The traditional wooden dhow cruises through Musandam's drowned valleys are the centrepiece of any visit to Khasab. Full-day trips typically enter Khor Sham and stop at the old British Telegraph Island — a tiny rocky outcrop where a relay station for the India-England underwater cable was operated in the 1860s — and at a few isolated fishing villages accessible only by water. Snorkelling stops are usually included; the water is clear and the coral in good condition.
Dozens of operators run trips from the port; competition keeps prices reasonable, and most guesthouses can arrange bookings. Half-day trips skip the farthest reaches but still cover the main dolphins-and-cliffs experience. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water — the fjords offer little shade, and the sun reflects off the pale limestone. December to March is the most comfortable season.