The Musamdam peninsula
Your adventure begins in the evening on a sandy beach under a blanket of stars. From here you will be welcomed on board a traditional dhow boat from which you will explore every corner of Sham Bay. Discover the beautiful seabed, go snorkelling and try to catch tasty fish to add to your meals. If you are lucky, humpback dolphins, common in this region, will greet and follow you.
This trip has been designed for travelers exploring Oman or the United Arab Emirates, who want to discover the unique and wonderful Musandam peninsula for a weekend or a little longer. A guaranteed change of scenery and an unforgettable adventure awaits.
Itinerary
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Day 1 Meet in Dubaï
We will greet you in Dubai. Transfer by private vehicle to Khasab where our traditional dhow boat awaits. Night at anchor in the clear blue waters of the Persian Gulf.
Accommodation: On board
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Day 2 Dubaï - Khasab - Khor Ash Sham Fjord
The gentle rays of sun light wake us; we are in Sham Bay. We are privileged to be at the passage near to the sugar loaf which marks the entry into the fjords of Arabia - this is a perfect place to observe dolphins swimming in the eddies. Enjoy a swimming break to discover the rich local marine fauna. Then, we sail towards the bottom of the bay, the throne, the island of Sibi. A second snorkeling break here is a must, it is not uncommon to see eagle rays in this area.
The small crew take care to prepate a fresh and varied buffet for lunch. Maybe you can provide the catch of the day!
This evening, we disembark on a beautiful sandy beach in the area of Fanakhah. From here we see the Persian Gulf on the horizon and approximately of Iran, one hundred kilometers away.Breakfast and lunch on board. Dinner and overnight in tents on a sandy beach.
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Day 3 Return to Khasab and transfer to Dubai
After a good breakfast, a fast boat takes us back to Khasab in around 15 minutes. This trip enables us to observe, one last time, the lively cormorants who reside in the cliffs. In Khasab, we are met by our driver and escorted back to Dubai, you can be dropped off wherever you wish.
Route, distances and sailing times are customizable.
Please note that this itinerary, including walking distances and times, is indicative. Our guides aim to provide the adventure that is best suited to the weather, your interests and the demands of the group. Please be aware that in order to achieve this, changes to the programme may be made.
Period & budget
When to travel?
The best period for travelling is during the following months:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Price
Prices start from €450 per person.
The budget is an indication of the price per person, subject to availability. Your local agent will send you a customized quote with the exact price. The price can vary according to availability, level of services, period of travel, number of participants, booking time frame and other items.
Included
- All transfers as detailed in itinerary
- Full board excluding meals in Dubai
- Your private use of our traditional dhow boat
- Accompaniment by a captain and cook
- Camping equipment for you night on the beach
Not included
- Flights and air taxes
- Your Oman visa: around €15, you can reserve this online at https://evisa.rop.gov.om before your depart
- Accommodation in Dubai
- Snorkelling equipment
- Tips, drinks and personal expenses
Notes
This program is available year round. Do not hesitate to demand a quote for your dates.
Possible adaptations:
- Pick up at Khasab airport (in case you come from Muscat) - applied reduction.
- Extension of your stay in a dhow or a day +/or night to visit the village of Kumzar (the guardians of the Strait of Ormuz) - additional supplement.
- We can also organize a night in the sand desert of Rub al Khali when returning to Dubai - consult us.
Terms and conditions
Booking conditions
Booking a trip with Altaï Oman implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 30% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.
Invoice procedure
Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. Altaï Oman reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.
Cancellation policy
If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, Altaï Oman require written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:
- Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
- Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
- Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
- Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
- Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained
Special cases:
Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.
- Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan.
- Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.
- Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.
Please note that fees apply according to the date Altaï Oman receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.
If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.
Changes to travel contract
If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact us in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Altaï Oman may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.
Pricing
The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. We reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.
Contract transfer
If you are unable to travel for any reason with Altaï Oman, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you take out personal travel insurance for your trip with Altaï Oman as soon as your booking is confirmed. We advice you to purchase a travel insurance policy which covers flight cancellations, luggage loss and emergency health care. Please look carefully at which activities are covered by your insurer and do not forget to bring all necessary documents and information with you (name of the company, name of the contract, insurance policy number, telephone number...)
Practical info
Staff
This is a self-guided trip supported by a local English-speaking captain and cook on board.
Food
Your hosts will provide local cuisine. Meals consist of fresh seasonal products including houmous, pita breads and fresh fish caught daily (perhaps by yourself!)
Soft drinks are available to purchase on board.
Accommodation
Camping: We provide quality tents, sleeping matts and blankets.
On board: We sleep on the deck on comfortable mattresses.
Basic toilet facilities and an on-deck freshwater hose to shower/rinse off after swimming.
Transportation
Your belongings will be transported on board the dhow boat and then installed at your camp.
A boat will pick us up at the end of the journey to take us back to Khasab.
Between Khasab and Dubai, we travel by minibus.
Budget & exchange
The official currency is the Omani Rial (OMR) and the United Arab Emirates dirham (AED) is commonly used in Musandam.
Visit http://www.xe.com for the latest currency converter and exchange rates. ATMs are fairly common, we advise you to use Dirham and to withdraw money at Dubai Airport.
Tips
Tipping is always appreciated - it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual. We recommend an amount between 35 and 45 € per participant according your satisfaction and the attention to detail of your local team.
Supplied equipment
- A quality tent per two people
- A comfortable sleeping matt for on the deck of the dhow and in your tent
- Equipment on board the dhow
Vital equipment
This kit list is for all seasons - you may not need all of the warm clothes listed.
