Discover the spectacular fjords of Oman on a Musandam dhow cruise from Dubai with a full-day journey through Khor Sham in Khasab.
Travel from Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah to Khasab, Musandam, and board a traditionally decorated Omani dhow for a relaxing cruise between rugged mountains, sheltered bays, and turquoise waters.
During the cruise, enjoy the possibility of seeing dolphins, stop near Telegraph Island and Seebi Island, swim and snorkel in the clear waters, or simply relax onboard while enjoying the dramatic scenery of the Musandam Peninsula.
A buffet lunch, fresh fruits, soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee are served during the cruise.
Guests can choose from three travel options:
This makes the package suitable both for travelers already visiting Musandam and for UAE residents and tourists looking for a Musandam day trip from Dubai.
Destination: Khasab, Musandam, Oman
Duration: Full Day
Cruise: Khor Sham Dhow Cruise
Departure Point: Khasab Harbour
Transfer Options: Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah or Self-Drive
Cruise Timing: Approximately 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Tour Type: Shared Traditional Dhow Cruise
Musandam is located at the northern tip of Oman and is known for its spectacular combination of mountains and sea.
Khasab, the capital of Musandam Governorate, is the starting point for some of the peninsula’s most popular dhow cruises.
The full-day cruise takes you into Khor Sham, where steep mountains rise directly beside calm coastal waters.
Unlike a conventional sightseeing tour, the dhow cruise allows you to spend most of the day on the water, passing remote coastal scenery and stopping at sheltered locations for swimming and snorkelling.
It is an excellent day-trip option for couples, families, groups, and UAE visitors looking for a change of scenery from Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah.
The cruise takes place aboard a traditionally styled Omani wooden dhow.
Dhows have been closely associated with the maritime history of Oman and the Arabian Peninsula for centuries.
Today, traditional-style dhows provide a comfortable way to explore the fjords and sheltered waters surrounding Khasab.
Guests can sit back and enjoy the scenery while refreshments are served throughout the journey.
The slower pace of the dhow is particularly suitable for appreciating Musandam’s mountains, bays, islands, and marine environment.
Khor Sham is the main destination of the full-day cruise and one of the best-known marine areas around Khasab.
The fjord-like inlet is surrounded by dramatic rocky mountains and calm water, creating the scenery for which Musandam has become famous.
During the cruise, the dhow travels through the inlet while guests enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and isolated coastline.
There are opportunities to stop for swimming and snorkelling during the journey.
One of the highlights of a Khasab dhow cruise is the possibility of seeing dolphins.
Dolphins are regularly encountered in the waters around Musandam, and the dhow crew will look for them during the cruise.
Seeing dolphins swimming alongside or near the dhow can be one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
However, dolphins are wild animals living in their natural environment, so sightings cannot be guaranteed on every cruise.
The cruise includes a stop near Telegraph Island, one of the best-known landmarks in Khor Sham.
The small rocky island has historical significance because of its association with the nineteenth-century telegraph route that connected Britain with India.
Today, Telegraph Island is a popular stopping point during Musandam dhow cruises.
The sheltered surrounding water provides an opportunity for swimming and snorkelling.
Guests who prefer not to enter the water can remain onboard, relax, and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery.
The dhow also stops near Seebi Island, another scenic location within the Khor Sham area.
The waters around the island provide another opportunity for swimming and snorkelling.
With rocky mountains surrounding the water, this section of the cruise provides excellent opportunities for photography as well as relaxation.
Swimming and snorkelling are included as part of the cruise experience.
When the dhow anchors at suitable locations, guests can enter the water and explore the marine environment.
Snorkelling equipment, life jackets, and towels are provided onboard.
Travelers who do not want to swim can remain aboard the dhow and enjoy the scenery.
All water activities remain subject to weather, sea, and safety conditions on the day of the cruise.
A buffet lunch is served during the full-day dhow cruise.
The package also includes:
Refreshments are available during the journey, allowing guests to relax onboard without needing to arrange their own meals for the cruise.
Guests selecting the Dubai transfer option can expect the following approximate schedule.
Pickup is arranged from the selected location in Dubai.
Travel towards the UAE–Oman border and continue into Musandam.
Complete the required UAE exit and Oman entry formalities.
Border-processing time varies according to traffic, nationality, documentation, and immigration procedures.
Arrive in Khasab and prepare to board the traditional dhow.
Depart Khasab Harbour and begin the full-day cruise through Khor Sham.
Activities can include:
Complete the dhow cruise and return to the harbour.
Travel back towards the UAE and complete border formalities.
Return to Dubai.
