Full-day dhow cruise from Khasab — Telegraph Island, dolphins, snorkel, lunch
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.
What you'll do
Our full-day dhow cruise is the one we recommend if you have one day in Khasab and want to see as much of the Musandam fjord system as possible. We leave Khasab Port at 10:00 on the dhow Al-Salam (35 guests) or Al-Khaleej (25 guests), both with shaded lower decks, carpeted cushions at the bow, life jackets for every guest, and an on-board washroom.
The route goes deep into Khor Sham. Within 30 minutes of leaving the harbour we are usually inside the first dolphin pod; we slow down, the dolphins ride the bow, and you can take photos from the lower deck rail. Captain Salim sets the daily course based on where the pods are feeding, so no two trips are identical.
We anchor at Telegraph Island around midday for a 45-minute snorkel stop. The reef drops to about 14 m, visibility is 8–12 m from November to April, and the ladder is fixed and easy to climb. Most guests who are not strong swimmers wear the life jackets — we have enough for everyone and do not charge extra.
Lunch is served on board: rice, grilled fish, chicken, salad, hummus, fruit and Arabic coffee. We can do vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal-only with one day’s notice.
The second swim stop is usually at Seebi Island in the early afternoon, then a slow cruise back to Khasab Port by 16:00.
Tour highlights
Itinerary
Pickup from hotel, port or harbour
We collect you from any Khasab hotel, the cruise-ship terminal or the border pickup point. Cash for the visa (if needed) and your passport should be ready.
Board dhow Al-Salam / Al-Khaleej at Khasab Port
Welcome drink, safety briefing, life-jacket fitting. Carpets and cushions are set on the lower deck; you choose your spot for the day.
Sail into Khor Sham
The limestone walls close in around us within 20 minutes. Captain Salim cuts engines twice if a dolphin pod is on the bow.
First snorkel stop, Telegraph Island
Anchor on the lee side of the island. Reef drops to 14 m; life jackets free for non-swimmers. Ladder is fixed and shallow.
Lunch on board
Omani buffet: rice, grilled fish, chicken, hummus, salad, fruit. Soft drinks, water, Arabic coffee. Most dietary needs accommodated on request.
Second swim stop, Seebi Island
Sheltered cove, 2 m deep near the beach. Good for kids and slow swimmers. Snorkel gear is on board if you want a second go.
Cruise through Khor Sham and Khor Qanaha
Slow cruise past Qanaha village and into the narrower Maqlab channel. Cameras out — the light is best in mid-afternoon.
Arrive Khasab Port
Crew helps you off the boat. Transfer back to your hotel, the border pickup point or the cruise terminal.
Included
- 6 hours on the dhow (10:00 – 16:00)
- Omani buffet lunch (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free on request)
- Soft drinks, water, fresh fruit, Arabic coffee
- Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins) in adult and child sizes
- Life jackets for all guests
- Towels
- Hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Khasab
Not included
- Oman visa or 1-day border permit (50 AED, paid at the border)
- UAE exit fee (35 AED per person, at the border)
- Gratuity for the crew (not expected, appreciated)
- Alcoholic drinks (not served on board)
Who is this tour for?
First-time visitors to Musandam who want the headline experience. Families with kids over 4. Couples, groups of friends and cruise-ship passengers on a 6–8 hour Khasab stop. Not the right pick if you get bad seasickness or you cannot climb the swim ladder unaided.
What to bring
- Swimwear under your clothes (changing cubicle on board)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (we provide regular sunscreen if you forget)
- Hat and a light long-sleeve for the wind in late afternoon
- Phone in a waterproof pouch, or a GoPro
- A small dry bag for car keys and wallet
- Cash in AED for the visa if you are coming from the UAE
Local tip from the team
The bow of the dhow is the best spot for dolphin photos, but the spray is heavier there. Sit one row back if you have a phone you are worried about. The back rail is the calmest — best for kids and anyone who wants to read between swims.
Frequently asked questions
Is the dolphin sighting rate really above 90%?
For November to April, yes — we see dolphins on 9 out of 10 trips. In summer the rate is closer to 70% because the pods move further offshore. Your captain will tell you honestly if the morning was quiet.
Can I bring a 3-year-old?
Yes. Under 4 is free. We have small life jackets for kids from 10 kg up. The ladder is fixed, but a crew member can lift younger children in and out.
I cannot swim — is this still a good trip?
Yes. Half our guests in any week are not confident swimmers. We hand out life jackets at the swim stop and the dhow anchors in about 1.5 m of water near the ladder.
Do you cancel for weather?
We cancel by 06:00 on the morning of the trip if the wind is above 25 knots or the swell is above 1.5 m. You get a full refund or a free re-schedule. We do not cancel for light rain.
Is lunch really included?
Yes — rice, grilled fish, chicken, hummus, salad, fruit, soft drinks, water and Arabic coffee. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal-only with one day’s notice.
Border crossing information
**Crossing from the UAE to Musandam in 2026 — what to bring** You will need every one of these, in original form, not photocopies. Border officers at Al Dara do not accept digital copies on phones. • Passport valid for 6+ months from your date of entry • UAE residence visa (residents) or UAE tourist entry stamp • If driving: original Mulkiya (vehicle registration); rental car requires the rental company's NOC • 50 AED in cash per person for the Oman entry visa (or 1-day border permit, also 50 AED) • 35 AED in cash per person for the UAE exit fee • If your car is not insured for Oman: ~100 AED for a 1-day policy, ~175 AED for up to 7 days (buy at the counter on the RAK side) What we do for our guests: send a one-page PDF with the exact list above, the exact cash amounts, the exact border opening hours, and a WhatsApp number to call if you are stuck at the counter. Ask for it on WhatsApp before you leave.
Tour details
- Duration
- 6 hours (10:00 – 16:00)
- Category
- cruise
- From
- 20 OMR
- AED equivalent
- AED 250