Oman’s Forgotten Archipelago: Discovering the Mystique of the Khuriya Muriya Islands

Oman’s Hidden Gems: Discovering the Khuriya Muriya Islands

Imagine a cluster of untouched islands where turquoise waters meet rugged coastlines—this is the reality of Oman’s best-kept secret. Approximately 40 kilometers east of Hasik off Dhofar’s coast lies the Khuriya Muriya archipelago. This miniature island chain revolves around Hallaniyah Island, the group’s largest landmass and only permanently inhabited location. Locals often refer to these islands by their alternative name: the Hallaniyat Islands, a title that whispers of their undiscovered beauty.

Jewels in the Arabian Sea

The archipelago consists of five main islands that create a natural sanctuary in the Arabian Sea:

• Hallaniyah Island – The heart of the group with its small fishing village
• Al-Hasikiyah Island – Known for dramatic cliffs and nesting seabirds
• Al-Sawda Island – The largest uninhabited island with pristine beaches
• Al-Hallaniyah Island – Home to ancient fishing traditions
• Al-Qibliyah Island – The southernmost island with exceptional snorkeling spots

These islands form a unique ecosystem where desert mountains plunge directly into coral-rich waters, creating landscapes that few travelers have witnessed firsthand.

A Colonial Curio with an Unusual Past

The islands’ history reads like an adventure novel. In 1854, Sultan Said bin Sultan surprised the world by gifting these islands to Britain, fascinated by their proposal to harvest guano (bird droppings prized as fertilizer). The British Foreign Secretary, Lord Clarendon, reportedly thanked the Sultan with a luxury snuffbox—a curious exchange for territory! While guano extraction lasted only briefly, this transaction gave Britain control of the archipelago for over a century.

Administratively attached to Aden (now part of Yemen), the Khuriya Muriyas became a quiet British outpost until 1967. Their return to Oman sparked diplomatic tension, with Yemen claiming rightful ownership based on their historical connection to Aden. Today, they remain firmly Omani territory, though their remote location preserves their off-the-map status.

Wildlife Paradise Waiting to Be Explored

For nature lovers, these islands offer extraordinary opportunities:

1. Turtle Conservation: Several beaches serve as critical nesting grounds for endangered hawksbill and green turtles between June and September
2. Birdwatching Haven: Home to migratory seabirds including sooty gulls, white-cheeked terns, and the rare Socotra cormorant
3. Marine Biodiversity: Coral gardens teem with parrotfish, angelfish, and occasional whale shark sightings
4. Cetacean Highway: Humpback whales pass through during seasonal migrations

Diver’s Dream in Untouched Waters

Beneath the waves lies one of Arabia’s best-kept diving secrets. The archipelago’s crown jewel is the SS City of Winchester wreck, a British merchant vessel torpedoed by German forces in August 1914—the first British ship lost in World War I. Resting in relatively shallow waters between Hallaniyah and Hasik, this underwater museum attracts experienced wreck divers.

Beyond the wreck, divers can explore:

• Pristine coral walls descending over 30 meters
• Underwater caves inhabited by lobsters and moray eels
• Seasonal manta ray cleaning stations
• A surprising temperate climate that supports both tropical and cooler-water species

The Challenge of Island Access

Reaching these islands remains part of their allure and challenge. Currently, no scheduled ferries operate between mainland Oman and the archipelago. Adventurous travelers typically arrange passage through:

• Fishing boat charters from Hasik (closest mainland port)
• Seasonal dolphin-watching tours extending their routes from Mirbat
• Private yacht charters from Salalah during calm seas

The crossing takes 2-4 hours depending on weather conditions. Visitors should prepare for basic accommodations—there’s currently only one simple guesthouse on Hallaniyah Island catering primarily to fishermen.

Development Plans and Sustainable Tourism

Since 2010, Oman has invested in developing Hallaniyah Island’s infrastructure, with a $100 million harbor expansion project aiming to boost both fishing capabilities and tourism access. Recent proposals include:

1. Regular ferry services linking Hasik to Hallaniyah
2. Eco-lodges designed for low environmental impact
3. Marine protected area designation to preserve coral reefs
4. Dive resort construction near prime underwater sites

Concerns about overtourism have led authorities to prioritize sustainable development models. Environmental impact studies continue, but investors and travelers alike watch with excitement as Oman carefully plans the islands’ next chapter.

Visiting Tips for Pioneering Travelers

For those considering a visit, keep these recommendations in mind:

• Best Season: October-March offers cooler temperatures and calmer seas
• Permits Required: Foreign visitors need special permits obtainable through Omani tour operators
• Pack Smart: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, motion sickness remedies, and waterproof gear
• Respect Traditions: The small island communities maintain conservative customs—dress modestly
• Wildlife Etiquette: Never approach turtle nests or chase marine life during encounters

The Future of Oman’s Island Paradise

As Oman diversifies its tourism offerings beyond desert safaris and mountain treks, the Khuriya Muriyas represent a new frontier. Their combination of unspoiled nature, intriguing history, and marine adventure potential positions them as future ecotourism stars. However, their remote location and fragile ecosystems require thoughtful management.

For now, these islands remain a rewarding destination for explorers willing to embrace adventure over luxury—a place where fishing boats outnumber tourist vessels, and nature still rules supreme. As development gradually opens access while protecting the islands’ essence, Oman may soon welcome travelers to experience Arabia’s last island secret.