The East Coast waters here do not feel like Dubai. This 2-session certified scuba trip from Al Dana Island pairs two tanks with hands-on instruction, plus a BBQ lunch and a marine-life focus that suits everything from big animals to tiny critters.

What I like is how clearly the essentials are handled for you: locks, showers, changing rooms, and the basic gear pieces (weights and tanks) are included. I also like that the operation stays small, with a maximum of 10 people, so you’re not just a body on a crowded roster.

One consideration: if you want a very specific depth profile every time, confirm it in advance. One feedback note flagged an overcrowded boat with many snorkelers, and an experienced participant felt the first site was too shallow for their taste.

Key highlights in plain terms

• Two tanks included: you get more time under the water without paying for each extra session.
• Focused instruction for certified participants: the team adjusts to different comfort levels.
• BBQ lunch + unlimited soft drinks: a real end-to-the-day meal, not just a snack.
• Small group size (max 10): easier to hear briefings and get guidance.
• Bring passport or Emirates ID: required for the Coast Guard sailing permit.

Fujairah from Al Dana Island: why this location works

Fujairah’s east coast has a different vibe than the big-city day-trips people imagine. You’re not chasing crowds at a beach club. You’re heading out from Al Dana Island, where the focus is the water and the sites—wrecks, coral areas, and the kinds of marine life that make you forget what time it is.

The big reason this works is mix-and-match underwater habitat. The trip description calls out soft and hard corals, artificial reefs, and wrecks, plus macro subjects like nudibranchs and tiny shrimps. If you’re the type who loves spotting small things close to the reef, that macro angle matters. If you prefer larger, more visible animals, you’ll also be in the right place because the feedback repeatedly mentions turtles and sharks.

And the best part for planning? The schedule stays tight. It’s set up as a compact 4-hour outing with two underwater sessions and lunch. No half-day wandering, no long wait with nothing to do.

Two underwater sessions, one day that stays organized

You’re looking at about 4 hours total, which is a sweet spot if you’re trying to fit Fujairah between other plans in the UAE. The package includes 2 tanks, so your day is built around two separate site visits rather than one long outing.

Here’s what the flow usually means for you on the ground:

• You start at the center (Reef Oasis at Al Dana Island, Villa #244). You’ll get checked in and sorted with what you need for the day.
• You’re set with weights and your tanks are included, which reduces the number of rental items you have to think about.
• Between sessions, you have time to relax, hydrate, and let your breathing settle. The reviews mention relaxing on the boat in between.

A practical note: one review criticized boat space because of snorkelers onboard. That doesn’t mean it will happen every time, but it is a good reason to show up early, be ready to share space comfortably, and ask how certified participants are arranged versus snorkelers.

Before you go: paperwork, weights, and the stuff that prevents stress

This tour is set up for certified scuba participants only. That’s important because it changes the whole pace of the day. You’re not doing a first-timer lesson here. You’re coming with certification, and the instructors focus on safe, fun execution for your level.

You also need to be medically fit. That’s standard for scuba activities, but it matters because the “can I do this?” question is not theoretical—if you have any concerns, you’ll want to address them before booking.

Then there’s the Coast Guard permit requirement. You’ll need either your original passport or a valid Emirates ID presented on the day of the trip. This is a rare but very real detail. It’s the kind of thing that can delay you at check-in if you forget it.

On the gear side:

• Weights and lockers/showers/changing rooms are included.
• Diving equipment is not included and comes with an extra charge.

So you should plan for this upfront. If you already own a good mask and regulator, bring them if you can. If you don’t, budget for rental equipment at the center.

The boat ride experience: clear briefings, quick resets, and real downtime

The reviews consistently mention organization and a relaxed-but-serious team. You’ll typically get a briefing with what to expect at each site, how to handle buoyancy and safety procedures, and how to work as a group underwater.

On the surface, you’ll have real downtime. One review specifically called out that it was between diving-like sessions and relaxing on the boat, which is exactly what you want on a day trip. Add unlimited soft drinks and water to the mix, and you’ve got an easy way to keep energy up.

The only surface issue to flag from feedback: the boat may carry snorkelers. If your priority is personal comfort and plenty of space, this matters. I’d treat that as a reason to avoid last-minute bookings on peak days, and to go in expecting a shared boat environment.

Under the water: turtles, sharks, corals, wrecks, and macro finds

This is the part you’re actually paying for, so here’s what the trip is positioned to deliver.

What you’re likely to see

From the trip overview and the strongest feedback notes, the underwater experience is built around:

• turtles and lots of fish
• sharks (not guaranteed, but repeatedly mentioned)
• thriving soft and hard corals
• wrecks and artificial reef structures
• macro opportunities, including nudibranchs and tiny shrimps

Why that mix is so rewarding

Coral + wreck + artificial reef means you’re not stuck staring at one habitat type. When conditions are good, you can move your attention from structure to wildlife. Wrecks often create natural “hang-out zones” for fish, while coral areas give you more chances for smaller critters.

