Oman by dhow boat

October, 2021

Wow—what a truly magical adventure we had in the northernmost part of Oman. We embarked on a private overnight dhow cruise from Khasab in the spectacular Musandam Peninsula, and it was nothing short of unforgettable.

Musandam is a fascinating exclave of Oman, completely surrounded by the United Arab Emirates. Its dramatic coastline is shaped by the waters of the Strait of Hormuz—which it shares with Iran—and the stunning Gulf of Oman.

Often called the “Norway of Arabia,” the region is famous for its breathtaking fjord-like inlets, towering limestone cliffs, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Our traditional wooden dhow became our floating home for the night, gently cruising through the serene khors (inlets) surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. The experience felt peaceful and exclusive, with nothing but the sound of the sea and the occasional splash of fish breaking the silence. From the stunning landscapes to the peaceful sea, and the incredible wildlife, our overnight dhow cruise in Musandam was an experience we’ll always treasure.

Strait of Hormuz

Video: morning dive in the Persian Gulf Oman

Here is our itinerary ⬇️

Day 1: Dubai - Tibat (bordercrossing) - Khasab/Musandam (overnight Dhow boat Persian Gulf)

Day 2: Khasab - Khasab Castle - Bokha Beach - Dubai

Total km: 400

Travel journey

We set off by car from Dubai, heading north toward the border at Tibat Border Post, which links the UAE with Ras Al Khaimah.

Border crossing

You get a visa on arrival. We applied for an Oman visa at the border, but since 2023 Oman is visa-free for GCC-residents.

After completing the border formalities, we continued our journey into Oman. From there, it was about a one-hour drive to Khasab—and what a spectacular road trip it turned out to be.

As you leave the glittering skyline of Dubai behind, the scenery gradually transforms into a panorama of jagged peaks, sweeping desert plains, and winding roads carved into the rock.

Closer to Musandam, the terrain becomes even more striking, with steep cliffs plunging into turquoise waters and quiet fishing villages tucked between the mountains and the sea.

Rather than simply a transfer from one place to another, this journey feels like an unfolding adventure — a scenic prelude to the tranquil bays, hidden coves, and dramatic landscapes that await in Musandam.

Boarding

We boarded our dhow in Khasab, and the cruise ran from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. the following morning.

Activities

The activities made the trip very special. We snorkeled in vibrant, clear waters teeming with marine life, swam in secluded coves, and even tried our hand at fishing. We stopped at the beautiful Telegraph Island—a tiny island steeped in history—and visited Seebi Island, where the water was unbelievably inviting.

Sleeping arrangements

In the second half of the evening, the crew prepared the beds for us. We slept on the deck beneath a blanket of stars and awoke at sunrise in serene silence. Good to mention that there is a toilet on board and a shower.

Dolphins

But the absolute highlight of the trip was watching the dolphins. Out on the calm, blue waters off Khasab in Musandam, we were suddenly surrounded by them—dozens at a time—moving effortlessly through the sea. They appeared as if from nowhere, their sleek bodies cutting through the water with elegance and speed.

There were so many of them, playful, and completely at ease in their natural habitat. They swam alongside us, riding the bow wave, leaping into the air, and diving back beneath the surface in perfect arcs. Some stayed close to the boat, almost as if they were escorting us, while others raced ahead, only to circle back again. Un unforgettable experience.

Food & beverages

Everything was thoughtfully arranged: a delicious lunch, a live BBQ dinner prepared on board, breakfast the next morning, and refreshments available throughout the trip.

The crew took exceptional care of us—preparing and serving meals, offering drinks, and transforming the deck into a cozy sleeping area under the stars. With no Wi-Fi and no internet coverage, it was pure, uninterrupted quality time—just the sea, the mountains, and the peaceful rhythm of the water.

Khasab Castle & the coastline

We extended our trip with visiting Khasab Castle and spend some hours at the beach. The Omani people are so kind and happy to see tourists coming to their country. The one way trip was about 200km from Dubai. Total km: around 400.