Musandam: the Norway of Arabia

Separated from the rest of Oman by the UAE, the Musandam Peninsula sits at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula on the Strait of Hormuz. Here, jagged mountains plunge straight into the sea and form dramatic fjords, or khors. Tiny fishing villages can only be reached by boat. The scenery is so striking that Musandam is often called the Norway of Arabia.

Top things to see and do

• Dhow cruise: Spend a day sailing through Khor Ash Sham on a traditional dhow, with swimming and snorkeling stops.
• Dolphin watching: Dolphins often swim alongside the boats in the fjords.
• Telegraph Island: See the remains of a 19th-century British telegraph station on a small island in the fjord.
• Khasab Castle: Visit the restored fort in the main town of Khasab.
• Mountain drive to Jebel Harim: A 4×4 trip into the mountains offers breathtaking views over the fjords.

Best time to visit

The most pleasant months are October to April, when the weather is warm and the sea is calm.

Getting there

You can fly from Muscat to Khasab in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Alternatively, travel by road through the UAE, which takes around 6 hours and requires border crossings and the correct visas. We can help you plan the best option.

Travel tips

• If travelling by road, check visa and car insurance rules for crossing into and out of the UAE.
• Bring swimwear, a towel and sun protection for the dhow cruise.
• Seasickness is rare in the calm fjords, but bring tablets if you are sensitive.

Explore Musandam with Gotour

Join a private tour with a local guide, or combine Musandam with other highlights of Oman on a multi-day trip. See our tours or contact us to plan your trip.

Photos: Robert Haandrikman (CC BY 2.0), A.wahid47 (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Jc8136 (CC BY-SA 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons.