Fjords & dhow cruises
Separated from the rest of Oman by the UAE, Musandam is a dramatic peninsula of rugged mountains, deep coastal inlets and small fishing communities overlooking the Strait of Hormuz. Its landscape feels distinctly different from the rest of the country, with steep rock faces dropping directly into clear blue water.
The fjords of Musandam
Musandam is best known for its khors — long, sheltered inlets surrounded by mountains and often described as the fjords of Arabia. Exploring them by traditional dhow is one of the defining experiences of the peninsula.
From Khasab, dhow trips travel through the sheltered waters around Telegraph Island and other bays, with opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and dolphin sightings along the way.
Khasab and the mountains
Khasab is the main base for exploring Musandam. Beyond the harbour, the surrounding mountains reveal another side of the peninsula, with winding roads, high viewpoints and remote settlements among the limestone peaks.
A 4WD journey towards Jabal Harim takes you into the interior and provides sweeping views across the mountains and valleys.
A different side of Oman
Musandam works particularly well as a short journey of its own rather than a rushed extension to a mainland Oman itinerary. Spending at least a night gives you time to experience both the coast and mountains without treating the peninsula as simply a day trip.
