Khasab is a port city on northern Oman’s Musandam Peninsula. This place is also named as “Norway of Arabia” because of its extensive fjords like rock mountainscapes of ‘Al Hajar’ range. It’s a city in an enclave of Oman, bordering the UAE.

This place is one of the tourist attractions, mostly for Oman and UAE residents. It has easy access to the UAE via E11 highway hence there are frequent visitors from the UAE. Khasab is ideally isolated but it still provides functional hotels, resorts, beaches, parks, supermarket and hospital across the city.

The seaport is dominated by the dhow which takes tourists for a cruise across the natural, dry “fjords” from Khasab Harbor, wooden boats cruise offering craggy coastal views and dolphin sightings.

So, let me share my memorable experience of our short trip.

Day-1:

We planned our Khasab tour with an overnight stay (i.e 1night and 2days). We started our road journey from Abu Dhabi early morning by 6.30am and reached Atana Resort (Khasab) by 12noon including 2stops (1st as a break and another at UAE/Oman Border check post for exit and entry visa stamping).
After check-in at the resort, we later left to explore the nearby place. We went to a public beach, which has a children’s play area with slides, swings etc. My son enjoyed playing in sand, beach, and in the play area. Another tourist place which you can visit if time permits are Fort & museum which is located nearby.

 

Atana Hotel

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, our 2nd half of the day was spent well-exploring place & beach. It was too windy so we went back by 6pm and relaxed at the resort.
We were more excited about the next day’s ‘Dhow cruise’ tour. Reporting time for the cruise was 9.45am.

 Day-2:

we were all set for a full day Sailing excursion in waters of Musandam on a traditional Omani boat. Dhow cruise is decorated in a traditional Omani style, with carpets and offering cushions for seating.

We started our cruise ride at 10am, there were altogether 6 families on the dhow cruise. Musandam tourism has a proper agenda for the day which they follow. It was such a pleasure to sail through the stunning coastal fjords and sceneries. There were 2 staff members on the boat and both of them were very friendly and had knowledge about the places and their history. The highlight of this one-day dhow cruise excursion were these beautiful dolphins who were sailing alongside the boat, not only the kids were fascinated to see dolphins but we adults too. They were sailing alongside our boat as if we were racing. It was great fun. we were able to see the frolicking dolphins 4-5 times in our full day tour as cruise staff members managed it well to spot them.  We stopped by at our first sight ‘Telegraph Island’ for swimming and snorkeling, as per agenda. There were 2 stops for swimming and snorkeling. (unfortunately, we don’t know swimming so could not enjoy or experience this activity). but we were able to see beautiful and colorful fishes of different variants in the blue water.

A lunch buffet was arranged by 1pm on the boat. I will not say lunch was excellent but it was good with both veg and non-veg options. They also served juice, tea, coffee, and fruits the entire day of the trip. After having lunch, we headed towards ‘Seebi Island for swimming and snorkeling’. Then they ride us through small fishing villages for a peek at traditional rural life. sailing through rocky mountains landscape and enjoying the boat ride we headed back to the port. A full day khasab dhow cruise tour came to an end, we reached the port at 4pm. It was really a memorable and beautiful experience which all enjoyed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snorkeling

 

 

Frolicking Dolphins

 

 

 

Small Village

 

 

 

Tips:

1. check with your tour operator for pick up and drop facility from the hotel.
2. Reach the port on time as informed by the tour operator.
3. Camera to capture beautiful scenic views and dolphins.
4. If time permits do explore other places forts, museum, mountain safari.
5. Reserve 30mins to 1hour for exit and Entry visa stamping at the check post. (time depends upon rush during that day/hour).

What I liked about this tour –

1. A well-planned and on time six-hours sharing tour.
2. A friendly and knowledgeable tour guide (staff of dhow).
3. comfortable cushions for seating at dhow.
4. serving full day refreshments & good lunch.
5. providing swimming and snorkeling equipment, clean towels, life jackets, basic toilet & shower facility on a dhow (excluding swimsuit).
6. clean and neat traditionally decorated dhow cruise.

It was truly an amazing experience like one day picnic. This tour takes you to a totally different world of rocky mountains, clean water, cool sea breeze. It totally refreshes you and leaves behind all tensions and worries.

It was time to say Good-bye!! with a hope to visit again.

Note: This is not a sponsored post. All expenses are done by me. There is no advertising of any brand.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is solely my views of a place and food. This is not to offend any class, religion, ethnicity or nation. My views can change from time to time based on my latest experience. I am an independent owner of this site and the views expressed in this are my own. All photographs are owned by me.

Till Then.

Stay Happy & Explore!!