Khasab mountain safari and dhow cruise: Dolphins and fjords

See Musandam's highest peak and sail its fjords in a single afternoon

A full-day tour in Khasab pairs a morning mountain safari through Jabal Harim and Khor Najd with an afternoon dhow cruise through the Musandam fjords, including lunch, snorkeling gear and dolphin spotting near Telegraph Island. The tour runs 8 hours with a live English or Arabic-speaking guide and hotel pickup. Moderate fitness is needed for the mountain terrain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Mountain Safari and Dhow Cruise

• Explore Jabal Harim mountain
• Visit Khor Najd fjord viewpoint
• Board traditional dhow for cruise
• Enjoy lunch on board
• Swim and snorkel near Telegraph Island
• Spot dolphins in Musandam fjords

The experience

The day splits into two distinct halves. The morning mountain safari (9:00 AM to 1:00 PM) takes you by air-conditioned vehicle up Jabal Harim, Musandam's highest peak at 2,087 meters, where the winding off-road trail passes through limestone landscapes and opens onto panoramic views of fjords and villages. The route also stops at Khor Najd, the only fjord in Musandam reachable by vehicle, where a viewpoint overlooks crystal-clear waters ringed by towering cliffs. Along the way you'll see evidence of the region's geological past: 3-million-year-old fossils of corals and seashells embedded in the rock, remnants of when this area lay beneath the sea.

After a break, the afternoon dhow cruise (1:30 PM to 4:30 PM) shifts to the water. You board a traditional wooden dhow and sail through the scenic fjords, with lunch and snacks served on board. The boat heads toward Telegraph Island, a small uninhabited island with stone ruins from a 19th-century telegraph station that once linked India and England by underwater cable. The waters around it are the main draw: you'll have time to swim and snorkel among colorful coral reefs, and dolphins frequently appear in these waters. Snorkeling equipment is provided, along with bottled water, coffee, tea and a restroom on board.

The tour includes pickup from your hotel and a guide who speaks English or Arabic throughout. Eight hours total means you're back by late afternoon, leaving the evening free. The mountain section requires at least moderate fitness for the terrain and altitude. The itinerary is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular issues or pregnancy.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle for the mountain safari.
• live guide in English or Arabic.
• hotel pickup.
• lunch and snacks on board the dhow.
• bottled water, coffee and tea.
• snorkeling equipment.
• restroom facilities on the boat.
• access to Jabal Harim, Khor Najd, and Telegraph Island.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 12 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Dolphin Travel and Tourism

Is this one for you?Book this if you want both mountain views and fjord sailing in a single day without splitting your trip across two separate outings.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Jabal Harim and why is it part of this tour?

Jabal Harim, meaning "Mountain of Women," is Musandam's highest peak at 2,087 meters and the centerpiece of the morning safari. The winding mountain road passes through rugged limestone landscapes and reaches viewpoints overlooking fjords, villages and desert terrain. The summit and surrounding rocks also display 3-million-year-old fossils of corals and seashells from when the region was underwater.

Will I definitely see dolphins on the dhow cruise?

Dolphins frequently appear in the waters around Telegraph Island where the dhow sails, but sightings are not guaranteed. The afternoon cruise focuses on snorkeling and swimming in the fjords regardless, with the island's coral reefs and marine life as the main draw.

What is Telegraph Island and what can I do there?

Telegraph Island is a small, uninhabited island off the Khasab coast with stone ruins from a 19th-century telegraph station that was part of the underwater cable linking India and England. Visitors swim and snorkel in the surrounding waters, which have colorful coral reefs and rich marine life. The ruins themselves are accessible for exploration.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Lunch is served on board the dhow, along with snacks, bottled water, coffee and tea. Dietary restrictions are not detailed in the tour information. Contact the operator directly before booking to discuss any specific needs.

How much walking or climbing is involved in the mountain safari?

The mountain safari uses an air-conditioned vehicle for transport along the winding off-road trail to Jabal Harim and Khor Najd, with stops at viewpoints. The tour requires at least moderate physical fitness. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What time does the tour end and can I arrange my own transport back?

The tour ends around 4:30 PM after the dhow cruise. Hotel pickup is included in the booking, and the operator notes that public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer to arrange your own return.