Freestyle Divers

Freestyle Divers is situated in Dibba Al Fujairah, providing a gateway to the unique underwater topography of the United Arab Emirates' eastern coast and the Musandam peninsula in Oman. The area is defined by dramatic fjords, steep walls, and a combination of submerged reefs that offer diverse environments for all levels of experience.

Whether you are looking for a day trip via fast boat or a multi-day liveaboard safari, the centre provides access to some of the most significant diving in the region. The proximity to the Musandam fjords allows for a variety of diving styles, from sheltered reef exploration to challenging drift dives along deep walls.

The centre is led by Darryl Owen, an instructor and technical examiner with a focus on safety and advanced training. The team is experienced in managing the complex currents and environmental variables found in the Musandam area, ensuring that briefings are thorough and safety-focused.

As the only centre in the Middle East to offer Human Factors in Diving courses, they place a significant emphasis on the psychological and decision-making aspects of diving safety. This expertise extends to their technical programmes, where they support divers moving into the realms of rebreather and Trimix diving.

Beyond training, the team is actively involved in the REEFrame project. This commitment to marine conservation means you can engage with coral nursery extension, artificial reef construction, and local ecosystem monitoring during your time with them.

The training programme is extensive, covering multiple agencies including PADI, RAID, UTD, and GUE. Beginners can start with Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses, progressing through to Rescue Diver and Divemaster.

For those looking to specialise, the centre offers a wide array of certifications, including Nitrox, Deep, Wreck, Sidemount, and Drysuit diving. They also provide specialised training in Navigation, Search and Recovery, and Scientific Diving.

Technical divers can access advanced training through the UTD Extreme Scuba Makeover and UTD Tech 1 Diver – Trimix courses. The centre also facilitates Rebreather and Trimix diving training for those moving into technical exploration.

The centre offers fast boat excursions for day trips and multi-day liveaboard safaris to explore the deeper reaches of Musandam. These trips allow divers to reach remote sites like the Strait of Hormuz and the various islands within the fjords.

A full range of diving kit is available for hire, including regulators, wetsuits, and fins. For those planning night dives or technical excursions, torches and specialised equipment are available.

Technical divers will find support for advanced profiles, with Nitrox and Trimix capabilities available to meet the requirements of more demanding sites.

The marine life in this region is diverse, with large pelagics frequently appearing on the deeper walls and ridges. You may encounter whale sharks, zebra sharks, tiger sharks, and various species of rays, including eagle rays, mobula rays, stingrays, and manta rays. Large schools of fish such as barracuda, trevally, and fusiliers are common sights along the reefs.

In the shallower reef flats and gardens, you will find a high density of reef fish, including parrotfish, snapper, and various species of moray eels. Turtles and dolphins are also regularly observed in these waters.

For macro enthusiasts, the area is a significant draw. The reefs host a variety of nudibranchs, including the Spanish dancer and the flame slug, alongside seahorses, shrimps, and various species of gobies. You can also find hermit crabs, octopus, and various species of anemones and soft corals decorating the seabed.

Diving in Musandam and the eastern UAE often involves managing significant water movement. Many of the most productive sites are subject to strong currents, which can include horizontal drifts as well as more complex vertical movements like upcurrents and downcurrents.

Because of these variable conditions, the use of a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) and a reel is considered essential for safety on many sites. Divers should be prepared for active water movement, particularly when navigating around points or along deep ridges.