Oman Fjords

We depart from our hotel and travel to Khor Ash Sham, the largest of the fjords in the Musandam Peninsula. As we set off towards the fishing village of Nadifi, the first thing you notice is the sheer size of what you are entering. From Nadifi, we head out on our first swim of the trip, across Nadifi Bay and then back along the khor’s southern shoreline until we reach the remote outpost of Qanaha. In this isolated location, the local dialect, Kumzari, is generally spoken, which sounds distinctly more like Farsi than Arabic, and is another reminder of the wide range of influences which have helped to shape the culture in this part of the world.

After a lunch of delicious local food on board our dhow, we attempt our first crossing of the khor by swimming from Qanaha to Khor Point. It’s a stunning crossing of Khor Ash Sham. In the middle of the crossing, you can see down the entire length of the khor for the first time.

On arrival back at our hotel overlooking the sea, we carry out a stroke technique session and video analysis in the hotel pool, complete with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

We leave the hotel and head east again, passing our swim locations from yesterday. Our first port of call is to the small coastal hamlet of Maqleb. From here we swim directly across to Telegraph Island, the old British repeater station. On reaching the island we get out at the steps and explore this old symbol of the Empire. We take lunch on the island and enjoy unrivalled views along the Khor.

The swim in the afternoon starts from Telegraph Island; we swim across to Sham, one of the area’s larger settlements on the north side of the khor. This part of the khor is one of the most likely areas to spot the spinner dolphin, which is local to these fjords.

The morning is taken up with a five-bay hop, as we cross between peninsulas before ending up at Seebi Island, famous for its golden white sands. You can see the bottom the entire way around on our circumnavigation and there are a number of get-out points along the way.

In the afternoon we cross to the remote cove of Shisah, where a pod of the local spinner dolphins can often be found. The cove’s blue azure waters are a fitting end to a wonderful day of khor swimming.

We’re up early this morning as we travel down the entire length of Khor Ash Sham, a distance of over 20 kilometres. The red rock Hajar mountains appear as an impenetrable barrier before us. We travel to the most remote village in the khor, Seebi, where the water is generally at its clearest.

From here, we swim along the coastline, where the cliffs literally plunge down into the sea. We pass Turtle Rock as well as swim under the imposing cliff face of Mount Seebi. After lunch, taken on board the dhow, there is an opportunity to walk up the side of the narrow isthmus which separates the Persian Gulf (Khor Ash Sham) from the Gulf of Oman (Khor Najd). It is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular views in the whole of the Middle East.

After finishing our last swim we jump back onto the boat and enjoy a cruise for the final time past this magnificent land and seascape.

After the exertions of the week, it’s time for a relaxing swim directly in front of our hotel. We head towards Bassa Beach, which is a popular spot with local swimmers. After a brief stop, we swim back to the hotel, thus bringing to an end this unique swimming trip in the fjords of Musandam.

Equipment Checklist

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

**It can often be quite cool on the dhow and in the evenings, so we also recommend bringing a few extra layers to put on after your swims and during evening meals.

***Please bring an outfit that covers from your shoulders down to your knees out of respect for the culture of Oman.

Note: Your normal swimwear will be perfectly suitable for the swims but a long sleeved rash vest is always a good idea for extra UV protection!

Please note that SwimTrek will supply swim hats and provide water and electrolyte drinks in shared water bottles on your safety boat. If you prefer to use your own drink bottle, please feel free to bring one along. If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you.

Swimming Distances

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Walking Distances

There are small walks on this trip which are mainly to get us to and from the start and finish of a swim. Most walks take place on recognised paths and tracks, however there may be cases where we walk along trails or other unsealed surfaces and care should be taken in these areas.

Due to the inaccessibility of the fjords, the walking is limited. The one walk is a steep walk up the side of the isthmus separating Khor Ash Sham from Khor Najd. Good trainers or walking sandals would be required. There is always the option of not going on the walks should you so wish.

Temperatures

• Please note that these temperature are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size and Boat Support

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat support on this trip includes one main boat (a traditional local dhow) and two inflatable boats to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides and a local boat pilot. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

While there are various options for travelling to Khasab at the start of your trip, we recommend flying into Dubai and catching the SwimTrek transfer which departs from Dubai International Airport, Terminal 1, at 10:30 on Day 1 of your trip.

