Whether you’re new to the sport, or an experienced diver, you’re sure to find the perfect scuba diving experience in Bahrain. From the stunning coral reefs to the spectacular underwater vistas, the Gulf’s waters offer something for everyone.

Finless Porpoise

Among the most endangered marine mammals on the planet are the Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoises. These small cetaceans are found in coastal waters of the western Pacific Ocean, in the Indo-Malay region, and in the western Taiwan Strait. They are also seen occasionally in the Langkawi Archipelago.

These cetaceans are vulnerable to bycatch, which is caused by intense fishing and other factors. They also suffer from marine pollution and competition for food. In the past, they were often hunted for their meat and blubber. However, this hunting has been reduced in recent years.

In the 1970s, sightings of Finless Porpoises in the Indus Delta region of Pakistan decreased significantly. In the early 1990s, they were almost extinct in this area. In some areas of their range, they have been caught in net fisheries and shore seine nets. In China, they are caught in crab traps and gillnets.

This species is classified as critically endangered. It is threatened by entanglement in fishing gear and by illegal poaching. In addition, it is endangered by dam building and irrigation projects. It is also threatened by illegal fishing in its native river system, the Karnaphuli River.

This species is known to be found in coastal waters in India, Bangladesh, and Iran. It is considered to be a cryptic species. It is not hunted in large numbers, but it is still caught in Indian coastal waters. It is vulnerable to gillnet entanglement, which is also common in its native waters. It is also endangered by pollution and bycatch.

Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoises are found in coastal waters, in river mouths, and in estuaries. In some areas, they can be spotted as far as 240 km offshore. Their range is more tropical than Pacific Finless Porpoises, which inhabit waters that are more temperate.

Whale sharks

Among the most exciting things to do in the sea is to swim with whale sharks. They are the largest fish in the world, and are found in all tropical oceans. They are migratory, and can travel up to 17 miles in one day.

When it comes to scuba diving with these regal sea creatures, it’s best to keep your noise to a minimum. While they may be docile, they can be aggressive, so be aware of your surroundings.

One of the best ways to swim with a whale shark is to go on a liveaboard. Dive operators in Bahrain are working hard to protect these animals. They are trying to reduce the number of incidents, but unfortunately there have been incidents where whale sharks were accidentally hit by boats.

The best way to see these gentle giants is to snorkel, but this is not always possible. There are times when you’ll have to slide into the water feet first. It’s also possible to see these graceful creatures in shallow waters.

One of the best places to go for a whale shark sighting is the Andaman Sea in Thailand. There are several sites where whale sharks can be spotted, but Richelieu Rock is one of the best. The best time to see whale sharks in the Andaman Sea is March to June.

Another excellent whale shark spotting spot is the sea of Cortez. This area has the best conditions to spot whale sharks, and is home to many species of fish and crustaceans.

The largest whale shark you’re likely to see is 41 feet long. The IUCN has even upgraded this shark to “Endangered.”

While the whale shark is the star of the show, there are other cool things to do while scuba diving in Bahrain. In addition to spotting whale sharks, you can see dolphins and reef sharks.

Dugong

Seeing dugongs while scuba diving in Bahrain is a very special experience. They are not common and only appear in very specific areas. You will need to go with a tour guide who will know the rules and regulations in the area.

The dugongs are large marine mammals. They live in coastal habitats that have seagrass meadows. They graze on these plants and leave behind feeding trails of bare sand.

These animals have large teeth with a peg-like shape. These teeth are used to chew the sea grasses and algae that they consume. In some cases, dugongs have also been known to consume small invertebrates.

The dugong is a member of the Sirenia order. This order includes three species of manatees. It is closely related to the elephants.

The dugong is an animal that is characterized by its long, fusiform body, short legs, and large skull. The dugong is the only sirennian species in its range. They can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Their life span is long. The dugong is also known for its incredible hearing.

The dugong is one of the largest marine mammals in the world. They are typically found in warm coastal waters. They are often spotted in protected bays. They are shy and largely solitary animals.

Dugongs are grazing animals that are dependent on sea grasses for their food. They eat as much as 40 kg of sea grass per day. They will usually stay in the same area throughout their life.

The dugong is considered endangered in many regions. It is threatened by hunting and habitat destruction. They are vulnerable to overfishing and coastal development. They are also the natural prey for sharks and killer whales.

Pearls

Located in the Persian Gulf, pearls while scuba diving in Bahrain offers a unique experience for those interested in the pearling industry. Visitors can learn about the pearling tradition, its rich history and how it contributes to the culture of the nation.

Diving for pearls has been a part of Bahrain’s culture for thousands of years. This ancient trade was considered one of the world’s best until the early twentieth century. The pearling industry in Bahrain was owned and operated by merchants. During the period, pearl divers spent months at sea collecting pearls. They stayed underwater with a nose peg to control their breathing. They were pulled back to the surface by pullers. These divers were often indentured to ship captains.

In the 19th century, pearling was the backbone of Bahrain’s economy. Almost all men were involved in the industry. They would crew the boats for months at a time. They would eat rice and dates while they were at sea.

In the early 1900s, Japan developed cultured pearls, which subsequently decreased the value of natural pearls. This decreased the number of boats in the pearling industry. As a result, most divers moved to the petroleum industry.

Today, pearl diving in Bahrain is still a cottage industry. Divers can collect up to sixty oysters in one dive. The pearl diving industry is regulated by the government. A licensed pass costs BHD5 and can be purchased online. The pass is good for two hours of diving at four different sites. The pass requires a passport or identity card. The government monitors the health of the pearl beds and the amount of oysters collected. The Pearl Diving Bahrain website lists a full list of licensed centres.

Courses for kids

Whether you’re a parent or a scuba enthusiast, introducing your children to scuba diving can be fun. It is a great way for them to learn about the ocean, and experience the world without social media filters. The best part is that there are many scuba diving courses for kids in Bahrain. Whether your child is ready for a full certification course or just wants to try snorkeling for the first time, these courses will introduce them to the underwater world.

PADI’s Seal Team program is an excellent way for kids to get started with scuba diving. This certification program combines the basics of scuba diving with some fun activities. Designed for children 10 years and up, the course includes learning basic scuba skills and meeting friends. During the course, scuba divers will learn to calculate weight underwater, float like an astronaut, and use flashlights to explore the underwater world.

PADI’s Junior Open Water Diver course is designed for kids ages 10 to 15 years. It is similar to the adult certification program, but with shallower depth limits. This course teaches kids basic scuba skills, including how to use a scuba diving mask. The PADI Junior Open Water Diver course also includes a more intensive pool program.

Adaptive Scuba Buddy is a program designed for children with special needs. It teaches basic scuba diving skills, such as breathing, clearing masks, and equalization. It also introduces finning techniques, as well as shore dives. The program was developed in collaboration with Diveheart Malaysia.

The PADI Bubblemaker program is also designed for kids. It is a two-hour course designed to teach kids to scuba dive. The program includes an instruction manual and fun workbook. It teaches breathing efficiently through a regulator, clearing masks, and equalization.