All times are approximate and can change depending on traffic, immigration procedures, weather, sea conditions, and operational requirements.
Guests staying in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) can also book the package with two-way transportation.
Pickup from Ras Al Khaimah is generally between:
7:00 AM and 7:30 AM
From RAK, travel to the UAE–Oman border before continuing towards Khasab Harbour.
This is particularly convenient for travelers staying at hotels and resorts in Ras Al Khaimah who do not want to drive themselves to Oman.
Travelers with their own vehicle can choose the self-drive option.
Drive independently to Khasab and meet the cruise team at the designated location.
Self-driving provides greater flexibility, but guests must ensure that both their personal immigration documents and vehicle documentation meet the requirements for crossing from the UAE into Oman.
Allow plenty of time for the border crossing so that you arrive in Khasab before the dhow departs.
| Travel Option | Adult | Child 5–10 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Self-drive to Khasab | USD 49 | USD 30 |
| Transfer from Ras Al Khaimah | USD 98 | USD 60 |
| Transfer from Dubai | USD 105 | USD 65 |
Children below 5 years: Free of charge
Guests aged 11 years and above: Adult rate applies
Single-guest booking: Additional USD 17
All prices are per person.
The Musandam Full-Day Dhow Cruise Package includes:
Unless specifically stated in your booking, the following are not included:
Musandam is part of the Sultanate of Oman.
Travelers arriving by road from Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah therefore cross an international border between the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Every traveler is responsible for ensuring that they are legally eligible to exit the UAE and enter Oman.
Every guest must carry their original passport.
Passport and residency-document validity requirements can depend on nationality, visa category, and current immigration regulations.
We recommend that travelers ensure their documents have sufficient remaining validity before booking.
A UAE exit fee of AED 35 per person is not included in the package price.
This is paid separately where applicable.
Oman visa requirements and charges vary according to:
An Oman visa or entry fee may apply.
Guests should therefore verify their individual eligibility before travel rather than assuming that the same visa rule applies to every passenger.
UAE residents should ensure their UAE residence documentation is valid for re-entry before traveling.
Dependent visa holders should also confirm whether any additional sponsor-related requirements apply to their circumstances.
Travelers in the UAE on a single-entry visa should check their re-entry eligibility very carefully before leaving the UAE.
Exiting the UAE can affect the validity of a single-entry visa and may prevent re-entry without a new visa.
Guests driving their own vehicle from the UAE to Khasab should confirm all vehicle requirements before departure.
Requirements may include:
If traveling in a rental vehicle, obtain an NOC or other required authorization from the rental company confirming that the vehicle is permitted to enter Oman.
Not every UAE rental company permits cross-border travel.
If the vehicle is financed, additional authorization or clearance may be required.
Confirm the requirements with the finance provider before traveling.
If the registered owner is not traveling in the vehicle, appropriate authorization may be required.
Because vehicle-entry rules can change, self-drive guests should verify the latest requirements before departure.
We recommend bringing:
Towels and snorkelling equipment are included.
Musandam provides a dramatic change of scenery from Dubai despite being accessible by road.
Instead of skyscrapers and city landscapes, the day focuses on mountains, sea, fjords, islands, swimming, snorkelling, and traditional dhow cruising.
A transfer-inclusive package also removes much of the logistical work involved in driving independently.
With pickup in Dubai early in the morning and return in the evening, travelers can experience a different part of Oman without booking an overnight stay.
Choose the Dubai transfer option if you are staying in Dubai and prefer not to manage the drive, vehicle documentation, and navigation yourself.
Choose the Ras Al Khaimah transfer option if you are staying in RAK and want convenient transportation directly towards the Musandam border.
Choose self-drive if you have a suitable vehicle, the necessary Oman insurance and documentation, and prefer greater flexibility before or after the cruise.
The dhow cruise itself remains the main experience regardless of which transportation option you choose.
