Top 4 Water Adventure in Oman

Dhow Cruises

Cruising through the northern Musandam Peninsula’s dolphin-dotted “Fjords of Arabia” (ruus al jebel) on a traditional wooden dhow boat is an idyllic and eco-friendly way to explore Oman. From Khasab, a small fishing port and Musandam’s principle town, dhows set out on day, overnight or weekend cruises to the picturesque inlet of Khawr Ash Shamm, Telegraph Island or the cliffside village of Kumzar.

For history buffs, the coastal town of Sur, in Oman’s northeast, has long been an important centre for dhow construction: It is said that dhows built here were sailing to mainland China as far back as the eighth century. Today, visitors may take in the local shipyards, which are still active, as well as Sur’s new Maritime Museum.

Canoeing

As many of the Musandam Peninsula’s fjords are sheltered, they provide ideal canoeing conditions. Visitors may paddle to isolated fishing villages and deserted bays. Various local outfits offer guided kayak tours of the coastline, stopping to swim at deserted white sand beaches en route.

Cruising

Muscat, Salalah and Khasab are on the cruise Itineraries of more than a dozen cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, Voyages to Antiquity, Regent Seven Seas, Cunard, MSC and Holland America. However, Oman is still off-the-beaten track for cruising, so expect far fewer crowds as well as plenty of untouched scenery.

                                              

Water Sports

Most hotels can arrange water sports such as windsurfing and water-skiing, including equipment hire. For serious surfers and kite-surfers, Oman’s top spots include Asilah and Masirah Island. Game fishing is also rapidly gaining popularity with catches such as marlin and tuna. The waters off of the Khuriya Muriya Islands and Masirah Island are specially suited to this sport. To the north, Dibba on the Musandam Peninsula is particularly well known for fly-fishing.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om