Oman Musandam add-on adventure
Oman
From
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Packing list
Entry Level
Wildlife
3 Nights
2 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Highlights
- Explore the 'fjords of the Middle East'
- See dolphins & snorkel in clear ocean waters
A dhow cruise in Musandam offers a unique and memorable experience, blending natural beauty, cultural heritage, and marine life. These traditional wooden vessels provide a comfortable and authentic way to explore the region’s dramatic coastline, often referred to as the "Norway of Arabia" for its striking fjord-like inlets, towering cliffs, and secluded bays.
A key highlight of the cruise is the opportunity to witness wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Frequently seen swimming alongside the dhow, these graceful creatures add a captivating element to the journey, creating moments that are both serene and awe-inspiring.
(A camping version of this itinerary is also available)
Route of dhow cruise
Your cruise stops for snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters, where guests can observe vibrant marine life. Onboard, visitors are treated to traditional Omani hospitality, including refreshments and local cuisine.
Whether for leisure, photography, or marine exploration, a dhow cruise in Musandam offers a professionally guided experience that showcases the region’s unique blend of natural and cultural richness on a tranquil yet enriching adventure.
Day 1: From Muscat to the Fjords of Musandam
Transfer
Group transfer from your hotel in Muscat to the airport for your domestic flight to Khasab, gateway to the stunning Musandam Peninsula. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel —
either the Atana Musandam or Atana Khasab
Day 2: Choose between two exciting options for your day:
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Option 1: Half day Mountain Safari (sharing basis) + Half day dhow cruise (sharing basis)
Enjoy a half-day Mountain Safari on a shared basis, exploring scenic mountain routes and historic villages, followed by a relaxing half-day dhow cruise, also on a shared basis.
Mountain Safari with our 4WD vehicle to Jebel Harim. The drive takes you through spectacular scenic routes across mountains and valleys, reaching an altitude of 1,784 meters above sea level with breathtaking panoramic views. You will visit centuries-old villages, the traditional Bait Al Qafl (old stone house), and the lush green Al Khalidiya natural park, known for its many acacia trees. On the way back, enjoy the fantastic view from the top of Khor Najid, one of the beautiful fjords in the Gulf of Oman. Fresh fruits, water, and soft drinks will be provided during the tour.
Option 2: Full day Dhow cruise for snorkelling*
Spend a full day on a dhow cruise dedicated to snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, discovering vibrant marine life and stunning coastal views.
*A discount of 72 USD per person applies if you select this full-day snorkelling cruise option.
Day 3: Dhow Cruise through the Fjords of Musandam
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Set sail on a full-day cruise aboard our traditionally decorated wooden dhow through the stunning azure waters of the fjord (Khor Sham). Surrounded by spectacular mountains and small white sandy beaches, the majestic fjord offers breathtaking scenery at every turn. At the entrance of the fjord, enjoy the chance to watch dolphins in their natural habitat. The dhow will anchor near Telegraph and Seebi Islands, where you can swim in pristine waters alongside colorful fish.
During the cruise, we provide soft drinks, fresh fruits, tea, and coffee, along with a warm lunch. Snorkelling equipment, towels, and life jackets are all supplied free of charge to ensure your comfort and safety.
Return to your hotel in the afternoon to relax after this unforgettable day on the water.
Day 4: Departure from Musandam
Transfer
Breakfast
Private group transfer from your hotel to Khasab Airport for your onward flight.
(Optional supplement available for transfer directly to Dubai Airport.)
Adventure Optional Extras
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Compulsory
Price:
From
Add-Ons are an optional way of customising & extending your adventure, and making those travel miles more worthwhile. They can not be purchased separately. To select an Add-On, please visit the relevant adventure and add it to your enquiry or booking. The adventures which offer this particular Add-On can be found below:
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Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
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Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
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Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
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