Musandam is a pristine, magnificent Omani peninsula separated from the rest of the UAE by a strip of land. Musandam is located at the northernmost point of Oman. Bordered by two gulfs – the Arabian and the Omani, the Omani Governorate has several remarkable natural wonders and architectural treasures to share with the world. Once you’ve visited this part of the world, you will want to come back for more. The best thing is that it lies in close proximity to the UAE, and you can easily here with an Oman visa from Dubai. Here are several things to see and do in the Musandam Peninsula area.
Best Things to Do in Musandam, Oman
1. Go Camping On Jebel Harim
Image Source: marypink/flickr.com
The Jebel Harim peak stands tall and proud at 2,087 meters. It’s the highest peak in Musandam and one of the best places to visit in Oman. The name Jebel Harim literally means ‘Mountain of Women’. It’s been named this way given that during the days of piracy and colonization by the Portuguese, Omani women would hide up the mountain fearing kidnapping and molestation. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and villages from the top of this peak. You can also camp on this mountain and trek or hike to your heart’s content.
2. Splash Around In Khasab’s Golden Beaches
Image Source: Robert Haandrikman/flickr.com
Musandam, Oman, has many beaches strewn with golden sand and blessed with crystal-clear turquoise waters. The rich and varied marine life makes this place a welcome haven for divers and snorkelers. Enjoy swimming, water sports, and beach bumming on the stunning beach or go boating. You can even camp on any of Khasab’s golden beaches for the night.
3. Interact With The Friendly Dolphins Around Musandam
Image Source: Robert Haandrikman/flickr.com
Every now and then, two different kinds of dolphins pay a visit to the Musandam waters. These are the humpback dolphins (Sousa Chinensis) and the bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). The best way to meet with these dolphins and get to know them is to take a boat ride. The dolphins are friendly and curious, and they will come and say hello to your boat.
4. Enjoy A Paragliding Adventure Over Zighy Bay
Image Source: sixsenses.com
Here’s some great news for adrenaline junkies. If you think Musandam is just for beach lovers, think again. It’s one of the best-known destinations in Oman for paragliding and parasailing. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the beaches, valleys, bays, mountains and more when you’re up at that height. Get your straps and take off from the Zighy Mountain, 1,000-feet above the ground. Glide over the pristine bay and enjoy the incredible views all around.
5. Go Diving and Snorkelling In Musandam’s Crystal Clear Waters
Image Source: Keith Parker/flickr.com
Underneath the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Musandam lies a secret. Perfect reefs here house a varied marine life that any diver or snorkeler would give their eye-teeth to see. Enjoy Musandam’s hidden gems and treasures under the ocean. Khasab especially has some magnificent underwater treasures that are a must-see for divers.
6. Enjoy Multiple Adventures In The Hajar Mountains
Image Source: Mariusz Kluzniak/flickr.com
What can be more fun than a 4×4 natural rollercoaster adventure in the Hajar Mountains? These mountains have natural highs, lows, and multiple valleys, known as ‘Wadis.’ No rollercoaster could offer you the amazing views and the incredible high you’ll get when you roar in and out of the wadis.
Visit the Wilayat Khasab wadi and check out the site where the Jebel Hareem Fossils were found. These fossils of fishes and other marine animals that are 250 million years old! Wadi Shab and Wadi Rawdha have canyons with water flowing around them; try your hand at cliff jumping, canoeing, and swimming.
7. Check Out Khasab Castle
Image Source: Daniel Jo/flickr.com
Khasab Castle is located in the Musandam Peninsula’s capital, Khasab Province. The Portuguese built this castle in the 17th century as part of their undertaking to take control of the Strait of Hormuz and colonize the Khasab Province. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Arabian Gulf to the Arab Peninsula and is a prominent trading route and entry into the Arabian Gulf. The Omanis used the castle during their battles with the Portuguese in 1624, after which it became Governor Walli’s residence. The castle also served as a prison. It is now a museum with several exhibitions on the history of Musandam. There’s also an exhibition of old documents, clothes, weaponry, jewelry, and other household items from those distant times. Use our blog post as a guide and check out this wonderful museum’s secrets for yourself.
8. Sail Around Musandam’s Fjords
What could be more wonderful than a blissful sail around the fjords of Musandam on a Dhow? Enjoy the sight of the unique fjords, which are very much like those found in Sweden, Norway, and other Scandinavian countries. Don’t forget to sip a cup of the delectable Kahwa (Omani coffee) and munch on some Omani dates as you enjoy your leisurely sailing adventure. If you feel like a dip in the crystal clear water, you can ask the dhow captain to anchor for a bit. Enjoy the refreshing weather and the lovely breezes as you sail around the peninsula and back. Sailing around the fjords is one of the top things to do in Musandam, Oman.
