Set sail for a full-day cruise aboard a traditional dhow in Khasab and explore Musandam's magnificent fjords!
You'll start your day in Khasab where you'll board a traditional wooden dhow. You'll then sail through the Khor Shem fjord, a 17km-long sheltered stretch of water surrounded by majestic mountains reflected in the calm, crystal-clear waters. It's an ideal spot for watching dolphins, which often play around the boats, and for snorkeling and swimming.
During the cruise, you'll discover several villages typical of the region, accessible only by boat:
- Nadafi: a small fishing village of around 50 inhabitants. Here, children go to school by boat and stay in Khasab from Sunday to Thursday. The Oman government provides drinking water stored in tanks on the beach
- Qanaha: fishing village with stone houses built into the cliffs, which once served as a historic defense line
- Sham: another remote village of 50 inhabitants nestled in the rocky Musandam Mountains
- Maqlab: mountain village of around ten houses, whose inhabitants live mainly from goat farming and fishing
Then, the cruise makes a stop at Telegraph Island (Jazirat al Maqlab), one of the region's most iconic sites. It was here that the British installed the first telegraph cable in 1864. The crew anchors the dhow for a break of around an hour, during which you can dive and explore the surrounding waters, rich in butterfly fish, groupers and colorful corals. During this stopover, a traditional lunch is served on board the dhow.
After enjoying Telegraph Island, the cruise continues to Seebi Island, located at the end of the fjord. The island is home to around 60 inhabitants, and its cliffs are home to many species of seabird. Here you'll make another stop of around an hour to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, offering an experience of marine life.
After this day of exploration and discovery, you'll take the road back to the port of Khasab, where the cruise will end at around 4pm.
