeping Snoopy of the cartoon series fame, this is one of the few shore dives in the UAE and is easily accessible from the beach at the Sandy Beach Motel in Fujairah. Take a mask and snorkel as there's still plenty to see.
In fact, the resident black-tipped reef sharks are more often seen by snorkellers than divers! It's possible to navigate around this island in one dive, on the way feasting your eyes on the profusion of anemones with their resident clownfish families, puffer fish and cuttlefish as well as the ever-present turtles.
Night diving brings a new perspective as you can go on the lookout for sleeping fish. And as you walk on to the shore, if the conditions are right, marvel at the beautiful blue-green phosphorescence glistening on the edge of every incoming wave.
The Inchcape 1
The Inchcape 1 started her working life as a supply boat and ended as an artificial reef. Sunk about two miles offshore from Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Paul Sant, diver, environmentalist and owner of Divers Down at the Khorfakkan Diving Centre, explains that it is no easy task arranging for the sinking of this vessel.
"Before we sank her, we had to get permission from the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, find a suitable location and then complete the necessary paperwork. We also had to make sure she was safe to sink with any traces of oil and other possible pollutants being cleaned away in advance of the final operation. We eventually managed to sink her on December 12, 2001."
At 29 metres long and two-and-a-half metres wide, she also makes a great dive site for the more experienced diver. Some species have become common visitors and it's not unusual to see lion fish and puffer fish.
It's more unusual to spot the camouflage crabs in residence and very rare, but not unknown, to see sea horses. One thing you can almost always be sure of seeing is the resident moray eel. He has made his home in the space provided by the removal of an air-conditioning unit and seems quite happy to receive visitors. He'll even let you stroke him, if you dare!