9. Camp On The Magnificent Bassa Beach
Image Source: ttnotes.com
Visit the popular Bassa Beach whose calm and warm waters are ideal for swimming and diving. It’s a shady beach; you can camp here and have some extended family time. When it storms, the beach is full of attractive seashells – grab some treasures for your own collection! You might also spot a shark or two swimming in the shallow waters after a storm.
10. Enjoy A Dhow Boat Ride Along The Strait Of Hormuz
Nearly 30 tankers traverse the Strait of Hormuz each day. Along the strait are magnificent islands and unique rock formations that create beautiful views. The best way to enjoy the strait is to take a dhow cruise; you can take a day cruise or a night cruise, both of which are excellent. You sail from the Musandam Port and sail over to small villages such as Nadifi, Quanah, and Maqlab. Check out the old houses, the wind towers, and the cultural aspects of the villages as you pass by. The Khor Shem Fjords have rock formations that look like wild creatures. Bird watchers can have a whale of a time on Bird Island, and dolphin lovers will be amazed at how many dolphins come to say hello.
Suggested Read: Explore Jeddah: Best Things to Do and Travel PointersConclusion
Musandam is beautiful and has many scenic locations that would be perfect for any occasion. Musandam is becoming very popular as a tourist haunt because of the spectacular inlets, untouched beaches, lovely and quaint winding roads, and the thrilling wadis. It also makes one of the best day trips from Dubai. Just make sure you book your tour with the right operator, and you’re guaranteed a smooth trip without hiccups.
The crystal-clear blue water of Musandam has got me hooked. I can see swimming and snorkeling can be a joy. Can you tell me a few things abut the marine wonders to explore?
To enjoy wonderful marine wonders, visit the Telegraph Island dive site. Its calm waters and vibrant marine life make it ideal for divers of all levels. Here, you can see colorful coral gardens, clownfish, and also some gentle rays.
Wow! Musandam looks like a piece of paradise. All the activities to be enjoyed at this beautiful and adventurous spot are intriguing. I am looking forward for an outstanding adventure and relaxation.
Absolutely, Musandam is a gem! For relaxation, water adventure, and sightseeing, we recommend you to take a Musandam Dibba Cruise. The cruise will take you through rugged fjords, scenic places, and also indulge in snorkeling.
When I was on a UAE trip, I took the Musandam Dibba Cruise from Abu Dhabi. The tour operator took us in a car and handled the formalities at the border of the UAE and Oman on their own. The cruise was fantastic, and we enjoyed fjords, swimming and snorkeling, and fishing.
Glad that your Musandam Dibba Cruise was fantastic. If you haven’t tried paragliding Adventure Over Zighy Bay and a rollercoaster ride to the Hajar Mountains, contact us for these adrenaline-pumping activities.
Thanks for the post. It is a wonderful guide, providing the essence of Musandam, Oman’s beauty. The highlighted activities are exciting, promising an enriching experience for anyone planning a visit to this captivating destination.
I never knew that Musandam would be so beautiful. All I had in my mind about Oman is unending desert stretched up to miles and miles. You blog is an eye-opener for me.
Like you, many are unaware about Musandam. This magnificent peninsula of Oman has alluring natural wonders and magnificent architectures that will leave your shocked.
I am elated to see the many outdoor activities visitors can enjoy in Musandam, Oman. All the activities are so enticing that I am confused which one to chose.
Musandam is a paradise for nature lovers. You will love driving through the winding roads of Jebel Harim, which is called the Mountain of Women. After reaching to the top, the panoramic views of the valleys will be a rewarding experience for you. Moreover, you will also get to see ancient fossils.
I am fortunate to have visited Musandam, Oman. I took a Dhow cruise tour and was overwhelmed by the beauty of this region. I literally felt like sailing in one of the Scandinavian countries.
Sailing around the fjords of Musandam on a Dhow is an unforgettable experience.
The Bassa Beach looks impressive. What is the shade that cover a major part of the beach? Is it because of a mountain?
You’re right! The Bassa Beach is covered by mountains.
Do you arrange paragliding adventure, diving and snorkelling, and mountain safari in Musandam, Oman?
We are expert in organizing all these adventures and would gladly do it for you.
Will it be safe to camp at Jebel Harim?
Yes! It is safe camping at Jebel Harim.
I wish I had read this blog when I was vacationing in the UAE. That way, I wouldn’t have missed this wonderful venue. Thanks for the beautiful photographs and engaging write up.
You’ll get ample opportunities to make it out.