Othman's Reef
Othman's Reef is a popular club dive site, not only for the attraction of the reef itself, but for the exhilarating drive to the Inland Sea site, dune-bashing as you go. Depending on whether you take the safer flat route or the scary trail up and over the dunes, the trip is in the region of 30 - 40 minutes. The Inland Sea offers a view of Saudi Arabia in the distance, and an almost unbroken line of deserted beach in all directions.
Othman's Reef is a popular club dive site, not only for the attraction of the reef itself, but for the exhilarating drive to the Inland Sea site, dune-bashing as you go. Depending on whether you take the safer flat route or the scary trail up and over the dunes, the trip is in the region of 30 - 40 minutes. The Inland Sea offers a view of Saudi Arabia in the distance, and an almost unbroken line of deserted beach in all directions.
The reef itself is often described as being in 3 parts (reefs 1, 2 and 3 unsurprisingly). Reefs 1 and 2 are closest to the shoreline, and if the tide is low, are impossible to miss on a bearing of 150 degrees, and can be reached in a few minutes. At higher tides, they have been known to be missed, so keep an eye on that compass. Reef 3 is navigable from reef 2, but some divers will often head directly for this one. It's a longer swim, so take your time.
The reef itself is often described as being in 3 parts (reefs 1, 2 and 3 unsurprisingly). Reefs 1 and 2 are closest to the shoreline, and if the tide is low, are impossible to miss on a bearing of 150 degrees, and can be reached in a few minutes. At higher tides, they have been known to be missed, so keep an eye on that compass. Reef 3 is navigable from reef 2, but some divers will often head directly for this one. It's a longer swim, so take your time.
Notable inhabitants of Othmans include two turtles.
Notable inhabitants of Othmans include two turtles.