Important
- A sleeping bag - comfort 10°C
- Quality sunglasses (filter lenses)
- Water bottle(s) - min 1L
- Sun cream - waterproof
- Head torch and spare batteries
- Personal toiletries - think small and biodegradable if possible, shampoo for saltwater recommended
- Toilet paper
From head to toe
- A sunhat
- T-shirts - some long-sleeved for the sun - synthetic, fast drying materials
- A warm jacket for evenings by the sea
- A lightweight wind proof waterproof jacket - breathable (Gore-Tex...)
- Light weight trousers or cropped pants
- Sarongs / long skirts for women are welcomed
- Socks - for walking
Shoes
- Sports sandals are great in the water and for camping on the beach
For Kayaking
- A swim suit
- Swimming shorts
- Rash vest / lyra t-shirt
- Shoes which can go in the water
- A small towel - fast drying micro fibre towel recommended
- Snorkelling equipment - mask, snorkel and flippers
Helpful equipment
- A pocket knife
- A personal first aid kit
- Wet wipes
- Anti bacterial hand gel
- Matches / a lighter
Luggage
Your luggage will follow you for the duration of your stay.
Medicine
We recommend that you bring a small personal first aid kit containing any medication you may need such as inhalers, plasters, antiseptic, painkillers, anti-diarrhea medication, antibacterial hand gel, eye drops, anti inflammatories...
Passport
To visit Oman, travellers may need a passport which is vaild for at least six months after the last day of their stay, It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements and please be aware that proof of onwards travel may be required.
Visa
It is your responsibility to confirm your specific visa requirements.
Express and tourist visas are available for download before your trip at https://evisa.rop.gov.om and will be accepted at the Oman Customs.
To complete the electronic visa application, the following steps must be followed:
Attention the visa is valid 1 month from the date of issue, so do not apply too far in advance.
- Go to https://evisa.rop.gov.om
- Click register as user
- Fill in the details
- Apply for visa
- Payment (Up to 10 days: 5 Omani Rials, around 12 euros depending on the exchange rate)
Please note that this website is designed and managed directly by the Omani Police. For e-visa assistance please contact: L1.SGS.Oman@sita.aeroor +968 99537194.
Visas for the United Arab Emirates can generally be acquired in-country and are free.
Mandatory vaccines
Recommended vaccinations include: Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
Malaria, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines are also advised.
Health information & recommendations
It is your responsibility to check that your personal health insurance covers everything in this trip. A consultation with your doctor is a prerequisite for any trip. Due to the remote location of this trip we must stress the difficulty of an emergency evacuation, radio connection is almost non-existand and health centres are often very far away.
Weather
The Sultanate of Oman is relatively mild in the winter. In the mountains, there are large temperature variations between day and night. At sea level the evenings are pleasant. Thunderstorms are possible in the winter.
Electricity
In Oman, type C / G plugs are used.
Please note that you will not have access to electricity when camping. A small powerbank can be useful for recharging cameras or phones.
Local time
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)/ Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +4. Daylight Saving Time (DST) is not observed here.
Sustainable tourism
Altaï always aims to have as little impact on the environment as possible. As adventure and wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the world, we take responsible tourism very seriously.
Since the beginning, we have advocated for responsible tourism and the importance of equitable and sustainable principles. Harmonising these fundamentals ensures a fair distribution of economic benefits, improved working conditions for local teams and an increased awareness of the importance and practice of environmental protection.
We kindly request that you adopt the following simple actions when travelling with Altaï Oman in order to support our ethical, sustainable and responsable tourism policies:
Culture
The Omanais are very welcoming and smiling by nature but keeps keep their distance, not out of spite towards tourists but out of wisdom and respect. It is very important to be respectful of places of worship and to wear non-provocative clothing as is custom here.
Leave No Trace
This ethical code can be summarized in 7 simple steps which we hope you will follow during ourtrip...
1. Be prepared
2. Stick to trails and camp overnight right
3. Stash your trash and pick up waste
4. Leave it as you find it
5. Be careful with fire
6. Respect wildlife
7. Be considerate of other visitors
Litter
The ecological balance of this region is precarious and garbage degradation is almost zero. Each visitor is responsible for the cleanliness and condition of the places visited and camping locations used. Let's leave the landscape as pristine as we had the pleasure of finding it. These are completely wild and uninhabited places so no cleaning is provided by the local authorities. We count on your involvement to leave the place as clean as possible after your visit. If rubbish is washed ashore by the sea let's leave the beach cleaner than we found it!
Over the years we have built up good relations with our local suppliers and we are keen to support local businesses as much as possible. We are a small company with a local basecamp so we have no need for mliddlemen; we pay our local partners and suppliers directly insuring fair rates for everyone.
Our small group sizes not only provide a more intimate adventure but also cause less impact on the environment and local communities.
We expect all who travel with us to support and uphold our Sustainable and Responsible Tourism philosophies.
My local agent
Mohamed
- Sea kayaking specialist
- Qualified expert guide
- Passionate about the local people and wildlife in Oman
- Region
- Musandam
- Activity
- Traditional Sailing
- Duration
- 3 days
- Code
- POLIB-UK
- Price
- From €450
- Level
- 1/5
- Comfort
- 2/5
Strengths
- Discover the wild unspoiled Khor Ash Sham
- Private use of a traditional dhow boat
- Fresh local cuisine prepared by your own chef