Snorkeling in Khasab: Dhow Cruise with Dolphins

Snorkel turquoise fjord water and watch dolphins from a wooden dhow

Snorkeling in Khasab is a 3.5-hour dhow cruise through the Musandam fjords where you swim and snorkel in turquoise water, watch dolphins, and pass fishing villages and Telegraph Island on a traditional Omani wooden boat. The cruise includes snorkeling gear, life jackets, towels, unlimited tea and coffee, fresh fruit, soft drinks, and pickup from your Khasab hotel or the cruise terminal.

The experience

You board a traditional wooden dhow at Khasab and spend the morning cruising through the Musandam fjords. The boat passes small fishing villages like Qanah and Shem, and you'll have chances to spot dolphins moving through the water. The crew provides all snorkeling equipment and life jackets, so you just need to bring a swimsuit and sunscreen.

Swimming and snorkeling happen in the turquoise water at multiple stops, including near Telegraph Island, a historical site you'll see from the boat. Towels are onboard, and you can rinse off with the basic shower facilities. Between water time, the dhow keeps moving through the fjords so you're always seeing the landscape: steep cliffs, narrow passages, and the fishing activity that still happens here.

Refreshments run throughout: unlimited traditional Omani tea and coffee, plain water, soft drinks and fresh fruit keep you fed and hydrated. The whole outing is air-conditioned vehicle transport from your hotel or the cruise terminal, so logistics are handled before you step on the boat. Bring a light layer for the breeze on the water and a hat. The sun reflects hard off the water.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear and life jackets.
• towels.
• unlimited traditional Omani tea, coffee and plain water.
• soft drinks and fresh fruit.
• basic shower and toilet facilities onboard.
• pickup from your Khasab hotel or the cruise terminal in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Options for this experience

2 options

Half-day Khasab dhow cruise featuring dolphin watching and swimmingGuide in English · 13:30Pickup is included

Half-day dhow cruise from KhasabGuide in English · 09:30Morning dhow cruise: We offer a morning departure for the Khasab half-day dhow cruise (9:30 am to 1:00 pm). Length: 3 hours. Refreshments: Unlimited soft drinks, tea, coffee, water and fruit. Musandam Fjords: - Departing from Khasab Harbour. - Spotting dolphins. - Sailing to the Shem Fjords. - Snorkeling near Historical Telegraph Island. Traditional Omani dhow. Pickup is included

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 13:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (11 to 80 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 150

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 12 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Dhow Khasab Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're in Khasab for just an afternoon. The half-day timing lets you snorkel and cruise the fjords without eating into a full day, and hotel pickup means you start relaxed instead of hunting down the dock.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the water like for snorkeling near Khasab?

The Musandam fjords hold turquoise water where you snorkel at multiple stops during the cruise. The crew picks spots suitable for the day's conditions and your group's comfort level.

Will I see dolphins on the dhow cruise?

Dolphin watching is part of the itinerary as the dhow travels through the fjords. Sightings depend on the day, but the route passes through waters where dolphins move regularly.

What snorkeling gear do I need to bring?

You don't bring any. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets and towels are all provided onboard the dhow.

How long is the cruise and what time does it start?

The cruise runs 3.5 hours. Pickup from your Khasab hotel or the cruise terminal is included, so you'll be collected at the time that fits the departure schedule.

What happens at Telegraph Island?

Telegraph Island is a historical site you pass during the cruise. The dhow sails close enough to see it, and snorkeling stops happen in the water nearby.