Swim with sharks: Expeditions with freediving star starts from Fri
MUSCAT: The Sultanate has been making pain-staking efforts to preserve many of its customs and traditions. Among these are the “camel jockeys” who participate in races and competitions, and the diet and training programme for camels.
After a long racing season, the owners determine when camels need be rested and decide on their diet and training. The time of rest for camels is also called the “period of vigilance”, during which the owners take all measures, including ensuring that the ground under them is soft and clean, so that camels get ample rest.
Obeid bin Saeed al Junaibi, a camel owner, said he prefers to keep his camels at home so that they are under observation of the person in charge. The period of vigilance helps camels prepare for the upcoming racing season. Al Junaibi said a meticulous training programme is devised for camels depending upon the type of competition they are participating in. MUSCAT: Time is running out for people to seize the unique opportunity to swim with giant but harmless whale sharks alongside international freediving star Pierre Frolla.
SEAOMAN will soon welcome Pierre to its dive centre at Al Mouj Marina, Muscat, from where he will lead twice-daily expeditions on six days starting on September 29.
The fully equipped expeditions aim to offer ordinary members of the public the chance of the ultimate encounter with the gentle giants of the sea.
“Whale sharks are magnificent creatures, a true wonder of the submarine world,” said Pierre.
“I believe the wonderful underwater conditions that the Sultanate can offer will provide the perfect conditions to observe them in their natural habitat — a rare and very special opportunity!”
A highlight of Oman’s diving calendar, the whale shark season runs from September to November with pods of 10 to 15 individuals regularly making their way along the Omani coast towards the Daymaniyat Islands, a marine nature reserve 16 miles northwest of Muscat. The chances of encountering the creatures are high — with expeditions typically having a 90-per cent success rate.
The opportunity to sign up to swim alongside Pierre and the whale sharks remains open, though booking at the earliest opportunity is highly recommended.
Expeditions will run morning, 8 am — 12 noon, and afternoon, 1 pm — 5 pm, on dates between September 29 and October 7, and cost RO 35 per person. Departing from SEAOMAN’s Al Mouj Marina HQ, the experience is open to everyone aged eight and over.
Pierre, 43, originally from Monaco, holds four world and other championship records in freediving, which does not make use of any artificial aids. His 2004 world record saw him freedive to an incredible 123 metres.