Holidays... : Dolphins and Fjords in Oman

Ever since I started working offshore in 2006, one of my greatest dreams and desires is to see dolphins. I don't know whether I was teased, or I'm too gullible. People always tell me they spotted dolphins during rig moves and flaring. All I know is light and motion attracts dolphins. It must be true.

So, when I found out, that the neighbouring country, Oman, harboured dolphins, I was excited! Finally! I would get to see dolphins in the open sea too! Eagerly, when the temperature in the Arabian Gulf dropped to 19 degrees Celcius, I booked a ticket to Musandam with 4 friends, just to see them.

And the best part? These dolphins were often spotted around fjords!

"Wait a minute." you might stop me here.

"What are fjords?"

Ahh... in short, a fjord is an interesting geological feature. It consists of a body of fluid, flowing between valleys. My first love with fjords began when I encountered this term, during a geological field trip. Back then, it was hard for me to visualize it. So, I Googled it, and ended up with this website (here). In some of the photos, both sides of the valleys flourished with green grass and trees. During winter, it'd ocassionally be covered in snow too!

Naturally, being in the Arabian Gulf, I can't expect the fjords to be pure, snowy white. But I'd expect it to at least have some greens. So, imagine my surprise, when we arrived at the Musandam fjords, only to find it barren from the peak to the foot of the mountains! Not a single plant, tree or flower in sight! The mountains were brown and dry. Even the rocks crumbled, like dried up biscuits. Had I been assigned to work here, I think I would have cried my heart out.

The land seemed lifeless, save for one or two nearby date plantations, and the immigration at the customs. How could anything possibly survive this harsh terrain?

Yet, human beings are not to be underestimated. We have thrived and survived throughout centuries of natural and man-made disasters. It has only made us stronger and smarter. So, which leaves us with this question, "Why would anybody want to live here?"

Oh. I shouldn't let my wandering mind get the better of me. Back to the story.

Anyhow, despite its barren surface, it surrounding waters are a source of life for aquatic creatures. Here, one spots jelly fish, barracuda, long fishes, short fishes, baby mud fishes, shellfish, sea urchins, plus all those little shells which geologists call gastropods. Which, when buried under thousands of layers of sands, under high pressure, they are compressed and shrinked. Eventually, they become smaller than sand grains, and can only be spotted under a high resolution microscope. Yet, of all creatures, every single one of these animals were present, except for dolphins!

How could it be? Every one whom I've spoken to, mentioned that they've seen dolphins here. Right here in Musandam. Did the travel agent bring us to the right spot? Did he trick us? Were we even in Musandam? Well, for the moment, I'd give them the benefit of doubt and treat it as another reason to return when the sighting of dolphins are a 100% guarantee.

Despite one minor misgiving, I'd say the trip was fantastic. I got to soak my insect infested hands and legs into the salt water, killing those imaginary larvae. Got to dive and swim in the deep blue ocean with invisible dolphins. Rode on the banana boat at top speed, under the hot sun, with a magnificent view of the fjords. Sitting cross legged on a cruise, Emirati style, floating on the waters was a unique experience too! Whiling away the time, chatting about hopes, dreams and impending future.

Ahh... Life, is blissful indeed. What more could one ask for?