Let’s discover the Best things to do on the Musandam Peninsula.
Discover the jewel of nature, called the ‘fjords of Oman’.
Let me show you why you should not miss the place and how you can visit it, including great dhow cruise options.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Oman:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Oman: DiscoverCars
My favorite adventure from Muscat: Dolphin and Snorkeling
My favorite excursion from Muscat: Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole
My favorite places to stay:
- Muscat, the capital – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: The Chedi
- Sur, for the turtles – see the best rated hotels
- Khasab, Musandam peninsula – see the best rated hotels
- Wahiba Sands, in the desert – see the best rated hotels or my favorite camp: Desert Nights Resort
Why visit the Musandam Peninsula?
For the unique scenery
It is difficult to put words on why you should visit the Musandam. It is such a unique landscape!
Colorful fjord-looking mountains dropping into intense blue waters where dolphins like jumping in front of boats!
Here is a selection of pictures that might help you understand why I mean:
This is why it is also called the ‘Norway of Arabia’. But those mountains are not actually fjords as they were not carved by glacier but shaped by the movement of the Earth crust.
For the authenticity
Especially if you are visiting from the UAE and not from the rest of Oman.
Even though the Musandam Peninsula is welcoming more and more tourists, the harsh environment remains mostly wild with only few villages here and there in the mountains.
It sure offers a big contrast with the huge shopping mall of the UAE city.
People often say that it is the best part of their stay in Dubai. But check out Arzo’s Dubai itinerary for more ideas here.
How to visit Musandam Dibba Oman?
Where is the Musandam Peninsula?
The Musandam Peninsula is a governorate of the Sultanate of Oman.
But it is not adjacent to its mainland.
It is located at the tip of the United Arab Emirates, not far from Dubai and at the strategic location of the straight of Ormuz.
How to get to the Musandam Peninsula?
3 main options to reach Khasab, the main town in the Musandam Governorate:
- By Plane
Oman Air completes daily short flights from Muscat to Khasab. It is fast, practical and reasonably priced.
The flight lasts 1h10min
- By Boat
Ferries are run by the National Ferries Compay (NFC) between cities in the Khasab peninsula and between Muscat and Khasab.
At the moment, they run 3 trips a week from Muscat and 2 returns a week.
You would have to contact them directly to book.
The ferry takes 6 hours to connect the 2 cities.
- By Car
Or you can arrive on land for more flexibility.
Khasab is only a 3h drive from Dubai (but plan some extra time to cross the border) – It is very appreciated as a day trip from Dubai or as a long weekend getaway to Khasab. See further down more details about day trips. Or check out the options here.
And if you want to drive from Muscat, you will have to go through the UAE.
It will 6h30 take you to drive from Muscat to Khasab (plus the time to go through the Borders into and out of the UAE)
How to explore the peninsula
Self-drive
- The coast is easy to drive – 2WD sufficient
- If you want to explore inland, and go up in the mountains, you will need a 4WD
Need to rent a car in Oman?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Choose a car with enough power for the mountain roads
- Consider their full coverage option – for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
By Boat
Of course, the peninsula is famous for its ‘Fjords’ – so booking a boat tour is a MUST.
Learn more, further down in the article about your options.
By organized tours
You don’t have to drive and get a 4WD.
There are guided tours possible, in the town of Khasab, in the mountains or along the coast.
Staying Overnight?
Are you staying overnight to have time to discover both the waters and the mountains? Great!
There is not a large choice of hotels in Musandam since many people do day tours from Dubai. One of the best rated accommodations is the Atana Musadam Resort. Guests appreciate the friendliness of the staff, the sea views and the pools as you can see in the picture above.
Check out photos and availability
Or see best rated accommodations in Khasab
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Best things to do on Musandam Peninsula
Here is a summary of the best places to visit.
#1 – The fjords & Dhow Cruises
This is the main interest of a visit to the peninsula.
You can book just a cruise on a traditional Dhow Boat. Relax on the deck, go for a swim, admire the dolphins… or simply admire the mountains reaching 2000m in the distance! This is unforgettable.
Dhows are traditional Omani boats and they take you on a cruise to admire the fjord-like mountains, see the dolphins jump and snorkel in the beautiful waters to admire the abundant colorful fishes.
Some companies also propose diving options, kayaking, and 2 day tours with overnight camping.
#2 – The mountains & 4WD safaris
For those who get seasick or want another view of the Peninsula away from everyone, you can go on a Mountain Safari.
It will lead you to some of the best views in the area in the north or in the South.
Away from the crowds, you will drive through a magnificent wadis and discover the Omani way of life.
#3 – Khasab city and fort
If you are staying a couple of days and want something a little bit different, you can explore the main city of the peninsula and learn more about its history.
Explore the famous Portuguese Khasab Fort with its museum full of cultural items.
You may also stop at Wadi Tawi to see prehistoric rock paintings.
Musandam Trips From Dubai
Musandam is a popular day trip from Dubai.
Tours are organised to help you:
- Make the drive without being tired by the driving (3 hours each way)
- Crossing the border
- Exploring the peninsula
- Enjoying a boat tour
Several tours can be booked covering either the waterside or the mountain side.
Don’t forget your passport to cross the border in each direction and be ready for a long day!
Want to see more of Oman?
- Best things to do in Oman – read article
- Best of photos from Oman – Landscapes – read article
- Where to stay in Oman – read article
- Best days trips from Muscat – read article
- Planning a road trip in Oman – read article
- Renting a car and driving in Oman – read article
- Best things to do in Muscat – read article
- The impressive Wadi Shab – read article
- The Bimmah Sinkhole – read article
- The desert of Wahiba Sands – read article
- The Ras Al Jinz turtle reserves – read article
Planning a trip to Oman?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Oman thanks to my guide
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 190+ pre-selected locations
- Tips to make the most of your time
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- 100+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
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Your hotel link goes to the sister hotel Atana Khasab Hotel. I would agree that the Atana Musandam Hotel is new and nicer. The staff are very friendly, the only issue is its a dry hotel.
Corrected. Thanks
wow, thanks for sharing such a nice place, i should visit Musandam and dhow cruise trip too.