Khasab (Musandam)

November through March, when temperatures are mild and the air is clear enough to see across the strait, especially up in the mountains. Summer (June-August) is very hot and humid on the coast, making boat trips and mountain safaris uncomfortable, and some operators scale back schedules.

• Traditional dhow cruise through the Musandam khors (Khor ash Sham) for dolphin watching and a snorkeling stop at Telegraph Island
• 4x4 mountain safari to Jebel Harim, Musandam's highest peak, with a stop at a marine fossil wall millions of years old
• Old Portuguese-era Khasab Castle overlooking the harbor, with a small museum
• Khasab Corniche: an evening stroll past fishing boats and seafood grills with sunset over the khor's mouth
• Khasab Souq for frankincense, spices, and traditional fishing/diving gear
• Optional speedboat day trip to the remote village of Kumzar, home to the unique Kumzari language
• Overnight dhow camping under the stars for those extending the boat trip

Families: Atana Musandam Resort is the standout option in town, with a pool, family rooms, and easy walking distance to the corniche and fort. Couples: the same resort, requesting a sea- or mountain-view room - Khasab has very few hotels, so don't expect much variety. Budget: small guesthouses and rest houses in the town center near the corniche, far cheaper than the resort and perfectly fine for travelers spending most of their time out on tours.

Book your dhow cruise and mountain safari with a well-known, reviewed operator - several unlicensed outfits cancel abruptly or overcrowd their boats. Bring seasickness tablets if you're prone to it, since the initial 20-30 minutes heading out toward the khors can be choppy before the water calms. Pack a light jacket for Jebel Harim even in winter - the summit is noticeably cooler and windier than the coast. Fill water bottles before heading up the mountain, as there are no shops along the safari route. Avoid summer entirely - extreme heat and humidity ruin both boat trips and mountain outings. If driving in from the UAE via Ras Al Khaimah, keep your passport and vehicle insurance documents ready, as border processing can take one to two hours, especially on holidays. The souq and some shops close Friday mornings for prayers, so plan that visit for the evening.

2-3 days

Suggested plan:

1. Day 1: Arrive via the land border from Ras Al Khaimah or through Khasab Airport, settle into your hotel, then stroll the corniche and visit the fort and local souq at sunset
2. Day 2: Full-day dhow cruise through the Musandam khors - dolphin watching, a snorkeling stop at Telegraph Island, and a traditional Omani lunch on board
3. Day 3: 4x4 mountain safari to Jebel Harim via the Bedouin village of Sayah and the fossil wall, or an optional speedboat trip to Kumzar village before departing