While we have outlined various travel options below, they are subject to change and should be used as a guide only. We suggest that you use SkyScanner to search for alternative flight options for this trip. Whichever route you choose to take, we recommend confirming your flights and other travel arrangements as early as possible in order to avoid price rises and availability issues.

Travel Via Dubai, UAE

To search for available flights into Dubai International Airport, please visit SkyScanner.

Designated Transfer - Dubai Airport to Khasab

SwimTrek offers a transfer from Dubai International Airport (Terminal 1) to your accommodation in Oman which leaves at 10:30 on Day 1 of the trip. The transfer takes approximately 3-4 hours, however, please be aware that this journey time can vary considerably due to possible delays at the UAE/Oman border. If you would like to join this transfer, please contact the SwimTrek office with your flight details prior to your trip. Please note that the cost of the transfer varies depending on the number of travellers and must be paid locally, using the local currency (Omani Rial). Please note that the prices below are for a one-way transfer from Dubai International Airport to Atana Khasab Hotel, Oman.

Private Transfer - Dubai International Airport to Khasab

If your travel plans do not coincide with the designated SwimTrek transfer, it is possible to arrange a private transfer through our partners in Oman. To book a private transfer, please email the team at Dolphin Travel via: dolphint@omantel.net.om.

Return Transfers - Khasab to Dubai International Airport

A return transfer from Khasab to Dubai International Airport is available on the final day of your trip and can be arranged with your fellow guests once you are in Oman. Please note that this transfer generally arrives at Dubai International Airport at approximately 12:00, however, it is subject to delays at the UAE/Oman border and your arrival time cannot be guaranteed.

Please note that you will need to allow enough time to check out of the hotel with enough time to catch this transfer back to Dubai and it may be best to arrange this with the hotel reception the night before your departure.

Travel Via Muscat, Oman

It is possible to travel to Khasab by flying into Muscat and then catching a connecting flight or ferry to Khasab. Please note that this option is often longer and more expensive than travelling via Dubai.

To search for available flights into Muscat, please visit SkyScanner.

From Muscat, you can also catch a domestic flight to Khasab with Oman Air, which has a journey time of approximately one hour.

Muscat to Khasab - Bus and Ferry

It is also possible to book a bus and ferry from Muscat to Khasab which takes approximately 7-8 hours. Please note that this bus/ferry service does not run every day. For schedules departures and other timetable information, please visit: NFC.

Accommodation

Perched on a rock face, the Atana Khasab Hotel is a 4-star resort offering panoramic views of the Strait of Hormuz and the spectacular Musandam shoreline. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and en suite bathrooms and are sold on a twin-share basis. There are a limited number of single supplement rooms which can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability.

Meals

All breakfasts and lunches are included in the price of your trip, however, please note that evening meals are at your own expense. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to either eat at the hotel restaurant or explore and experience the local cafes and restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip. The price for eating out in Khasab varies considerably depending on the restaurant. The average price of a two-course dinner in Khasab town is around 5OMR (£8) while at the hotel, the price is closer to 15OMR (£25).

Extra Expenses

You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as dinners, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc. The local currency is the Omani Rial.

Passports and Visas

The Musandam Peninsula, including Khasab, is part of Oman. Non-Omani citizens require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. All visitors require an Omani visa to enter the country. Citizens of 33 countries, including all E.U. member states, U.S.A., Canada, Australia and New Zealand, can apply for visas upon arrival at the Oman border from UAE or at Omani airports. A 21-day visa costs 20 Omani Rials, and GCC residents holder pay 5 Omani Rials.

Guests travelling via Dubai, or any other airport in the UAE, will need to obtain a UAE visa. Citizens of 33 countries, including all E.U. member states, U.S.A., Canada, Australia and New Zealand can apply for a free visa upon arrival at Dubai airport. For further information about UAE visas, please visit: Visit Dubai.

If travelling on the SwimTrek designated transfer from Dubai to Khasab, you will drive to the border Oman/UAE border, where you will pass through the immigration offices of the UAE. You will then cross to the Omani side of the border, where you will purchase your Oman visa (see above).

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

For comprehensive health information for people travelling to Oman, including all recommended and required vaccinations, please visit Travel Health Pro. Please note that this information is subject to change and you should re-check this site regularly prior to your trip.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit Electrical Outlet.