Khasab, Oman: travel guide
Fjord-like inlets and dhow cruises on Oman's Musandam peninsula
Capital of the Musandam peninsula, an Omani exclave of dramatic fjord-like khors jutting into the Strait of Hormuz. Base for traditional dhow cruises past Telegraph Island, mountain safaris to Jebel Harim, and the isolated village of Kumzar.
About Khasab
Khasab is the main town of Musandam, an Omani exclave on the Strait of Hormuz. The peninsula is a rugged landscape of mountains that drop into deep, fjord-like inlets known as khors, and it feels quite separate from the rest of the country.
The most popular activity is a cruise on a traditional dhow, which may pass Telegraph Island and give a chance to see dolphins. Mountain safaris climb up toward Jebel Harim, and the remote village of Kumzar can be reached by boat. Snorkelling and diving trips are also available, and the old fort in Khasab is worth a look.
Khasab suits adventurous travellers and those wanting a short break from Dubai. Winter, from October to April, is the best time to visit.
- Country
- Oman
- Currency
- OMR
- Time zone
- Asia/Muscat
- Nearest airport
- KHS
Last updated
Top places to visit in Khasab
Kumzar Village
remote village · 4.8 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A remote, boat-only fishing village at the tip of the Musandam peninsula, with its own unique Kumzari language.
Bukha Fort
coastal fort · 4.2 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A 16th-century fort on a crescent bay about 35km west of Khasab, notable for its unusual round tower and sea setting.
Khor ash Sham
fjord · about 5 h · check the fee at the gate
A roughly 16km fjord (Elphinstone Inlet) walled by cliffs over 1,000m high, the main dhow-cruise route and a haunt of dolphins.
Khor Najd
fjord viewpoint · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The only fjord in Musandam reachable by road (a steep graded track), a popular sunset and camping overlook.
Khasab Castle
portuguese fort · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A restored 17th-century Portuguese fort beside Khasab harbour, now a museum of Musandam heritage with dhow and traditional-house displays.
Jebel Harim
mountain · 4.1 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
The highest peak of Musandam at 2,087m, reached by a 4WD mountain-safari road past fossils, petroglyphs and Shihuh villages with sweeping fjord views.
Telegraph Island
historic island · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A small island in Khor ash Sham holding the ruins of an 1860s British telegraph relay station, a favourite snorkelling stop on dhow cruises.
Things to do
- Full-Day Dhow Cruise — Khor ash Sham Water · 6 h · from OMR 23 per person
- Half-Day Dhow Cruise Water · 3 h · from OMR 18 per person
- Musandam Mountain Safari (Jebel Harim) Adventure · 3.5 h · from OMR 25 per person
- Sea Kayaking in the Fjords Water · 2 h · from OMR 18 per person
Day trips and tours
- Musandam Full-Day Dhow Cruise 6 h · from OMR 23
Where to stay in Khasab
- Khasab Town & Corniche about OMR 45 per night
Compact harbour town with the castle, dhow jetties, restaurants and most hotels.
- Zighy Bay (Dibba) about OMR 300 per night
Secluded west-coast bay reached over the mountains, home to the flagship luxury resort.
Hotels
- Six Senses Zighy Bay 5-star · OMR 280 to OMR 450 per night
- Atana Musandam Resort 4-star · OMR 40 to OMR 65 per night
- Khasab Hotel 2-star · OMR 20 to OMR 30 per night
Where to eat
- Al Shamaliah Grill & Restaurant Omani, Seafood, Indian · about OMR 7 per person
- Atana Musandam Restaurant International, Omani · about OMR 13 per person
Getting to Khasab
Airport: Khasab (KHS)
Getting around
- Boat
- Car Rental Self
- Speedboat
- Taxi
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Dhow cruise "extras"
Khasab harbour
A few informal operators advertise a low cruise price then add charges for lunch, snorkelling gear or the Telegraph Island stop.
How to avoid it: Confirm exactly what is included (lunch, gear, stops) in writing before you pay.
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Frequently asked questions about Khasab
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Khasab?
- The highest-rated places in our Khasab guide are Kumzar Village, Khor Najd, Telegraph Island, Khasab Castle, Bukha Fort.
- Where should I stay in Khasab?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Khasab: Khasab Town & Corniche, Zighy Bay (Dibba).
- How do I get around Khasab?
- Ways to get around Khasab covered in our guide: Boat, Self-drive car, Speedboat, Taxi.
- What scams should I watch out for in Khasab?
- Scams reported to us for Khasab include Dhow cruise "extras". Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Khasab?
- The nearest airport to Khasab has the code KHS.