Up the coast from Dubai is Ras Al-Khaimah and about 35km by road beyond that is a bit of Oman known as the Musandam Governorate. The main port is Khasab, and that is where we headed after the normal border formalities
Shortly after crossing the border into Oman, the landscape undergoes quite a dramatic change. From dead flat the topography suddenly changes into rocky mountains that rise up from the coastline.
We were booked on a day trip with Dhow Khasab Tours to take a trip into the fjords that are formed by these amazing mountains plunging into the sea.
This area is also known as the Norway of Arabia – and for good reason. Although the area is quite different in terms of vegetation and weather (arid and warm), there is no doubt that the multiple waterways and inlets created by the stark mountains plunging straight down into the sea, do resemble the Norwegian fjords in many respects.
The Port of Khasab
We were picked up from our hotel in Ras Al-Khaimah at 7h00 and arrived in Khasab just after 9h00 and found our Dhow moored down at the harbour. We had to walk through and hop between 4 other Dhows that were tied together to find ours, but once there we settled down with a cup of arabic coffee to await the arrival of another couple and their young son.
Just sitting out on the water and watching the activities of the harbour alone made the trip worthwhile. A fascinating mix of trade goes on all day. Iran is a short 45 minute speed boat trip across the Strait of Hormuz and there are literally dozens of small fast speed boats making the trip everyday. They bring goats, sheep and fish from Iran to sell at Khasab.
What the Day Promised
The Dhow Khasab Tour website promised a relaxed day of spectacular scenery, dolphins, snorkling amongst the coral reefs and plenty of fresh food to keep us sustained.
And that’s exactly what we got, and then some.
The Norway of Arabia is a special place. On top of that, the 3 man crew were a delight. There was the boat captain, his 2IC and a guide. English obviously wasn’t their first language. Despite the odd communication hiccup, they were all very friendly and the 2IC and guide kept us hydrated with water and fruit juices while the captain knew how to put his dhow in the right place to maximize our view of the Dolphins.
We were a bit concerned when we sighted our first dolphin pod. There was much gesticulating amongst the crew followed by whistling and hand clapping and the dhow aimed straight at the dolphins. But we soon relaxed as the dolphins took great delight in surfing the bow wave of the dhow and seemed to be encouraged by the clapping and whistling.
Sun, Food, Swimming, Cruising & Snoozing
We had about 6 hours on the Dhow, leaving Khasab harbour at about 10h00 and returning at 16h00. About two of those hours were spent anchored off two separate islands. The water temperature was very conducive to snorkelling and we were supplied with goggles, snorkels and flippers.
Over the side we went and spent about an hour at each location just floating around looking at the coral and fish. Despite the coral not looking in tip top shape, we identified 18 different species of fish.
After our first swim we upped anchor and had a 40 minute run to the second swimming spot. Lunch was served at this point. Nothing fancy but wholesome and plenty of it. A variety of fresh fruit and non alcoholic drinks were available.
A very pleasant small post prandial nap followed before we anchored close to a second small island and hopped over the side for more snorkeling.
And then we began a slow and relaxed cruise back to Khasab.
Trip Details
We booked the trip online with Dhow Khasab Tours, They also organised transport for us from Ras Al-Khaimah to Khasab (and back), which included being guided through the Oman border formalities.
Depending on what passport you travel on you can either get a visa at the border or apply online in advance. Again, Dhow Khasab Tours can advise you.
Our trip included 6 hours on the water, all food and drink and the use of of all the equipment needed for snorkeling. In December 2023 all that cost us AED 150 each (excluding road transport and border fees) which we regarded as an absolute bargain!
There is an extended version of this trip that includes overnighting on the dhow. That trip has gone onto the bucket list.
You can follow our travels here
