Snorkeling in Khasab: Full-Day Dhow Cruise with Lunch

Two snorkeling stops and dolphin watching from a wooden dhow, lunch cooked on board

A full-day dhow cruise from Khasab explores Musandam's fjords with stops for snorkeling and swimming at Telegraph Island and Seebi, plus dolphin watching along the way. The boat carries snorkeling gear, life jackets and towels; lunch is a traditional Omani buffet served on board, with Arabic coffee and tea throughout the day. A guide in English leads the route; pickup is included for cruise ship passengers and hotel guests.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day dhow cruise and sightseeing

• Board traditional Omani dhow
• Enjoy dolphin watching
• Visit Telegraph Island for swimming
• Snorkel at Telegraph Island
• Have traditional Omani lunch on board
• Visit Seebi Island for swimming
• Snorkel at Seebi Island
• View fishing villages in Musandam fjords
• Enjoy refreshments and fresh fruits
• Use onboard toilet and shower facilities
• Return to Khasab

The Experience

The dhow leaves in the morning and heads into Musandam's narrow fjords, where you'll watch for dolphins and pass small fishing villages like Nadifi, Quanah and Maqlab. The boat is decorated in traditional style with soft carpets and cushions on deck, and the pace is built around two main stops — first at Telegraph Island, then at Seebi — where you get in the water with snorkeling gear provided on board. The crew handles the anchoring and the logistics; you handle the mask and fins.

Lunch is served on the dhow itself: a traditional Omani buffet that includes fried rice, fried chicken, hummus, salad and khubz bread, with fresh fruit available throughout the day. Arabic coffee and tea are unlimited, and the boat has a basic toilet and shower with freshwater. Towels and life jackets are supplied, so you don't need to bring your own.

The route takes six hours total. Cruise ship passengers need to provide their ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time at booking so the timing aligns with your return to port. A vegetarian lunch option is available if you request it when you book.

What’s included

• Six hours on a traditional Omani dhow with snorkeling gear, life jackets and towels.
• two snorkeling and swimming stops at Telegraph Island and Seebi.
• dolphin watching along the fjords.
• traditional Omani buffet lunch on board.
• Arabic coffee, tea and fresh fruit throughout the day.
• basic toilet and shower facilities with freshwater.
• English-speaking guide.
• pickup included for cruise ship passengers and hotel guests.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Oman day trips

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so the commentary on the fjords, villages and marine life is accessible throughout the day — this suits anyone who wants to understand what they're seeing rather than just snorkel in silence.

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Top questions

What's the water like for snorkeling in Musandam?

The fjords are calm and sheltered, with two dedicated snorkeling stops at Telegraph Island and Seebi where the water is clear enough to see the reef and fish. The crew chooses the stops based on conditions that day.

Is snorkeling gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment, life jackets and towels are all provided on board, so you arrive with just your swimsuit and sunscreen.

How long does the cruise actually spend in the water?

You have two snorkeling and swimming stops during the six-hour cruise, though the exact time in the water depends on how long you want to stay at each location.

Will we actually see dolphins?

Dolphin watching is part of the route as the dhow travels through the fjords, though sightings depend on where the dolphins are that day — they're not guaranteed but are common in these waters.

What if I'm a cruise ship passenger — how does pickup work?

Pickup is included for cruise ship passengers; you'll need to provide your ship name, docking time and re-boarding time at booking so the crew can time your return to the port.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear instead of using the boat's equipment?

The boat provides snorkeling masks, fins and life jackets for all passengers. You're welcome to bring your own if you prefer, though most travelers use what's on board.