MUSANDAM BOAT CRUISE: ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE
HOW TO ORGANISE YOUR TRIP, THINGS TO DO, BEST TIME TO GO, AND ALSO MORE TO DO IN MUSANDAM
- Last Updated: 5 September 2025
- Destinations, Middle East, Oman
If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing between rocky fjords, spotting wild dolphins, and sleeping under the stars, Musandam might be exactly what you’re looking for. This lesser-known part of Oman feels like a world of its own, with dramatic cliffs, calm turquoise waters, and a pace of life that slows you right down. A boat cruise is the perfect way to experience Musandam.
Musandam is actually an enclave of Oman, completely separated from the rest of the country and surrounded by the UAE, when it’s not by the sea. Whether you’re visiting Oman or the Emirates, it’s the perfect escape to add to your trip.
The best way to enjoy the fjords of Musandam is on a dhow cruise – a dhow being a traditional Arab boat. During the cruise, you will be navigating between dramatic cliffs and quiet bays. The water is clear and still. If you are lucky, dolphins will swim alongside the boat. You can also jump for a swim or snorkel…. or just lie back on a cushion and take it all in.
There are several ways to experience a Musandam boat cruise: half-day trips, full-day excursions, or a 2-day, 1-night adventure. I’ve personally done this trip 3 times, always choosing the overnight version. This blog article is therefore written from that perspective. Still, most of what I describe here can also be experienced on a day cruise.
Here’s what the experience looks like – photo by photo – and all the info you need to plan it right.
In This Guide:
BOAT CRUISE THROUGH THE FJORDS OF ARABIA
This is why people often call Musandam the “Norway of Arabia”. But forget snowy cliffs, here you will sail between golden mountains and calm turquoise waters. The fjord-like inlets (called “khors”) make the views unforgettable. Just sitting on the boat, watching the mountains shift with the light, is an experience in itself.
During the cruise, you will be sailing on a dhow – a traditional wooden boat with an open deck and shaded roof. Some dhows also have two levels, which make a big difference if you choose the overnight cruise: you can sleep under the stars, on the upper deck.
On the dhows, the setup is simple but welcoming, with colourful cushions and traditional textiles. These dhows, are part of Oman’s maritime heritage, and honestly, they are just as photogenic as the landscapes around them.
SPOTTING DOLPHINS (YES, REALLY)
One of the highlights of a Musandam boat cruise is the chance to see dolphins swimming freely in their natural habitat. The waters around the peninsula are home to a playful population that often approaches the dhows, especially in the morning when the sea is calm. Watching them racing alongside the boat is a moment I won’t forget: it’s pure joy and excitement – words from a dolphin lover.
Musandam’s wildlife is not limited to dolphins only. Depending on the season, you might also spot manta rays in the water. They are occasionally seen between November and December. I’ve personally done a cruise to Musandam thrice (once in October, again in early November and early May), and although I didn’t see manta rays myself, many other travelers were lucky enough to spot some.
SWIMMING IN CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER
During the cruise, the captain usually makes a few swimming stops in calm lagoons. The water is warm and clear, and you’ll want to jump right in. The water is warm enough to float for hours, but clear enough to see the fish swimming under you. It literally suits confident swimmers and relaxed floaters too.
Most Musandam dhow cruises provide basic snorkeling gear. Underwater, you will spot small reef fish and patches of coral. It is not the Maldives, but the fjord background makes it special.
Many boats are equipped with kayaks you can use to explore nearby coves at your own pace. Some operators also offer wakeboarding when conditions allow.
OVERNIGHT ON THE BOAT
I strongly recommend the 2-day/1-night version of the cruise. It’s a completely different vibe and once the other boats head back, you will have the sea to yourself. On dark nights, bioluminescent plankton sometimes glow in the water. If you are lucky, you’ll see it shimmer during a gentle night dip.
Meals: the overnight cruises include four meals: lunch on arrival, dinner, breakfast, and a final lunch before returning. You can bring your own snacks and drinks too, including alcohol if your operator allows it. Meals on the dhow are simple but very tasty. Expect rice, grilled fish (straight from Musandam!) or chicken, fresh fruit, and some Omani tea. Dinners feel very special when you are sitting outside the mountains around you. Breakfast in the next morning is usually light: bread with spreads (chocolate, butter, jam), fruit, eggs, tea and coffee.
Sleeping setup: the crew provides sleeping gear: mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Many dhows have an upper deck, which is perfect for sleeping under the stars. They anchor in a sheltered bay for a calm night.
What to bring: a warm layer, socks, a dry bag, earplugs, a cool playlist to enjoy with your friends, speakers, board games. Also bring a high-capacity power bank. Outlets are few and boat power can be unreliable overnight.
