Khasab: Musandam Fjords Dhow Cruise & Telegraph Island Snorkel

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/6

Duration3h 30m

GroupUp to 80

PickupAt your hotel

Four hours on a traditional dhow through Oman's fjords, with dolphins and a swim in clear water

You board a traditional dhow in Khasab and cruise through narrow fjords surrounded by mountains, with a snorkeling stop at Telegraph Island and a good chance of seeing dolphins along the way. The boat provides life jackets, towels, and refreshments, and you're back within four hours. Choose morning or afternoon depending on your schedule.

3h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Half day Musandam dhow cruise

Board traditionally decorated Omani dhow
Cruise through Musandam fjords
Spot dolphins chasing the dhow
Discover ancient villages
Swim and snorkel at Telegraph Island
Enjoy refreshments on board

The Experience

What if you could see fjords without flying to Norway? Khasab sits at the edge of Musandam, a peninsula that juts into the Arabian Sea with mountains that drop straight into water, and the only real way to see it is from the sea. You board a traditionally decorated Omani dhow — the kind with cushions and carpets spread across the deck — and spend the next few hours moving through these narrow waterways while the Al-Hajar Mountains rise up on both sides. The boat leaves at either 9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., depending on which slot works for you, and the whole thing takes about three and a half hours.

The dhow cruise includes stops where you can actually get in the water. Telegraph Island, an old settlement tucked into the fjords, is where most people snorkel — the water is clear enough that you see down without trying, and the reef life is small but real. Life jackets and towels are provided, which matters because the water is cooler than you'd expect and you'll want to dry off before the boat heads back. Dolphins show up often enough that the crew watches for them, though there's no guarantee; when they do appear, they're usually chasing fish near the dhow, not performing. Refreshments — fruit, cold drinks, tea, coffee — come out during the cruise, so you're not thirsty or hungry by the time you're back in Khasab.

The trip works best if you're comfortable on a boat for a few hours and can manage getting in and out of the water without help. The dhow rocks gently but steadily, and the snorkeling involves a short swim from the boat to the island. If you have back problems, are pregnant, or have heart concerns, this one isn't the right fit. Kids can come — infants and toddlers can ride in a stroller or pram — but they need to be okay with the motion and the water.

What’s included

Your half-day includes a traditionally decorated Omani dhow, snorkeling at Telegraph Island with life jackets and towels, refreshments (fruits, cold drinks, tea, and coffee), and the chance to spot dolphins as you cruise through the Musandam fjords.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Dolphin Khasab Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Musandam's fjords and snorkel without arranging a boat or gear yourself — the dhow, water access, and refreshments are all handled, and the fixed timing means you can plan the rest of your day around a morning or afternoon slot.