Her Excellency the Minister of Tourism, Dr. Rajiha bint Abdulameer bin Ali, announced at Marina Bandar Al-Rowdha today the start of a brand new tourist attraction. The semi-submersible vessel Al-Khayran will take visitors on an 'underwater tour' of the coral reefs of Bandar Al-Khayran. Visitors will sit in air conditioned comfort 2 meters below the water line and watch fish, turtles and other sea creatures which inhabit the coral reef, through large viewing ports in the underwater hull.
Passengers will embark in a fast transfer boat at Marina Bandar Al-Rowdha for the half hour trip to Bandar Al-Khayran where they will board the semi-submersible. They will then experience the wonders of the underwater world in air-conditioned comfort for about 1 hour before re-embarking in the fast transfer boat for the return trip to the marina. The whole round trip will take just over two hours.
Unlike conventional submarines, the semi-submersible does not dive but remains on the surface. It is a safe and comfortable way to explore the wealth of fish life, plants and corals beneath the waves. Despite this, passengers are deep enough below the surface to appreciate passing turtles and reef fishes, and to admire the wealth of coral and to take photographs through the large viewing ports.
On the way to Bandar Al-Khayran from the marina the passenger boat will pass the villages of Al Bustan, Qantab, Yiti, Bandar Al Jissah, the Shangri-La resort and the Al-Bustan Palace hotel. There is also a good chance, depending upon the season, of spotting dolphins or even whales whilst the boat is in transit between the marina and the semi-submersible. The whole two hour trip is full of opportunities to spot things rarely seen and passengers are sure to enjoy the experience.
The semi-submarine will operate passenger carrying trips 4 times per day at 09:00, 10:30, 13:00 & 14:30 whilst the weather, sea conditions and underwater visibility allow. For more information and bookings, contact the marina on: Tel: 24737286 ext. 200 Fax 24737285 or visit our website on: www.alkhayran.com
-Ends-
© Press Release 2009