SUNSET MAGIC & MORNING CALMS
As the sun sets behind the mountains, the colours over the fjords turn golden and soft. The light is soft, perfect for sunset photos on a dhow cruise. If you stay out a little after sunset, you will see Musandam at blue hour, showcasing glassy water and soft silhouettes.
Morning is the reward for the overnight cruise. You wake to silence, cool air, and a pale sky. Tea & coffee on the upper deck… just hits different.
HIKING IN MUSANDAM
Not all Musandam cruises are just about sailing and swimming. Some captains offer the option to stop for a short hike on shore, which is a nice way to mix the fjords with a bit of adventure.
On one of my recent trips, our dhow anchored in a quiet bay for about an hour. While some of my friends stayed swimming around the boat, a few of us took a kayak to the shore and started hiking. You could technically swim to the beach instead of kayaking, but remember: you’ll need shoes for the hike. Don’t make the same mistake I did: I had only packed sandals and ended up climbing 400 steps with them. Feasible but not ideal!
The hike itself was short but steep (with a temperature of almost 40 degrees Celsius early May!), and the views over the fjords were worth every step. It’s not always included in every cruise, so if this is something you would like to do, make sure you ask your captain in advance.
TELEGRAPH ISLAND OR CAMPING ALTERNATIVE
Overnight wild camping is very common in Oman, and it’s perfectly legal across the Musandam Peninsula. If you don’t want to sleep on a boat, another great option is to camp on Telegraph Island.
I’ve done this one with friends as an alternative to the dhow, and it was an incredible experience. The whole thing was fully organised – we didn’t need to bring any camping gear ourselves. From Khasab port in Musandam, we first took a speed boat to Telegraph Island, where everything was already prepared when we arrived: large red traditional cushions just like on the dhows, tents ready to sleep in, a barbecue setup, and even mobile toilets. The view from the campsite looks straight out over the fjords, which makes dinner around the fire extra special.
The next morning, after waking up, we continued the adventure. After a quick snorkelling session, we switched to a dhow, spotted dolphins on the way, tried wakeboarding, and spent the rest of the day cruising and relaxing. It felt like the perfect mix of camping, comfort, and sea adventure.
A fun fact about Telegraph Island: it takes its name from the British telegraph repeater station built here in the late 19th century. The outpost was created to maintain the submarine cable connecting Karachi to London. But life on the island was so harsh and isolating, that the station only operated for a few years before being abandoned. The name stuck and today it’s a popular stop for cruises and campers alike.
TIPS TO PLAN YOUR MUSANDAM BOAT CRUISE
BEST TIME TO GO ON THE BOAT CRUISE
The best months to cruise in Musandam are between October and early May. This period matches the ideal time to visit both Oman and the UAE, with mild weather and calm seas.
From mid-May to September, most cruises stop operating because of the extreme heat and humidity. Even if you find one running, it’s not the best idea to cruise during that time: the sun is brutal, the air is humid, and the experience can become uncomfortable rather than enjoyable.
The shoulder seasons of April to early May and September are possible, but expect hotter conditions. Midday temperatures often climb above 35°C. If you are focused on swimming and don’t mind the warmth, it’s perfectly doable. During one of my cruises in early May, we slept under the stars on the dhow and the weather was surprisingly very pleasant.
If summer is the only time you can visit Oman, consider alternatives. Salalah in the south enjoys cooler weather during the monsoon (Khareef) season, while near Muscat you can explore wadis or take a boat to the Daymaniat Islands, which are perfect for snorkelling and diving.
HOW TO GET TO MUSANDAM FOR THE BOAT CRUISE
Reaching Musandam can be done in several ways, depending on whether you are coming from The UAE or from mainland Oman. There are two ports to embark on a dhow in Musandam: Khasab and Dibba. Depending on where you are coming from, one will be more convenient than the other.
From the UAE (United Arab Emirates)
There are two possible entry points from the UAE:
1. Al Dhara Border (from Ras al-Khaimah, UAE side, to Khasab, Musandam side):
This is the main entry if you want to reach Khasab, the regional capital and the hub for most dhow cruises. It also leads you to experience a scenic coastal road, which is the highlight of the trip.
2. Dibba Border (from Fujairah, UAE side, to Dibba al-Baya, Musandam side): This entry is used if your cruise departs from Dibba. Important note: it is not possible to drive from Dibba to Khasab. These two parts of Musandam are separated, so you must choose your entry point depending on your cruise.
From Oman
If you are already in Oman, you also have two ways to reach Musandam:
1. By air: Oman Air operates domestic flights from Muscat (MCT) to Khasab (KHS). The flight lasts 1 hour. This is the fastest and easiest way to get there from the Omani capital. Just bear in mind that there is only one flight per day, and that this flight is not operated every day. So, plan accordingly!
