Дайв-сайты: Persian Gulf

Bahrain was the centre of the world's pearl trade for over 4,000 years, with pearl diving forming the backbone of the island's economy until the 1930s when Japanese cultured pearls collapsed the natural pearl market. The pearling pathway in Muharraq is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the oyster beds offshore remain as a living connection to this heritage. Traditional pearl diving seasons ran from June to September, when free divers descended with nothing but nose clips and stone weights, harvesting oysters from these same reefs.

The dive sites feature natural oyster beds interspersed with low-profile coral formations on sandy substrate at depths between 5 and 15 meters. The coral growth is modest compared to Red Sea reefs but supports diverse Arabian Gulf fish communities including endemic angelfish species, groupers, and rabbitfish. Visibility in the Gulf is typically moderate at 5 to 12 meters, with best conditions in winter months. The experience is as much cultural as natural -- your guide will explain the pearling heritage and traditional diving techniques used for centuries.

The best diving conditions in Bahrain occur from October through April when water temperatures range from 19 to 26 degrees Celsius and visibility improves. Summer months bring extreme water temperatures exceeding 33 degrees Celsius, which stress corals and reduce comfort. Winter months also coincide with calmer seas and less wind. Some operators offer traditional pearl diving experiences during the summer ghawas season, but these are cultural events rather than recreational dives.

The Oga Maru is a Japanese cargo freighter that sank in Kuwaiti waters and now rests upright on the sandy bottom at approximately 18 meters depth. The vessel is reasonably well-preserved with intact bridge, engine room, and cargo holds accessible for penetration diving. The ship has become an effective artificial reef, attracting significant marine life populations to an otherwise featureless sandy seabed. Its relatively shallow depth and upright position make it one of the most accessible wreck dives in the Arabian Gulf.

Visibility on the Oga Maru is the most challenging aspect of this dive. The Arabian Gulf's shallow, warm waters tend to support high plankton levels, and the sandy bottom around the wreck can reduce visibility further when disturbed by divers or currents. Typical visibility ranges from 3 to 10 meters, with best conditions during winter months when water temperatures are cooler and plankton levels lower. Good torch discipline and close communication with your buddy are essential. Despite the limited visibility, the wreck provides a compelling dive experience.