Snorkeling in Khasab: Musandam Fjords & Dolphins

Snorkel Telegraph Island and watch dolphins leap in the fjords

A half-day snorkeling activity in Khasab's Musandam Fjords aboard a traditional Omani dhow, where you swim at Telegraph Island, watch dolphins, and explore remote fishing villages. The boat departs from Khasab harbor with a live English-speaking guide. Snorkeling equipment, refreshments and towels are included, and pickup from your hotel is arranged.

Step-by-step itinerary

Half day dhow cruise and snorkeling

• Arrive at Khasab dhow boarding point
• Embark on traditional Omani dhow cruise
• Sail through Musandam Fjords
• View fishing villages and remote beaches
• Watch dolphins jumping alongside boat
• Anchor at Telegraphic Island
• Snorkel and swim in clear waters
• Return to disembarkation point

The experience

You board a traditional dhow at Khasab and spend three hours cruising into the Musandam Fjords. The route passes fishing villages like Nadifi, Qanah and Maqlab set against white sand beaches and steep mountain backdrops. Dolphins appear naturally during the cruise. They're known to leap and play in these waters, and watching them is part of what makes the morning memorable.

The main snorkeling happens at Telegraph Island, where you anchor and swim in clear water with the snorkeling kit provided. You also get time to swim in other spots the guide chooses along the route. Between water time, you're back on the dhow watching the fjord walls rise around you and the fishing settlements pass by. Soft drinks, water, fresh fruit, tea and coffee come aboard. Towels are provided so you can dry off between swims.

A live guide in English narrates the route and handles the logistics. Hotel pickup is included, so you don't arrange your own transport to the Khasab harbor. Children from age one are welcome, and all areas of the boat and boarding points are wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

• Use of snorkeling equipment, life jacket and towels.
• soft drinks, mineral water, fresh fruit, tea and coffee.
• live guide in English.
• hotel pickup and transport to Khasab harbor.

Before you book

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

AgesAdult (18 to 69 years) · Senior (70 to 90 years) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 30

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 10 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 29 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Ahlam Musandam Tours

Is this one for you?Small groups and families work well here since the dhow accommodates mixed abilities and ages from one year up. The three-hour window fits a half-day slot in your Oman itinerary without eating a full day, and the mix of cruising, snorkeling and wildlife watching means you're not stationary. There's always something to do or watch.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 17 years); Child (4 to 8 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): 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 exactly is Telegraph Island and why do we snorkel there?

Telegraph Island is a historical site in the Musandam Fjords where the dhow anchors for the main snorkeling session. The clear water around it is ideal for swimming and exploring underwater, and the island itself sits in the dramatic fjord landscape you've been cruising through.

Will we actually see dolphins, or is that not guaranteed?

Dolphins are a natural phenomenon during the cruise according to the operator. They appear in these waters regularly. You'll watch them from the dhow as they leap and play, though sightings are part of the natural environment and not contractually guaranteed.

What's included in the refreshments, and is there a meal?

Refreshments include soft drinks, mineral water, fresh fruit, tea and coffee. This is a light spread, not a full meal, so you may want to eat before or after the activity depending on your schedule.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear, or is it provided?

Snorkeling equipment is provided and included in the price. You also get a life jacket and towels, so you only need to bring a swimsuit and any personal items you want on the boat.

How long is the boat ride, and what's the pace like?

The whole activity runs three hours from boarding to return. You're cruising and snorkeling, not sitting still: the dhow moves between fishing villages and snorkeling spots, so there's a mix of time in the water and time on deck watching the fjords.