Khasab Musandam Dhow Cruise: Fjords, Dolphin Watching & Lunch

Summary

Drift past Musandam’s fishing villages and swim off Telegraph Island

You’ll sail deep into the Musandam fjords on a traditional dhow cruise from Khasab, spotting dolphins along the way and stopping to snorkel at Telegraph and Seebi Islands. Enjoy an Omani lunch served onboard with plenty of time to relax in the sun or shade. It’s those small moments — laughter over tea or feeding fish off the side — that stay with you long after you’re back on land.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Musandam dhow cruise

• Arrive Khasab Cruise Terminal
• Board dhow cruise at 10:00 AM
• Enjoy welcome drinks and fruits
• Watch dolphins naturally at 10:45 AM
• Swim and snorkel at Telegraph Island
• Have traditional Omani lunch onboard
• Swim and snorkel at Seebi Island
• Return to Khasab dhow port at 4:00 PM

Top questions

What time does the Khasab dhow cruise start?

The full-day Khasab Musandam dhow cruise starts at 10:00 AM.

Is pickup included for the Musandam fjords cruise?

Yes, free pick and drop is included within Khasab Oman.

Are snorkeling gear and life jackets provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear and life jackets are available onboard for all guests.

What is served for lunch during the cruise?

A traditional Omani lunch is served onboard, usually including fried chicken, rice, salad, khubz bread, hummus, fruits, and soft drinks.

Can children join the Khasab dhow cruise?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Are towels provided during the tour?

Yes, clean towels are provided on the boat.

Do I need my passport for this tour?

Yes, all participants must bring their original passport with at least 3 months validity from tour date.

Is there a toilet facility onboard?

Yes, basic toilet and shower facilities with fresh water are available on board.

What’s included

Your day includes free pickup within Khasab Oman (even if you’re arriving by cruise ship), all snorkeling equipment and life jackets ready on board, clean towels for swimming stops at Telegraph and Seebi Islands, unlimited soft drinks plus coffee and tea throughout the trip, a traditional semi-buffet Omani lunch served fresh on deck around midday, plus basic toilet and shower facilities so you can rinse off before heading back ashore.

What’s the experience like?

“Is that a dolphin?” someone whispered — and then we all saw them, slicing right alongside our dhow as we left Khasab behind. I’d read about the Musandam fjords but didn’t expect this much quiet. The water was flat as glass, just the slap of waves and the crew’s laughter drifting back. Our guide, Ahmed, pointed out tiny fishing villages tucked into the cliffs; he said most families still mend their nets by hand here. I tried to imagine living in a place where you know every boat that passes.

The first stop was Telegraph Island — it’s smaller than it looks in photos. We jumped in for snorkeling (the gear was already waiting), and I’ll admit: I swallowed a mouthful of salty water before getting my mask right. Fish everywhere, flashes of blue and yellow darting around my legs. Back on deck, someone handed me sweet Omani tea — cardamom-heavy, not what I expected after swimming, but perfect somehow. The sun felt sharp but not cruel; there was a breeze that kept it all gentle.

Lunch came just after noon: fried chicken, rice, khubz bread still warm from somewhere below deck. Ahmed teased me for piling too much hummus on one piece (“You eat like an Omani now!”). We drifted toward Seebi Island after that; some people napped under the canopy while others dangled their feet overboard. At Seebi we swam again — I fed a few crumbs to the fish and they went wild for it. There was something about how everyone loosened up by then, like we’d all agreed to let go for a while.

I still think about those quiet moments between stops — just sitting with wet hair drying in the wind, watching mountains slide by in silence. The trip ended back at Khasab port around 4pm. Nobody really wanted to leave; even Ahmed lingered on deck with us for an extra minute or two before waving us off.