The perfect 1-day Khasab itinerary for a day trip from Dubai in 2026
The 14-hour plan that gets you from Dubai to Khasab, on the dhow, and back to Dubai in a single day. From 250 AED per person self-drive, from 1,100 AED per person round-trip with private transfer.
Cost breakdown — 1-day Khasab trip (2026)
| Expense | Self-drive (2 people) | With transfer (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Full-day dhow cruise | 500 AED (250 x 2) | 280 AED |
| Border costs | 270 AED | Included |
| Fuel (round trip) | 100 AED | Included |
| Transfer | — | 1,100 AED |
| Total | 870 AED (~435/person) | 1,380 AED / person |
The 14-hour itinerary, minute by minute
Pickup from Dubai hotel (or self-drive from home)
E11 north through Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, RAK
Arrive at Al Dara border, 30–60 minute crossing
Drive the mountain road from the border to Khasab (90 minutes)
Board the dhow at Khasab Port, safety briefing
Sail into Khor Sham, dolphin watching
Snorkel stop at Telegraph Island (45 minutes)
Return to Khasab Port
Lunch at a Khasab corniche restaurant (Al Barr buffet recommended)
Walk the corniche, visit the fish market, see Khasab Fort
Cross the border back into the UAE
Arrive in Dubai
Frequently asked questions
Is 1 day enough for Khasab?
Yes, for a first-time visit. The full-day dhow cruise covers the headline experience (dolphin watching, Telegraph Island snorkel, Omani lunch). You will not have time for the mountain safari or the overnight dhow camping, but you will see the best of Khasab in a single day.
What is the best dhow cruise for a 1-day Khasab itinerary?
The full-day dhow cruise (10:00 to 16:00). It includes the Telegraph Island snorkel, the dolphin watching, the on-board Omani lunch, and the Seebi Island swim stop. The half-day cruise is too short and misses the second swim stop.
Can I add a mountain safari to a 1-day itinerary?
No. The mountain safari is a 4–5 hour activity and the dhow cruise is 6 hours. You cannot do both in a single day. If you want both, take the 2-night package.
What is the total cost of a 1-day Khasab trip from Dubai?
Self-drive: from 370 AED per person (dhow cruise + visa + exit + insurance + fuel). With private transfer from Dubai: from 1,100 AED per person round-trip (dhow cruise + transfer).
What time should I leave Dubai?
05:00 at the latest. The 3-hour drive and 30–60 minute border crossing means you need to be at the border by 07:30 to reach Khasab Port for the 10:00 dhow departure. If you leave at 06:00, you risk missing the boat.
What should I pack for a 1-day trip?
Passport (valid 6+ months), 270 AED cash per car for border costs, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, a light jacket for the air-conditioned dhow cabin, and motion-sickness pills if prone. The dhow provides snorkel gear, lunch, and drinking water.
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Book your 1-day Khasab trip
Tell us your date. We will send back a confirmed dhow cruise slot, a border procedure, and a transfer option within 30 minutes.
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