Snorkeling in Khasab: Musandam fjords dhow cruise

A traditional dhow is how you reach the snorkeling sites: no speedboat, no crowds.

A full-day snorkeling cruise from Khasab aboard a traditionally decorated Omani dhow, departing at 10 a.m. and returning at 4 p.m. You swim and snorkel in clear water at Telegraph Island and Seebi Island, visit three more stops along the fjords, and watch for dolphins from the deck. Buffet lunch, refreshments, life jackets and towels are included. Snorkeling equipment is not.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day dhow cruise in Musandam fjords

• Board traditionally decorated Omani dhow
• Cruise through Musandam fjords
• View ancient villages along route
• Swim and snorkel near Telegraph Island
• Swim and snorkel near Seebi Island
• Visit Khor Shem, Qanaha, and Maqlab
• Look out for dolphins
• Enjoy buffet lunch and refreshments onboard

The experience

You arrive at the dhow in Khasab and spend the morning and afternoon on the water, anchoring at five separate sites across the Musandam fjords. The boat itself is the experience: traditionally decorated with cushions and carpets, it moves slowly enough that you see the Al-Hajar Mountains rise from the water and spot ancient villages along the shore. The snorkeling happens in the clear water off Telegraph Island and Seebi Island, where you drop in with a life jacket and towel provided. Between swims, the dhow visits Khor Shem, Qanaha and Maqlab, and there is a strong possibility you may see dolphins.

Lunch is a buffet served on board, along with cold drinks, tea and coffee throughout the day. The six-hour rhythm means you are not rushed between stops, and the traditional pace of the dhow itself sets the tone. This is not a high-speed tour. Pickup is included in the price, so you do not arrange transport to the boat separately.

What’s included

• Pickup in Khasab.
• traditionally decorated Omani dhow.
• snorkeling access at Telegraph Island and Seebi Island.
• visits to Khor Shem, Qanaha and Maqlab.
• buffet lunch and refreshments.
• life jackets and towels.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (9 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 8 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 120

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 8 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Dolphin Khasab Tours

Is this one for you?The dhow's slow pace and traditional style suit travelers who want to snorkel without the rush of a speedboat tour, and small groups mix naturally on the open deck rather than filling a large vessel.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 8 years); Infant (under 5): 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.

Can I snorkel if I have never done it before?

Yes. Life jackets are provided and you control how deep you go. The water at Telegraph Island and Seebi Island is clear and calm, and you snorkel from the dhow's stops rather than from a moving boat.

What should I bring for snorkeling?

Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own mask, fins and snorkel, or rent them separately before the cruise. Towels and life jackets are provided on the dhow.

Will I definitely see dolphins?

There is a strong possibility you may see dolphins during the cruise, but sightings are not guaranteed. They appear most often in the open water between the island stops.

What is the boat like for six hours?

The dhow is traditionally decorated with cushions and carpets where you sit between snorkeling stops. It moves slowly through the fjords, so the boat itself is part of the experience rather than just transport to the sites.

Is there food and water on the boat?

Yes. A buffet lunch is served on board, and cold drinks, tea and coffee are available throughout the day.