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 clean, modern medical clinic room with advanced dental equipment and a comfortable dental chair.

Medical Care

6 min read

High Standards of Medical Care for Discerning Travelers Oman’s healthcare sector has undergone remarkable growth over the past few decades, resulting in a comprehensive system that includes both public and private facilities. The Omani government continues to invest in this area to maintain high-quality, accessible healthcare – a critical point for discerning individual travelers. Free healthcare access for Omani citizens, an extensive network of healthcare facilities, and advanced medical technologies are just a few factors that position Oman as a healthcare leader in the Middle East. Quali...

Silhouettes of two people sitting in an airport waiting area at Muscat Airport, overlooking the runway through large windows.

Muscat Airport

2 min read

Muscat International Airport (IATA code MCT) is located a few kilometers outside the capital in Seeb and was known until 2008 as Seeb International Airport. However, since people have long stopped speaking only of the city itself when referring to the capital Muscat but rather the entire capital region, it was only logical that the airport for the region was renamed accordingly. Muscat International Airport is the most important airport in Oman. It handles the largest number of passengers annually, and it is also the main hub for the international flights to Oman. From Provincial Airfield to ...

View from an airplane window showing the wing with a red heart symbol and a cloudy sky.

Flight Time Oman

1 min read

Direct Flights to Oman The flight time to Oman largely depends on your departure airport. Direct flights are available from Munich and Frankfurt to Muscat, the capital of Oman. These flights usually take about 6.5 hours. A direct flight from Cologne/Bonn to Salalah, another popular destination in Oman, takes about 8 hours. Flights with Stopover Not all airlines offer direct flights to Oman. Often, you need to plan a stopover at the respective airline's hub or at a partner airport. The total travel time then depends on the duration of this stopover. A flight with a stopover in Dubai, Abu Dh...

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!