Stunning pink dolphins left tourists open-mouthed after they were spotted gliding through the waves alongside a pod of grey companions.
Beachgoers captured the extraordinary scene as the bubblegum-coloured animals surfaced and swam close to shore.
The rare sighting showed at least two pink dolphins frolicking in the waves with grey members of the pod.
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Footage of the encounter quickly went viral online after it was shared by stunned onlookers.
The sighting took place off Qantab Beach near Muscat in Oman on 15 October.
Marine experts said the animal’s striking colour is unusual for coastal waters and has not been fully explained.
One local specialist identified the pink animals as Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), a species known to lighten dramatically with age.
Aida al Jabri, Marine Environment Specialist at Oman’s Environment Authority, confirmed the footage is genuine and said accumulated scars can turn the animals pale.
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Pink colouring is more commonly associated with Amazon river dolphins, but marine species can develop a similar hue through blood flow, age or genetics.
This is believed to be the first time pink dolphins have been spotted in Omani waters.
Beachgoers said the animals looked healthy and active as they swam together.
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No further official statement has been issued on the exact cause of the colouration.
Risso’s dolphins are born dark grey or brown and gradually lighten as they age, with older adults often appearing almost white.
The pale colour comes mainly from permanent white scars left by teeth-rake marks during social interactions, as well as marks from squid and other prey.
Scientists can even estimate an animal’s rough age by how heavily scarred and light it has become.
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