Musandam Dhow Cruise from Dubai | Full-Day Khasab & Khor Sham Cruise

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Duration

1 Day

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

About this tour

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:

  • Self-drive to Khasab – USD 49 per adult
  • Musandam dhow cruise with transfer from Ras Al Khaimah – USD 98 per adult
  • Musandam dhow cruise with transfer from Dubai – USD 105 per adult

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.


Musandam Full-Day Dhow Cruise

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


Experience the Fjords of Musandam

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.


Traditional Omani Dhow Experience

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 Dhow Cruise

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.


Dolphin Watching in Musandam

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.


Telegraph Island

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.


Seebi Island

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 & Snorkelling

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.


Lunch & Refreshments Onboard

A buffet lunch is served during the full-day dhow cruise.

The package also includes:

  • Fresh fruits
  • Unlimited soft drinks
  • Bottled water
  • Tea
  • Coffee

Refreshments are available during the journey, allowing guests to relax onboard without needing to arrange their own meals for the cruise.


Musandam Dhow Cruise Itinerary from Dubai

Guests selecting the Dubai transfer option can expect the following approximate schedule.

6:00–6:30 AM – Pickup from Dubai

Pickup is arranged from the selected location in Dubai.

Travel towards the UAE–Oman border and continue into Musandam.

Around 8:30 AM – UAE–Oman Border

Complete the required UAE exit and Oman entry formalities.

Border-processing time varies according to traffic, nationality, documentation, and immigration procedures.

Around 9:30 AM – Arrive at Khasab Harbour

Arrive in Khasab and prepare to board the traditional dhow.

10:00 AM – Khor Sham Dhow Cruise Begins

Depart Khasab Harbour and begin the full-day cruise through Khor Sham.

During the Cruise

Activities can include:

  • Scenic dhow cruising
  • Dolphin watching
  • Telegraph Island stop
  • Seebi Island stop
  • Swimming
  • Snorkelling
  • Buffet lunch
  • Fresh fruits
  • Tea and coffee
  • Unlimited water and soft drinks
  • Relaxing onboard
  • Photography

Around 4:00 PM – Return to Khasab Harbour

Complete the dhow cruise and return to the harbour.

Around 5:00 PM – Border Crossing

Travel back towards the UAE and complete border formalities.

Approximately 7:00 PM – Dubai Drop-Off

Return to Dubai.

All times are approximate and can change depending on traffic, immigration procedures, weather, sea conditions, and operational requirements.


Musandam Dhow Cruise from Ras Al Khaimah

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.


Self-Drive Musandam Dhow Cruise

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.


Musandam Dhow Cruise Prices

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.


What Is Included?

The Musandam Full-Day Dhow Cruise Package includes:

  • Full-day traditional dhow cruise
  • Cruise through Khor Sham
  • Welcome drink onboard
  • Buffet lunch
  • Fresh fruits
  • Unlimited soft drinks
  • Bottled water
  • Tea and coffee
  • Swimming opportunities
  • Snorkelling opportunities
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Life jackets
  • Towels
  • Stop near Telegraph Island
  • Stop near Seebi Island
  • Opportunity to see dolphins and marine life
  • Dubai–Khasab–Dubai transportation when Dubai transfer is selected
  • Ras Al Khaimah–Khasab–Ras Al Khaimah transportation when RAK transfer is selected

What Is Not Included?

Unless specifically stated in your booking, the following are not included:

  • UAE exit fee
  • Oman visa or entry charges, if applicable
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities
  • Additional food or services not listed under inclusions
  • Vehicle-related border costs for self-drive guests

Important Border & Visa Information

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.

Passport

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.

UAE Exit Fee

A UAE exit fee of AED 35 per person is not included in the package price.

This is paid separately where applicable.

Oman Visa

Oman visa requirements and charges vary according to:

  • Nationality
  • UAE/GCC residency
  • Profession or residency category
  • Existing visa status
  • Passport
  • Current Oman immigration regulations

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 Residence Visa Holders

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.

UAE Single-Entry Visa Holders

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.


Self-Drive Vehicle Requirements

Guests driving their own vehicle from the UAE to Khasab should confirm all vehicle requirements before departure.

Requirements may include:

  • Valid vehicle registration
  • Vehicle insurance valid in Oman
  • Oman insurance if existing coverage does not include Oman
  • Original vehicle documents
  • Authorization when the driver is not the registered owner

Rental Cars

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.

Bank-Financed Vehicles

If the vehicle is financed, additional authorization or clearance may be required.

Confirm the requirements with the finance provider before traveling.

Vehicle Owner

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.


What to Bring on the Musandam Dhow Cruise

We recommend bringing:

  • Original passport
  • UAE residence documentation, where applicable
  • Swimwear
  • Change of clothes
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat or cap
  • Comfortable footwear
  • Personal medication
  • Camera or phone
  • Waterproof phone pouch
  • Small day bag
  • Cash/card for border fees and personal expenses

Towels and snorkelling equipment are included.


Why Take a Musandam Day Trip from Dubai?

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.


Dubai Transfer or Self-Drive – Which Should You Choose?

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.

Languages

English

Tour's Location

From: $49

Owner

Beautiful Salalah

Member Since 2016

Information Contact

Email

info@beautifulsalalah.com

Phone

+968 9135 3647

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