Musandam Khasab

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.

Difference Between Musandam Khasab and Musandam Dibba

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 the Musandam governate, is conveniently located adjacent to the Ras Al Khaimah of the UAE, just 70 miles from Dubai. The shorter drive and 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.

Musandam Khasab

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

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 bustling city life.

Trip Info/Inclusions
  • Tour Availability
    Pick and drop from your hotel or home

  • Payment Method
    Visa Formalities

  • yacht image
    Dhow Cruise

  • Meals
    Lunch

  • Destinations
    Snorkeling Equipment

  • Meals
    Unlimited Juices, Tea, and Coffee

  • Guide
    Handline Fishing Gear

Khasab Tour Experience
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.

Nut & Bolts
  • Your Khasab trip starts at 6 am when the coach arrives at your doorstep.
  • The coach will stop at a few locations for selfies and breakfast
  • Breakfast is not included in the tour package
  • Wear something casual and do carry swimwear
  • No need to carry any snorkeling kit as the Dhow has many snorkeling kits aboard
  • The full excursion takes more than 10 hours
  • Visa is required
  • Bottled water is available in your coach
Vital Info
  • You must have a valid UAE resident visa to enjoy this excursion
  • Carry your passport during this trip and send a photocopy of the same at least one day before your trip
  • Do not carry any lunch box as you will be served a very sumptuous lunch aboard the dhow
  • Always listen to your captain, who will give you proper information about the place, including alerts
  • The tour is organized all through the week without any break
  • You will be traveling to Khasab in a shared coach
  • Do carry sunscreen along with you as the daylong trip as the trip is mainly under the sun
You Need to Know
  • The Dhow is equipped with life jackets and a first aid kit
  • The captain and his staff are trained swimmers and first-aiders
  • For kids who want to swim, swimming jackets are available
  • All Dhows are tested for seaworthiness and are safe

Things to do in Oman 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 may swim, snorkel, take a daylong Dhow cruise, or spend some time immersed in history. You can also watch the playful dolphins. 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 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

The best time to visit Khasab of Oman is between October and March. The climate is usually cool during this time, 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.

Final Word

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.

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance from Khasab to Dubai is almost 200 kilometers. It takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel from Dubai to Khasab or back.
Khasab is worth visiting due to its fjords, marine life, corals, and amazing beaches. Even Khasab town and nearby remote villages have a lot of history to tell.
Yes, a visa is a MUST for visiting Khasab because Khasab is an exclave of Oman. The visa is available at the border of Oman and Musandam, which will be coordinated by our tour guide.
To get a visitor visa to Musandam Khasab, you need to have a valid UAE resident visa, or you should be a UAE passport holder.
Yes, UAE residents need a visa to go to Oman.
Khasab is famous for its fjords. Khasab is also known as the Norway of the East. Apart from the fjords, it also has an amazing marine life.
Yes, AED or UAE Dhiram can be freely used in Oman.
Yes, Camping is allowed on the sea beaches of Khasab. Bring your camping gear and enjoy a romantic night under the starry sky.
The cost of Khasab tours is around AED 300/= to AED 350/-.
No, Khasab is not the same as Musandam. The exclave and governate of Oman, known as Musandam, has its capital city, Khasab. The three main towns of Musandam are Khasab, Dibba, and numerous smaller settlements surrounding them.
Both locations are stunning, but Khasab offers a larger and more diverse marine life. Dolphins are more commonly spotted in Khasab than in Dibba, and Khasab also boasts a greater number of fjords.
Oasis Palm’s cancellation policy is universal across all its products and services. If a tour is canceled due to bad weather, the company shall either provide an alternate date for the excursion or reimburse the total amount. However, if a customer cancels the excursion, the company may return the total or partial amount or arrange an alternate date at its discretion.