Khasab dhow cruise with snorkeling: Fjords, dolphins, lunch

Six hours aboard a wooden dhow: fjords, two snorkel stops, lunch, and dolphins if they show

A full-day dhow cruise from Khasab sails through the Musandam fjords to Telegraph Island and Seebi Island, with two snorkeling stops in shallow water, a traditional lunch onboard, and an English-speaking guide. The boat departs at 10 a.m., includes all snorkeling gear and life jackets, and returns by 4 p.m. Pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day dhow cruise and snorkeling

• Arrive at Khasab Dhow boarding point
• Start cruise from Khasab Harbor
• Reach Nadifi
• Watch dolphins
• Reach Qanah
• Visit Telegraph Island
• First swimming stop
• Lunch on board
• Sail to Seebi Island
• Second swimming and snorkeling stop
• Watch dolphins again
• Sail to Sham
• End of the trip

The Experience

The dhow leaves Khasab Harbor at 10 a.m. and heads into the Khor Sham fjord, where the water narrows between high rock walls and dolphins often appear. The boat is a traditional wooden vessel with a toilet and changing room onboard, and the captain navigates at a pace that lets you take in the landscape without rushing through it. By 11:50 a.m. you reach Telegraph Island (Jazrat al Maqlab), a historical site where the crew anchors for the first swim and snorkel—the water here is shallow and full of small colorful fish, and snorkeling equipment, life jackets and towels are all provided.

Lunch comes at 1 p.m. onboard: a buffet of fried rice, chicken fry, fish fry, Arabic salan, Arabic bread, green salad, hummus and the day's choice protein, plus coffee, tea, soft drinks and fresh fruit. After eating, the dhow sails to Seebi Island for the second snorkel stop around 2 p.m., where the water is equally clear and calm. The return journey passes through the same fjord landscape, with another window for dolphin sightings before the boat reaches Khasab by 4 p.m.

The tour runs six hours total and suits anyone who wants to snorkel without arranging a separate boat, guide or gear rental. The moderate fitness level the operator notes refers mainly to climbing in and out of the water and moving around the dhow; the pace onboard is unhurried, and the boat has accessible areas and surfaces for travelers with mobility needs.

What’s included

• Traditional lunch with a choice of proteins.
• snorkeling equipment and life jackets.
• towels.
• coffee, tea, soft drinks and fresh fruit.
• an English-speaking guide.
• pickup from your accommodation.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Ahlam Musandam Tours

Is this one for you?Sail a traditional Dhow through Khor Sham fjord with snorkeling gear and lunch included, moving at a pace that lets you explore Telegraph Island and Seebi Island without the logistics of arranging separate rentals.

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Top questions

What's the water like for snorkeling on the Khasab dhow cruise?

The two snorkel stops—at Telegraph Island and Seebi Island—sit in shallow, calm fjord water with good visibility and small colorful fish. The water is warm and clear enough that you can see the seabed, and both spots are protected from open ocean swell.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets and towels are all provided free of charge onboard the dhow, so you only need to bring a swimsuit and a towel if you prefer your own.

What time does the dhow leave Khasab, and when do we get back?

The cruise departs Khasab Harbor at 10 a.m. and returns by 4 p.m., making it a six-hour full-day trip. Pickup is included, and you should arrive at the boarding point by 9:45 a.m.

Will we see dolphins on the Khasab cruise?

Dolphins are common in the Khor Sham fjord and often appear, especially in the morning and on the return journey. The itinerary includes two windows for dolphin watching, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the dhow accessible for people with mobility challenges?

The dhow has accessible areas and surfaces, and all surfaces are wheelchair accessible. The boat has a toilet and changing room onboard, though getting in and out of the water requires some physical mobility.

What's included in the lunch onboard?

Lunch is a traditional buffet with fried rice, chicken fry, fish fry, Arabic salan, Arabic bread, green salad, hummus and the day's protein choice, plus coffee, tea, soft drinks and fresh fruit throughout the day.