Sandy Beach Dive Academy

Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

The team at Sandy Beach Dive Academy are the kind of people you want to dive with. They’re based right on the beach, staring out at Snoopy Island, which makes for some incredibly easy diving. We love that you can just gear up, walk a few metres, and be in the water for a shore dive, or hop on their boat right there for something a little further out. These guys are PADI 5 Star IDC Resort, so they’re serious about instruction, from beginner courses right up to instructor development. But it’s not all just about the classroom. Our favourite time to dive Snoopy Island is early morning, just after sunrise. You’ll find parrotfish grazing on the corals and often see blacktip reef sharks cruising the perimeter. The visibility around Fujairah can fluctuate, particularly during late summer, but Sandy Beach generally keeps you in the better spots, often hitting 10-15 metres on a good day, sometimes even pushing 20. They’re our top pick if you're looking for fuss-free diving with a knowledgeable crew who genuinely know the local waters.