Khasab Musandam: Dhow Cruise with Snorkeling & Dolphins

Summary

Traditional dhow cruise in Khasab’s Musandam fjords with dolphins

You’ll drift through Musandam’s wild fjords on a traditional dhow cruise from Khasab, spotting playful dolphins and snorkeling off Telegraph Island with a local guide. Relax on soft carpets with fresh fruit and tea as mountains rise around you — these are moments you’ll remember long after your feet touch land again.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely kicked off our shoes when the cushions swallowed us up — those deep red Omani carpets are softer than they look. The boat smelled faintly of cardamom from someone’s tea, and the water out past Khasab was this impossible blue-green. Our guide, Khalid, pointed out the Al-Hajar Mountains rising behind us, all jagged and sun-bleached. I didn’t expect to see so many tiny fishing boats bobbing around; one guy waved as we passed, grinning like he knew something we didn’t.

The best part? Dolphins — real ones — started chasing our dhow maybe twenty minutes in. Everyone went quiet for a second except for a kid who just yelled “look!” over and over. I tried to film but mostly ended up laughing instead. The wind picked up a bit as we got closer to Telegraph Island (Khalid told us the story about British telegraph operators marooned there — sounded lonely). The water was clear enough that you could see fish darting below before we even jumped in for snorkeling. Not gonna lie, I hesitated at first because it looked cold, but it wasn’t bad once you were in.

After swimming, someone handed me a slice of watermelon and I sat dripping on the deck with my feet drying in the sun. There was sweet tea too — not fancy, but perfect after saltwater. People chatted quietly or just stared at the cliffs sliding by. It’s funny how quickly you settle into that slow rhythm out here; time kind of drifts along with the boat. I still think about that silence between everyone when the dolphins showed up — felt like nobody wanted to break it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Musandam Fjords Dhow Cruise

• Board traditional Omani dhow
• Enjoy cruising Musandam fjords
• Spot dolphins along the way
• Visit ancient villages
• Swim and snorkel at Telegraph Island
• Refreshments and towels provided

Top questions

What time does the Khasab Musandam dhow cruise start?

The morning cruise runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and the afternoon cruise is from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on the Musandam dhow tour?

Yes, life jackets and towels are included for swimming and snorkeling at Telegraph Island.

Are refreshments included during the Khasab dhow cruise?

Yes, fruits, cold drinks, tea, and coffee are provided during your trip.

Can children join the Musandam half day dhow cruise?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

Will I see dolphins on this Musandam fjord cruise?

Dolphin sightings are possible during the trip but not guaranteed every time.

Is there a local guide on board during the Khasab cruise?

Yes, a local guide accompanies guests throughout the tour.

How long is the half day dhow cruise from Khasab?

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours either in the morning or afternoon slot.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes all soft drinks, fresh fruit, tea and coffee served onboard, plus towels and life jackets for swimming or snorkeling at Telegraph Island — all guided by a local expert as you explore Musandam’s fjords by traditional Omani dhow.