THE WILD WEST OF THE MIDDLE EAST

Cruise to Khasab, Oman

Located at the top of the Musandam peninsula, the small town of Khasab is defined by its rugged scenery. The town is squeezed between dramatic, bare mountains — head on a kayak tour of the harbor to get up close to the Oman Fjords, the cliffs that tower over these inlets of clear-blue water. Visit Khasab Castle, constructed the Portuguese in the 1600s: Inside, there's a museum recreating Omani life from that period. Then, browse the small shops in the lively new souq, the traditional market in the center of town. Finish your day by relaxing on Khasab Beach, or head out on a traditional dhow sailboat to catch a glimpse of the dolphins that inhabit these waters.

National Language Arabic

Currency Accepted Omani Rial (OMR)

Things To Do in Khasab

Interior of the Khasab castle in Oman

Castle in the Sand

Visit Khasab Castle, a large stone fort built by the Portuguese colonists in the 17th century. Check out the distinctive cylindrical central tower, and see the museum inside, displaying jewelry, rugs and other antique items from the period when the fort was built. Outside, you can see large wooden dhows, a type of wooden fishing sailboat traditional to the area.

A traditional dhow boat cruising through the water

Arabian Fjords

Experience a breathtaking harbor tour on a traditional Omani dhow to see Musandam's longest and most spectacular fjord, also known as the Norway of Arabia. Admire the views of towering mountains and small fishing villages. Go swimming or snorkeling in the calm turquoise waters, and watch dolphins swim past.

Raw Nature

Explore the peninsula on a mountain safari, a tour with a 4WD. Visit Khor An Najd, a beautiful bay with a stunning viewpoint at the top of the graded road. Then continue the spectacular road to Jebel Harim (Mountain of Women) to soak in the scenery of limestone formations and crescent-shaped canyons.

Local Cuisine

In the Khasab center, you'll find a number of local restaurants serving simple, traditional fare. Try grilled local prawns or comforting madrouba, a porridge from soft rice, chicken and spices. Fill up on meshkak (grilled meat kebabs) or shuwa, slow-cooked lamb or other meat with cumin, cloves and other spices, served over basmati rice. Finish off with halwa, a sweet custard made with eggs, honey, rose water, nuts and spices.

Shopping

Browse the small shops in the souq (market) area in the center of town. Buy some fresh palm dates to take home, or pick up a traditional handcrafted walking stick inlaid with silver. The shop at Khasab Castle also carries local Musandam and Omani handicrafts, including silver brooches and colorful clay jugs.