Khasab, the capital of the Musandam peninsula and governate, is a unique exclave in Oman. Situated at the Persian and Arabian Gulf convergence at the strait of Hormuz, it's a bustling harbor town renowned for its Iran-imported potteries, Portuguese-built supplier fort, and fjords. Unlike those in Norway, these fjords result from tectonic plate movements, adding to their distinctiveness. Khasab is also home to the world-famous Khasab Tour, a day-long cruise through the fjords, offering a mesmerizing view of the marine biodiversity in the crystal-clear waters below.
Musandam Khasab is at the tip of the Musandam governate. It is Musandam's main town and capital and has a harbor where trade with Iran is conducted. Khasab town is far away from Dubai, and reaching it takes more than 2.5 hours. The day cruise of Khasab takes longer, and there are many halts during the cruise, including visiting a remote village, visiting Telegraph Island, and spotting dolphins alongside the cruise.
Dibba, another part of Musandam governate, is conveniently located adjacent to the Ras Al Khaimah of UAE, just 70 miles from Dubai. The shorter drive and the shorter cruise time of the Dibba tour make it a more accessible option. While the activities in Dibba may be similar to those in Khasab, the charm of Dibba village lies in its simplicity, making it a perfect destination for a relaxed exploration.
Khasab is around 117 miles from Dubai. Due to its strategic location, it is an important town not only for the Musandam governate but also for Oman. It is often called the 'Norway of Arabia' due to its fjords that offer a breathtaking backdrop for dhow cruises. Visitors can embark on a full-day cruise to explore the fjords, with chances to spot playful dolphins and snorkel in the clear waters. The historical Telegraph and Seebi Islands are also part of the itinerary, providing a glimpse into the region's past. For those seeking a more immersive experience, overnight dhow cruises are available, allowing guests to sleep under the stars and wake up to the serene beauty of Khasab.
Musandam Dibba offers a different but equally captivating experience. The traditional wooden dhow boats provide a comfortable cruise along the coastline, where guests can indulge in activities like swimming, snorkeling, and even speed boat rides. The tour includes visiting the mesmerizing caves and lunch aboard the boat. Unlimited soft drinks, water, and coffee ensure visitors stay refreshed throughout the day. The cruise promises relaxation and adventure, making it a perfect getaway from the bustling city life.
For Khasab, your coach will pick you up at 6:30 am for a 2.5-hour road trip. The road trip stops at the border of Oman for visa formalities. Please do take your passport with a valid UAE visa. Once the visit is done, your road trip enters the mountainous region. Many “U” bends later, and you will enter Khasab. Your tour guide may stop the coach in some places so you can take selfies against the backdrop of these majestic Hajjar mountains that meet the ocean in many areas. Your cruise on the fjords is a leisurely sail on the clear waters while you hold your refreshing juice, tea, or coffee served aboard. Very soon, you will hear the sweet whistle of dolphins that come to play with your dhow. The cruise will stop at Telegraph Island and the remote village of Kumzar. You will also get plenty of time to do snorkeling, swimming, or simply lounging. The food aboard is an Arabic, Indian, and continental buffet with starters and end with tasty sweets. Throughout the cruise, you will be given bottled water. Your cruise comes ashore by 5 pm, and your journey to Dubai from ashore on the same coach ends at 7:30 pm. You would return with many selfies and memories of the beautiful marine life of Khasab.
Khasab is a harbor town with vast oceans all around it. The fjords of Khasab are world-famous. The warm water of crystal ocean waters is home to amazing biodiversity. The sun, the sand, the towering fjords, and a town full of history mean plenty of things one can do. You can take a day-long dhow cruise and watch the playful dolphins entertaining, you can snorkel, you may swim, or you may spend some time living the history. Many prefer enjoying banana boating or even kite surfing. A day tour of Khasab means visiting old forts and dams. It also means shopping for shopping for Iranian and Oman artifacts and pottery.
As the capital of Musandam, Khasab is bustling with locals and tourists from all over the world. You can also visit Khamzera Castle and Bassa Beach, which are accessible by local guides or tours.
The best time to visit Khasab of Oman is between October to March. This time, the climate is usually cool, and it becomes easier to do all outdoor activities and lounge on the upper deck of the dhow for sunbathing. Winter is also when marine diversity comes alive with fish of varied colors.
The Khasab trip is one of the most revitalizing excursions from Dubai. It is a one-day tour that supercharges you thanks to a beautiful road trip, a dolphin safari, and a cruise through the fjords. Many other sporting activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, and banana boating, can make your trip full of memories and selfies. The Khasab tour from Dubai offered by Oasis Palm is an entire day out with the beautiful nature of Oman Khasab.