And the macro element is a nice bonus. Even if you mainly want turtles and larger animals, being able to switch to tiny subjects underwater makes the day feel longer. You’ll spend more time slowing down and looking closely rather than just covering distance.

A tip that helps your photos

If you care about underwater photography, ask about what kind of subjects to look for at each site. Since macro nudibranchs and tiny shrimp are specifically called out in the trip description, that’s a hint that at least one stop may be good for small-life searching. Bring a wet-friendly mindset: move slower, keep your distance from the reef, and let your eyes adjust.

BBQ lunch: why the food at the end is part of the value

A lot of day tours promise lunch and deliver something that feels like a box you carried. Here, the BBQ lunch is included and gets mentioned positively more than once.

In the feedback, people highlighted:

• the BBQ at the end was amazing
• food quality was top quality
• lunch felt like a proper finish to the day

Even if you don’t eat much on boats, this matters. A good meal makes the whole outing feel complete, and it’s a practical benefit when you’re doing two underwater sessions and you’ll be ready to refuel afterward.

Also, because lockers and showers/changing rooms are included, you’re less likely to feel grimy afterward. That makes the “finish strong and keep going” factor real.

Price and value: what $111.63 is really buying

At $111.63 per person for roughly 4 hours, this isn’t an all-inclusive resort package. It’s a focused scuba-day bundle.

Here’s what you are getting in the included list:

• unlimited soft drinks and water
• light BBQ lunch
• lockers, showers, and changing rooms
• 2 tanks and weights

And what you should expect to pay extra for:

• towels (not included)
• hotel pickup/drop-off (not included)
• scuba equipment (extra charge)

So the value equation comes down to this: you’re paying for two tank sessions plus the facilities that make it easy to prep and recover. If you were planning to rent tanks anyway, this price starts to look reasonable. If you also need to rent multiple equipment items plus transportation from your accommodation, the total day cost rises.

My practical advice: get a clear equipment-rental quote before you arrive, and plan your own transfer to Reef Oasis on Al Dana Island. No pickup is listed, and one review even talked about a comfortable transfer from Dubai, which suggests some people arrange transport separately.

Who should book this (and who should ask a few extra questions)

This trip fits best if you:

• are certified scuba participants
• want two separate underwater sessions without a full-day schedule
• care about seeing turtles, sharks, and reef life
• like the idea of macro opportunities along with bigger highlights

It may fit less smoothly if you:

• are an advanced, very depth-specific diver looking for certain profiles every time
• get uncomfortable on boats with snorkelers nearby
• are picky about personal space

If you fall into the second group, don’t walk in silently. Ask questions about how the sites match your level and what the boat composition tends to look like.

Practical tips to make the day go smoothly

These are the small things that can make a big difference in real life:

• Bring your passport or Emirates ID. It’s required for the Coast Guard sailing permit.
• Pack a towel or plan to buy/rent one. Towels aren’t included.
• Plan your transportation to the meeting point on Al Dana Island (no hotel pickup listed).
• Remember the flight rule: after your scuba session, you need to wait 18 hours before traveling by plane.
• If it’s your first trip back after time away, take advantage of the instructors’ safety and comfort adjustments. The team is described as accommodating different levels.
• If you’re sensitive to cold or motion, tell the staff upfront so they can place you where you’ll feel better on the boat.

Should you book the Reef Oasis Fujairah 2-session package?

If you want a straightforward, well-organized scuba day focused on reef life, turtles, and that coral-and-structure mix, this is a solid pick. The strongest signals are the high satisfaction rate, the friendly and professional crew, and the fact that people repeatedly praised the BBQ lunch and the overall ease of the day.

I’d book it if:

• you’re certified and comfortable doing two sessions
• you value included tanks, weights, and on-site facilities
• you want a compact 4-hour plan with lunch

I’d pause and ask more questions if:

• you’re very experienced and want strict depth planning every time
• you’re uncomfortable sharing boat space with snorkelers
• you haven’t priced the equipment-rental add-ons yet

If you match the first group, you’ll likely walk away happy. If you match the second, a couple of targeted questions up front can prevent disappointment.

FAQ

What is included in the price?

The package includes unlimited soft drinks and water, a light BBQ lunch, lockers/showers/changing rooms, and 2 tanks plus weights.

What is not included?

Towels are not included, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and scuba equipment is an extra charge.

How long is the experience?

It runs for about 4 hours.

Do I need scuba certification?

Yes. You must have scuba diving certification.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Reef Oasis on Al Dana Island, Villa #244.

Do I need my passport or Emirates ID?

Yes. You need either the original passport or a valid Emirates ID to obtain the Coast Guard sailing permit.

Is this only for divers, or do snorkelers join too?

The booking is for certified scuba participants, but one feedback note mentioned snorkelers being on the boat, which can affect space.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes. The maximum is 10 travelers.

When can I fly after the scuba session?

You cannot travel by plane after scuba diving and must wait 18 hours.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the experience may be rescheduled or refunded if canceled due to poor weather.