Schmies (Angry Grouper)
Rocky ridges separated by sandy channels at Schmies, the smallest island of the Hallaniyat group, with abundant soft corals and a large, relaxed grouper (the Divernet site called Angry Grouper). The Oman Aggressor logs list 'Schmies fingers' on the Hallaniyat route.
Facts
- Region: Dhofar & Hallaniyat Islands – Oman
- Area: Al Hallaniyat (Kuria Muria) Islands
- Depth: 10–30 m
- Level: advanced
- Current: moderate
- Type: reef, ridges
- Coordinates: 17.608, 56.14 (approximate)
- Highlights: rocky ridges, sandy channels, soft coral, giant grouper
- Permit: The Al Hallaniyat Islands are a nature reserve (Royal Decree 96/2025). Under the regulation reported in April 2026, prior authorisation from the Environment Authority is required for visiting, diving, photography and anchoring; reported fees: OMR 6 for diving for expatriates (OMR 3 for Omanis), OMR 3 entry; fines apply for unauthorised entry and anchoring. Liveaboard operators normally arrange this: Extra Divers lists a dive permit of OMR 4 per diving day paid on board (figures differ, confirm when booking). The application procedure and contact were not published in the sources.
- Issuer / contact: Environment Authority (Oman)
- No contact published in the sources; the permit is normally handled by the liveaboard operator.
- Unverified: The island name 'Schmies' is not found on maps; placed at the smallest island (Qarzawit per Wikipedia, which Oman Observer calls Al Shunais) by inference.
- Tips: Which island is 'Schmies' is not certain (see notes); permit required.