The full-day dhow cruise is the most popular family activity in Musandam. The dhow has shaded lower decks, life jackets in child sizes, a fixed ladder for swimming, and a 2 m shallow cove at Seebi Island. Kids under 4 are free. From 250 AED per person.
The full-day dhow cruise leaves Khasab Port at 10:00 and returns at 16:00. The dhow is one of our four traditional Omani boats (Al-Salam, Al-Khaleej, Al-Marwa, Al-Badiya) with shaded lower decks, carpeted cushions at the bow, life jackets for every guest, an on-board washroom, and a safe fixed ladder at the swim stop.
Within 30 minutes of leaving the harbour, we are usually inside the first dolphin pod. The dolphins ride the bow, the kids go wild, and the captain slows down for photos. The first swim stop is at Telegraph Island (45 minutes, 8–14 m depth, reef drop-off) — older kids can snorkel here with the deckhand supervising.
Lunch is served on board: rice, grilled fish, chicken, hummus, salad, fruit, and Arabic coffee. The kitchen can do plain rice and grilled chicken for picky eaters. The second swim stop is at Seebi Island (30 minutes, 2 m depth, sheltered cove) — this is the right stop for younger kids, the water is waist-deep and the beach is sandy.
Six hours on board the dhow Al-Salam or Al-Khaleej through Khor Sham, with a swim-and-snorkel stop at Telegraph Island, an on-board Omani buffet, and a 90%+ chance of seeing dolphins on the way in.
20 OMR
A 3.5-hour morning or afternoon dhow cruise into Khor Sham with one snorkel stop at Telegraph Island. Best for cruise-ship passengers and short-stay visitors.
12 OMR
Charter the dhow Al-Salam or Al-Khaleej privately. Pick the route, the menu and the schedule. Best for families, honeymoons and small events.
150 OMR
A 2-hour speedboat dolphin-watching tour in Khor Sham with a marine guide. We see dolphins on about 85% of trips; same species every month of the year.
15 OMR
Yes. The full-day dhow cruise is the most popular family activity in Musandam. The dhows have shaded lower decks, life jackets in child sizes, a fixed ladder for swimming, and a 2 m shallow cove at Seebi Island. Kids under 4 are free; kids 4–8 are at the child rate.
4 to 12 is the sweet spot. Kids under 4 are welcome on the dhow but cannot snorkel (they can swim in the shallow cove at Seebi Island with a life jacket). Kids over 12 can snorkel and use the regular gear.
Swimwear under clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, hats, a change of clothes, motion-sickness pills if needed, and a waterproof phone pouch. The dhow has a dry bag for shared use.
Yes. The Omani buffet includes rice, grilled chicken, fish, salad, hummus, fruit, and Arabic coffee. We can do plain rice and grilled chicken for picky eaters with one day's notice. There is no kid menu, but the captain will help.
No. The dhow has stairs at the gangway and a ladder to the water. A baby carrier is the practical choice for kids under 2. The dhow has a shaded corner where you can put the carrier while you swim.
Yes, we have life jackets in child sizes (toddler, 4–8 years, 8–12 years) on every dhow. The deckhands will fit them for your child. The shallow cove at Seebi Island is only 2 m deep, but we recommend life jackets for all non-swimmers.
October to April (22–30°C). November to February is peak family season because the water is calm, the dolphins are most active (94% sighting rate in January), and the hotel rates are lower than December.
Tell us your kids' ages and your date. We will suggest the right dhow, the right swim stops, and the kid-friendly menu.
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