Seating area with cushions on a boat overlooking a calm body of water with distant mountains.

Fjorde & Dhow

Written by: Luca Krohn Last updated at: May 21, 2025

One of the most famous images from Musandam is the fjord-like bays that can be found in many places along the steep coast; breathtaking cliffs that plunge into the sea and create pictures that inevitably remind some travelers of Norway. No wonder that Musandam has earned the nickname 'Norway of the Middle East'. These beauties can be experienced and learned about in various ways.

Experience the fjords up close

Anyone visiting Khasab will quickly notice that the capital of Musandam has quite a bit to offer, but is not necessarily suitable for a longer stay – unless one wants to use their accommodation in Khasab to explore the beautiful surroundings and coastal regions of Musandam. For example, a whole range of jeep and bus tours to the bays and fjords along the coast are offered. On these trips, one can gain a deep insight into the beauty of the country and will quickly realize that Oman has much more to offer in terms of natural beauty than one might think.

The second option is a classic one, used by the locals for several centuries. Taking a Dhow boat into one of the fjords is one of the things a traveler from Khasab should definitely do. Unlike other types of ships, the Dhow is not a fixed ship category. More than 50 ship types carry the name Dhow, even if they only somewhat resemble each other in construction. These are sailing ships of various sizes, which feature several characteristic traits, such as the trapezoidal sails. Dhows come as single, double, and triple masted. The ship type, which probably originates from ancient India and gradually flooded into the Arab world, is today a popular means of transportation when one wants to make the trip interesting and enjoyable for tourists. Sailing back from a fjord to Khasab on a Dhow at sunset is a dream that definitely makes the hearts of many romantics and nature lovers beat faster.

Cruising past the fjords of Musandam

Cruise lines like Costa have long recognized Khasab as a port for their Orient cruises and have come to appreciate it. Anyone deciding on an Orient cruise with a stay in Khasab will also pass by some fjords on the onward journey and will be able to admire the beauty of this coastal region at least from a distance.

Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home

Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.

We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.

From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.

You might also like this

A young woman in graduation attire standing outdoors among trees, smiling at the camera.

Universities

2 min read

Even at the time of his rise to power, Sultan Qaboos had a clear vision of how he wanted to make his country and its people future-proof. And indeed, in almost 50 years of governance, he succeeded in ushering in and advancing an era of development and modernization in Oman. Improving educational opportunities in the country is a key contributor to Oman's success. An important building block for this are the universities. The only state university in the country is Sultan Qaboos University, which was opened in 1986. Today, in addition to this, there are various private universities in the count...

An older man with a white beard, wearing traditional Omani attire and a cap, sitting against a textured wall with a pillow behind him in a market.

Life Expectancy in Oman

2 min read

In the Arab world, the life expectancy of people is usually not comparable to that of Western Europe or North America. There are various reasons for this. However, in Oman, life expectancy has come remarkably close to that of the Western world in recent decades. In 2015, it was 76 years – the average of both genders. Comparing life expectancy to just about 30 years earlier, it was only 41 years. A change as striking and rapid as the overall development of the Sultanate on the Persian Gulf. Why has life expectancy improved? There are several answers to this. The simplest is: The government of...

A coastal city with ships docked along the shoreline and a distant mountain range or desert in the background.

Oman’s Landscapes

7 min read

Oman stands out with its incredible natural diversity, setting itself apart from many other Arab countries. Far from the stereotype of endless desert landscapes, Oman offers a surprising blend of majestic mountains, vast sand dunes, turquoise coastlines, and lush, fertile plains. Spanning over 309,500 square kilometers, the country boasts natural wonders from the towering peaks of the Hajar Mountains to the tropical regions of Dhofar in the south. Oman is especially captivating for independent travelers seeking unique encounters with nature. Northern gems like Jabal Shams, the expansive deser...

Why book with the Oman specialist

On site

Own Canvas Club team with office in Muscat and Salalah. We know all tour guides for many years, all services on site come from us - from one source!

Expertise

Every travel consultant has already lived in Oman for several years. We know all the hotels and highlights of the country personally! And are several times a year on the spot.

Hotel product

Own luxury desert camp 'Canvas Club' in the Wahiba Sands desert with exclusive benefits for our clients

Network

Attractive prices and exclusive benefits through long-standing, trusting partnerships with local hoteliers and service providers.

Accessibility

Contactable 7 days a week via all common communication channels - 24h emergency number on site.

Personal

Each trip is individually worked out and 100% tailored to your needs!