2. By road: if you are driving from Muscat, you will first need to cross into the UAE at either Al Wajajah border (Hatta) or the Khatmat Malaha border. From there, continue north until reaching Ras al-Khaimah, then the Al Dhara border crossing into Musandam. The total journey takes about 6 hours.
>> I have personally only experienced crossing the Al Dhara border every time I went to Musandam. It is the point that the majority of traveler’s use, so it is what I will describe from this point.
From Dubai to Khasab, the drive is around 3 hours: 2 hours to reach Ras al-Khaimah, about 30 minutes at the border (longer during holidays and weekends), then another 30 minutes to reach Khasab Port.
Self-drive or Organised Tour?
1. Self-drive:
2. Organised tour:
I have experienced both options, and found each very practical.
The organised tour can be practical if you are a big group of friends going on a cruise, as the tour operator will provide you with a bus, so you will all be together (which is very fun!) and also avoid delays when you have to wait for other cars. Whichever option you choose, the coastal road between the border and Khasab is stunning. It’s the highlight of the trip, with mountains on one side and the Gulf on the other.
What to experience at the border?
Border control can take longer on weekends or UAE public holidays. Keep all documents ready and allow extra time if you are planning to visit Musandam on a day trip.
When you arrive at the border, the process has two steps:
1. UAE Checkpoint
- Park your car and go inside the departure hall.
- Get your exist stamp in your passport.
- Your car will be checked, including the trunk.
2. Omani Checkpoint
- Cross over to the Omani side and park your car.
- Go inside the arrival hall and get your entry stamp.
- Your car will be inspected again.
Note: it is not allowed to bring a drone into Oman, even by land. While you may see a lot of content online showing non-commercial drone footage of Oman, it is officially forbidden to fly one. On a trip to Muscat by plane, my drone was confiscated at the airport. I got is back when leaving the country, but it took extra time to pass through customs both ways.
FEW IMPORTANT TIPS FOR THE BOAT CRUISE
Documents and requirements:
If you are driving to Musandam from the UAE, you will need:
- A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
- UAE visa or valid stamp.
- Omani visa if required (check the requirements before your trip, as Musandam follows the same visa rules as the rest of Oman).
For the Vehicle Registration, you will need:
- Vehicle Registration (mulkiya).
- A car insurance that covers Oman. You must bear in mind that as you will be crossing country borders, the insurance must cover both countries. Make sure this is confirmed at the time of booking – discuss it with your car insurance provider or rental company.
Data & Connectivity:
Your mobile data may cut off once you cross into Oman. Unless you have roaming or an international SIM, you will be offline. Honestly, being in such a place, you won’t want to be connected anyway – the views are more than enough! If you are self-driving to Khasab, download Google Maps offline and keep any booking confirmations handy.
Motion sickness tip:
The waters in the fjords are usually calm, but the boat does rock a little during sleep. If you get sea-sick, bring some medication. Also, note that the road from the border to Khasab is full of curves, so motion sickness can happen on the way as well (I learned this the hard way…)!
Day trip or overnight?
If you are short on time, a day trip works well, especially from Dubai, since Khasab is less than 3 hours away. But if you want the full experience, including sleeping under the stars, seeing glowing plankton at night, and spending more time admiring the fjords, the 2-day, 1-night cruise is absolutely worth it.
There are plenty of tours organising cruises to Musandam. If you are short on time, a day trip works – Musandam is less than 2 hours’ drive from Dubai. But if you want the full experience including sleeping on the boat and seeing glowing plankton at night, I highly recommend the 2-day 1-night cruise.
MORE TO DO IN MUSANDAM
A boat cruise through the fjords is without question the main reason people come to Musandam. But it’s not the only thing that makes the region worth visiting. Musandam is a wild mix of dramatic mountains, empty beaches, and marine life.
Beyond cruising, Musandam is a playground for outdoor lovers. You can spend some time swimming on deserted beaches, snorkelling, diving in the Gulf of Oman, or even hiking up trails for panoramic views. If you love adventure, you must visit Musandam with a 4×4: many of the most beautiful beaches can only be reached by off-road tracks.
Camping in the mountains is also another option to experience Musandam.
Driving along the coastal road is an experience in itself. One moment you are surrounded by cliffs, the next a wide sandy beach suddenly opens up beside the highway. Nothing stops you from pulling over, parking your car, and taking a spontaneous swim.
After a day of exploring, Musandam will reward you with its seafood. You can get some fresh fish at the fish market, in Khasab, or head to a restaurant. The restaurants are simple, the setting basic. You will even sometimes have to eat sitting on the floor, with a nice traditional setup.
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