Luxury dhow cruise from Khasab — chef, extended route, max 12 guests
An 8-hour luxury dhow cruise with a private chef, extended route into the inner khors, snorkelling at Telegraph and Seebi, and a maximum of 12 guests.
What you'll do
The luxury dhow cruise is the trip we run for guests who want the dhow experience with no compromises. Smaller group, longer day, private chef, extended route, premium amenities.
The dhow is one of our traditional vessels, dressed for the day with fresh flowers, white linen cushions, sun loungers on the upper deck and a freshwater shower on the swim platform. Capacity is capped at 12 guests, which is the smallest group of any cruise we run.
The chef prepares a multi-course lunch on board. The standard menu is grilled hammour (the local grouper), grilled chicken, biryani rice, three salads, hummus, fruit, and a dessert. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal-only on request. Lobster, sushi or a custom menu on request for an additional cost.
The route is the extended Khor Sham circuit — the standard cruise goes as far as Maqlab, the luxury cruise continues into the inner khors past Qanaha, where most day-trippers never see. The light is best in this part of the fjord and the swimming is best at the inner cove.
The luxury cruise is the right pick for honeymoons, anniversary trips, and any guest who wants the most memorable dhow day in Musandam.
Tour highlights
Itinerary
Pickup from hotel or port
Pickup from any Khasab hotel, the port, or the border pickup point.
Board the dhow
Welcome fresh juice, safety briefing. Carpets, cushions, sun loungers set up on the upper deck.
Sail into Khor Sham
Look for dolphins on the way in. Captain Salim or Captain Khalid sets the day’s course.
First swim stop — Telegraph Island
60 minutes in the water. The chef is already prepping lunch on board.
Multi-course lunch
Served on the upper deck. Three courses, three salads, dessert. Wine is not served, but you can bring your own.
Extended route into the inner khors
The dhow continues past Qanaha and Maqlab. Few day-trippers see this part of the fjord.
Second swim stop — inner cove
60 minutes in the water. The reef is shallower and warmer than Telegraph Island.
Cruise back to Khasab
Slow cruise back. The late-afternoon light on the inner-khor cliffs is the best of the day.
Arrive Khasab Port
Transfer back to your hotel, the port or the border pickup point.
Included
- 8 hours on the dhow (09:00 – 17:00)
- Multi-course lunch (private chef)
- Unlimited soft drinks, water, fresh juice, tea, coffee
- Premium snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins, in adult and child sizes)
- Life jackets, towels, sun loungers
- Hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Khasab
Not included
- Oman visa or 1-day border permit
- UAE exit fee
- Alcoholic drinks (not served on board)
- Custom menu upgrades (lobster, sushi, custom cake)
Who is this tour for?
Honeymoon couples. Anniversary trips. Returning customers who want a different experience. Anyone celebrating a special occasion. Not the right pick if you want a long day with lots of swimming — the focus here is on food, route and atmosphere.
What to bring
- Swimsuit and a light cover-up
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Camera
- Cash in AED for visa and gratuity
Local tip from the team
Bring your own bottle of wine. We do not serve alcohol on board, but we do not police what you bring in glass. The crew will chill it for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring alcohol?
Yes, your own bottle, glass not required. We do not serve it, and the crew will not open it, but it is yours to enjoy.
Is the route really different from the standard cruise?
Yes. The standard cruise turns back at Maqlab. The luxury cruise continues into the inner khors past Qanaha. Different light, different swimming, fewer boats.
Can I request a custom menu?
Yes. Lobster, sushi, vegan, gluten-free, halal-only, no-carb — tell us one day in advance. Custom cakes for birthdays on request.
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
- 8 hours (09:00 – 17:00)
- Category
- cruise
- From
- 45 OMR
- AED equivalent
- AED 450