EXCELLENT
Based on 455 reviews
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Yedil BekzhanovHad a beautiful time with a tour guide Muhammad Ali, visited several breathtaken spots. Recomend him for anyone who wants to have an experienced person that will give important information regarding this beautiful country and its history!Posted on Google
Кайсар КайратулыGuide Muhammad Ali did a fantastic job. He was very respectful and positive. We spent the weekend with him and were very impressed. Sincerely, your guests from Kazakhstan.Posted on Google
Richard GowenlockThe most fantastic tour of our stay in Oman. The UNESCO Dawkah Wadi of frankensense. The rare Black Camels, the lost city, now found and the climax of dune bashing in the Empty Quarter and the desert sunset. Finishing with dinner in the desert night and star gazing. Mohammed and his brother were perfect hosts with many interesting and amusing chats in the Land Cruiser travelling there and back. Never a dull moment. Please book with these guys, they are very accommodating, interesting, amusing and work hard to make your trip a memory for always.Posted on Google
Kevin FuWe had a day trip to empty quarter. The trip was handled professionally. Our guide Muhammad Ali is a great cultural guide and took good care of us, despite long duration of driving in Ramadan. It was great having him with us on this journey.Posted on Google
Monika GrafWszystko fantastycznie! Organizacja perfekcyjna!Posted on Google
Marios VlachogiannisI had an amazing sunset tour in Salalah with our guide, Mohamed Ali, and I honestly couldn't have asked for a better experience. Mohamed Ali was professional, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable about the area. He didn't just drive us to the viewpoints - he explained the history, culture, and natural beauty of Dhofar in a way that made everything feel alive and meaningful. If you’re visiting Salalah and considering a sunset tour, I highly recommend booking with Mohamed Ali. It was one of the highlights of my trip.
EXCELLENT
Based on 850 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor
Yasmine RYou should do this tour ! Incredible tour !! The guide Ali was very kind and caring for us ! We liked all the stops and feel very welcomed . We loved the desert and the sunset . Thank you AliPosted on Tripadvisor
Sara GOttima esperienza Ottimo giro per conoscere le zone principali di Salalah, guida estremamente gentile e disponibile (in lingua inglese).Posted on TripadvisorSara GOttima esperienza Abbiamo prenotato l'esperienza direttamente dal loro sito: tutto perfetto, guida molto gentile e disponibile (in lingua inglese). Molto comodo il pick up direttamente in hotel.Posted on Tripadvisor
Jazmin Rocio PVistas increíbles!!! Abo Salim fue un maravilloso guía. Nos explicaba muy bien y fue muy amable y gentil. Es un tour altamente recomendado las vistas son increíbles y tienes el tiempo suficiente para conocer cada lugarPosted on Tripadvisor
Michał BDesert dream The desert trip was absolutely beautiful. The views were breathtaking and the atmosphere was unforgettable. Abo Salim took great care of us and made sure everything was perfect. We felt truly comfortable and had an amazing time. It was a wonderful experience.Posted on Tripadvisor
Lucia HDesert Magic Under a Sky Full of Stars Desert trip was one of the most powerful experiences in Oman. We saw frankincense trees growing in their natural habitat, met camels roaming freely, and enjoyed a camel ride at sunset. Dinner with the Bedouins had an incredible atmosphere – simple, authentic, under the open sky. And the night? Silence of the desert and a sky full of stars… pure magic. Truly unforgettable.Posted on Tripadvisor
Peter MGreat tour - super happy Fantastic experience, spacious, modern, comfortable car. Excellent, knowledgeable, competent and enthusiastic guide ALMAHDLI - patient, with a positive attitude, caring and warm manner, perfect man for the job! The tour covers main attractions, is not rushed, there is a great balance between historical sites, nature, some light hiking, views, culture, and even food/drinks. The price is honest, everything is well organised, I am so glad we chose Beautiful Salalah Tours!Posted on Tripadvisor
Kevin FGreat Trip with Awesome Guide The trip is fantastic and we had a great time seeing the desert with such magnitude and beautiful sunset. Our guide Muhammad Ali is such a fun and pleasant guy to be with. He picked us up ahead of time and dropped us off right back where we got picked up. Despite very long driving, especially during Ramadan, he tried hard to entertain us and enlightened us with many interesting knowledge along the entire Journey. The trip was well organized and the team did a great job putting this together.Posted on Tripadvisorgiannis kVerified
ΟΜΑΝ ! Μια όμορφη χώρα ! Περάσαμε πολύ ωραία ! Απλά θα προτιμούσα να είμαι με το group μου και όχι να πάρουμε κι άλλους. Ή να περιμένουμε άλλους.Posted on Tripadvisor
Andrzej MAmazing trip with Ania to Wadi Darbat- highly recommend Profesjonalizm w każdym calu. Byliśmy pod ogromnym wrażeniem wiedzy pani Ani – to Polka, która o Omanie wie chyba wszystko. Żadne nasze pytanie nie pozostało bez wyczerpującej odpowiedzi, co było dla nas kluczowe, by zrozumieć ten fascynujący region. Wycieczka do Wadi Darbat była zorganizowana perfekcyjnie, bez pośpiechu i w świetnej atmosferze. To biuro stawia na jakość i rzetelne informacje, a nie tylko „odklepanie” trasy. Zdecydowanie polecam każdemu, kto chce wywieźć z wakacji coś więcej niż tylko zdjęcia!
