Khasab, Oman – Cruise Port Guide
Khasab Fjords
Top Things to See & Do on Your Cruise Visit to Khasab, Musandam Peninsula
Khasab, known as the "Norway of Arabia," sits on the Musandam Peninsula where dramatic cliffs plunge into the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. This small, quiet town is all about scenery and seafaring — a world away from the bustle of Muscat or Dubai.
Dolphins often accompany Dhows so keep an eye out! photo: Steve Newman
🇴🇲 Oman at a Glance
Language: Arabic (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
Currency: Omani Rial (OMR). £1 ≈ 0.51 OMR | $1 ≈ 0.38 OMR | €1 ≈ 0.45 OMR
Time Zone: GST (UTC+4)
Head of State: Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said
Accessibility: Easy to explore on tours; town itself small and walkable
Safety: Very safe; modest dress recommended
Khasab Port - picture courtesy of Celestyal Cruises
🚢 Cruise Port Basics
Port: Khasab Port
Facilities: Small terminal, tourist information, taxis, limited facilities
Transport: Most visitors book excursions; taxis and small buses available
Walking: Khasab town centre is about 2 km from port — walkable in cooler months
Khasab Fort
👟 Exploring Khasab
Khasab is compact, but the real draw is out on the water and in the surrounding fjords. There are limited options for excursions in addition to those offered by the cruise lines and these are definitely best booked in advance. We recommend looking at Viator or Get Your Guide
Khasab Fort & Museum: 17th-century fort with exhibits on local life and seafaring. Easy walk from town.
Dhow Cruises through Musandam Fjords: Traditional wooden boats take you past towering cliffs, fishing villages, and dolphin pods. Trips usually include Omani coffee, dates, and a swim stop.
Dolphin Watching: Common dolphins thrive in the fjords — sightings are frequent.
Jebel Harim (Mountain of Women): 2,087m peak in the Al Hajar Mountains with breathtaking views of the peninsula. Tours often stop at traditional Bedouin villages.
A Khasabi Fjord - picture courtesy of Celestyal Cruises
🌍 Excursions & Day Trips
Full-day Dhow Cruise: Swim, snorkel, and spot dolphins while cruising the fjords.
Half-day Fjord Tour: Shorter version of the cruise, still scenic.
4x4 Safari to Al Hajar Mountains: Rugged drive to thwithe peek of Jebel Harim panoramic viewpoints and remote settlements.
Khasab Town Tour: Visit the fort, mosque exteriors, and local souk.
Al Hajar Mountains
🛍️ Shopping
Khasab Souk: Small, low-key market with dates, spices, and souvenirs.
Shopping here is limited; focus is more on experiences than retail.
🍴 Eating & Drinking
Few restaurants; most visitors eat onboard or during tours.
Local flavours: Arabic coffee, dates, and fresh fish.
Alcohol: Only available in hotels.
Most Dhow trips include refreshments photo: Steve Newman
🌦️ Climate & Packing
Best time for cruising: October–April, with pleasant 22–30°C days
Summer highs: 40°C+
Pack: Sun protection, swimwear for dhow cruises, light clothing, modest attire for visiting town
💡 Cruise Addicted Tips
Don’t miss a dhow cruise — it’s the highlight of Khasab.
Dolphins are almost guaranteed, but bring binoculars for seabirds and cliff scenery.
If you’re adventurous, opt for a 4x4 safari to Jebel Harim for jaw-dropping mountain views.
Khasab town is small; prioritise fjords and mountains over shopping.
Don’t leave it too late to plan your day There are limited options for excursions and these are definitely best booked in advance. We recommend looking at Viator or Get Your Guide
The stunning Musandam fjords are best seen from the water
✨ In short: Khasab is all about nature. With dramatic fjords, dolphins, and traditional dhows, it’s the Arabian Peninsula at its most breathtaking — calm, scenic, and unforgettable.
If we’ve encouraged you to cruise to Khasab - search for your own adventure here
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