Pearl Diving
An exciting world-class adventure For more than 2000 years Bahrain’s pearls have been prized as some of the
best natural pearls in the world! In the past pearl divers went out to sea for months. They were lowered on weighted ropes and remained underwater for over a minute with nothing but a nose peg to control their breathing.
Now, we offer you the opportunity to hunt for pearls right here in the amazing waters of the Gulf.
HOW TO BECOME A MODERN PEARL DIVER!
- Get a ticket online at portal.btea.bh
- Attend a briefing workshop
- Departure from Ras Rayyah with a licensed Dive company
- Open your oysters on the boat and on the return trip
- Collect up to 60 oysters
- Have your pearls appraised for value and quality
Pearl Diving History
Pearl Diving History
Bahrain has a history that goes way back in time, being first in discovering many crafts and arts thousands of years ago. Bahrain has been famous for its tales and prospering economy in pearl diving in the Gulf region and the world.
Back in the days pearl diving season, lasted from June to September, and was officially opened and closed by the rulers of Bahrain at the time, where oysters containing the purest and the whitest of pearls were found in deep waters. Diving ships, known as ‘Banoosh’ or ‘Boom’ consisted of a crew on board including 60 divers, pullers, a couple of ship boys, a cook, a captain and captain’s mate. Each individual had a task to be monitored and taken care of.
Since that time, pearl diving has been taken as a profession for some families and a main source of income, powering the whole economy while leaving an unforgettable legacy not only in Bahrain, but the whole world.
Today, Bahrain continues to keep this heritage alive and long lasting, making it a key attraction for both locals and foreigners to enjoy. Pearl diving excursions, snorkeling for oysters and fishing activities are organized by fully equipped enterprises that specialize in diving, covering the main areas of the sea, while giving their customers one of the best experiences of their lives.
Collecting oysters in search of finding a precious pearl, is an excitement that divers feel and cherish, especially after a hard day’s work. Collecting and cracking oysters open requires strength, patience, good eye sight and of course time in order to find that beautiful round plump pearl. The feeling of catching and finding a pearl is indescribable, making you feel proud to have achieved a task that was and still is a heritage brought up by our ancestors and is a pride to our Kingdom, Bahrain.
About BTEA
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority was established in 2015 under the Royal Decree number (76) for the year 2015 issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain. Whereas the first clause of the Decree number (10) stated that an authority should be established under the supervision of the Council of Ministers
In 2015, BTEA started its operations under the Decree number (9) for the year 2015 to append the Tourism Affairs to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce based on the recommendation of HRH Prime Minister and under the law number (62) of the year 2016 to establish and regulate the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority (BECA) and the Decree number (1) for the year 1985 to establish a Supreme Council for Tourism, and the law number (15) for the year 1986 to regulate the Tourism sector amended by a Law by Decree number (12) for the year 1994.
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA)’s scope of work includes all sectors related to national tourism affairs in the Kingdom: organize conventions and trade exhibitions in the Kingdom of Bahrain; attract international, regional and local conferences to be hosted in the Kingdom; establish, manage, promote and maintain the Authority’s conventions and exhibitions centers directly or through specialized companies or firms BTEA establishes solely or in partnership with others for the same purpose; grant licenses for conventions and trade exhibitions, supervise and assess them.
The Tourism sector aims to attract prominent international events that engage large number of tourists and strengthen the position of Bahrain as an important tourism attraction on a regional and international level.
BTEA also aspires to boost the Tourism sector’s contribution in the national economy, in line with the Bahrain Economic vision 2030 and toward achieving the goals of the Economic Development Board.
