Muscat Sunset Dhow Cruise: 2-hour Traditional Sailing Experience

Two hours on the water watching the Arabian sunset from a traditional dhow, not from a resort deck or a speedboat.

A 2-hour sunset cruise on a traditional Omani dhow departing from Muscat, sailing past Al Alam Palace, the 17th-century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali, and Al Bustan Palace Hotel as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea. The boat includes Omani coffee, dates, soda and bottled water; hotel pickup is available as an add-on option. Departure time shifts with the sunset, and pickup begins an hour before the cruise departs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset cruise on traditional dhow

• Board traditional Omani dhow
• Sail along Oman coastline
• Pass Al Bustan Palace hotel
• View 17th century Portuguese fort Mirani
• See Jalali and Al Alam Palace
• Enjoy sunset from dhow deck

The Experience

The dhow sets sail during the evening hours, and the 2-hour route takes you past the landmarks that frame Muscat's coastline—Al Alam Palace, the Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali, and Al Bustan Palace Hotel. The boat is a traditional Omani sailing vessel, the kind that has worked these waters for centuries, and you watch the Arabian sunset from its deck instead of from shore or a modern catamaran. The experience combines the natural moment—the light changing over the water—with the cultural elements the operator builds in: Omani music, dance, and the local tradition of serving coffee and dates as the evening unfolds.

Pickup starts an hour before the cruise departs, so the timing depends on when the sun sets that day. Omani coffee and dates come with the ticket, along with soda and bottled water. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and infants can sit on an adult's lap or travel in a pram or stroller. Public transportation options are nearby if you prefer to make your own way to the departure point, though hotel transfers are available if you book that option at checkout.

What’s included

• Omani coffee and dates.
• soda and bottled water.
• the 2-hour sail on a traditional dhow past Al Alam Palace, Mirani and Jalali forts, and Al Bustan Palace Hotel.
• hotel pickup available as an option at checkout.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sidab Sea Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the option with hotel pickup if you're staying in Muscat and want to skip arranging your own transport to the departure point; book without transfers if you prefer to drive or take a taxi and have the flexibility to arrive on your own schedule.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What landmarks does the dhow pass during the sunset cruise?

The dhow sails past Al Alam Palace, the 17th-century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali, and Al Bustan Palace Hotel as it moves along Muscat's coastline during the 2-hour trip.

Is hotel pickup included with this cruise?

Hotel pickup is available as an option at checkout; you can also book the cruise without transfers and make your own way to the departure point, where public transportation options are nearby.

What time does the cruise depart?

The departure time shifts with the sunset each day; pickup begins an hour before the boat leaves, so you'll know the exact time when you book.

What food and drinks come with the ticket?

Omani coffee and dates are included, along with soda and bottled water for the duration of the 2-hour sail.

Can I bring a baby or small child on the dhow?

Yes—infants can sit on an adult's lap during the cruise, and small children can travel in a pram or stroller; the boat is suitable for all physical fitness levels.