Khasab

Al Khmazera Castle

Alkmazrh Fort / Khmazera Castle

This fort is inside the city and it seems to belong to a specific tribe among the local people. The fort is taken care by the tribe's youngsters, who are proud of their ancestral possession.

Sat-Wed 8AM-2PM

Al Shamaliah Grill & Restaurant

Very good grill restaurant at the main square. Popular for local fish and meat dishes.

Daily 9AM-2AM

Bassa Beach

Bossa Beach

A pleasant beach popular with locals, with picnic and toilet facilities.

Free

Iranian smugglers

Khasab is known for its Iranian smugglers. Daily hundreds of small jet boats cross the Strait of Hormuz from the southern Iranian cities of Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island, bringing over goats and sheep destined for the UAE, and porting back such diverse items as televisions, cigarettes, and other goods in an effort to avoid Iranian import duties. The smugglers' fortunes fluctuate with the value of the Iranian currency and with the effects of international sanctions. It's a dangerous business, as they must avoid not only very heavy shipping traffic but also the Iranian Coast Guard, which has no qualms of shooting them on sight – spotters on the Iranian side help by tracking the coast guard's movements. Because Khasab is a free trade port the Omani authorities tolerate this practice, provided the activities only take place during daylight hours. Toward sunset the activity gets especially frenetic as they pack up their wares to leave again.

Khasab Castle

The Portuguese constructed this fortress in the beginning of the 17th century and occupied it until their withdrawal from the region. This castle, which housed the Wali and his family in recent centuries and once held prisoners, has been restored and transformed into a regional museum. In the courtyard of the castle are boats and houses representative of the unique heritage of Musandam.

RO 0.5

Khasab Central Mosque

Sultan Qaboos Mosque

The central mosque in the south of the city was completed in 2009, and is an important landmark. It has a capacity of 1900 worshippers and, just like many other large mosques in Oman, is named after the current sultan.

Khasab Dhow Port

The traditional port for dhow boats is a place where you can appreciate and enjoy typical photogenic boats from this region – nowadays most of them are motorised. You can easily find boats here to take you on a sea cruise.

Khasab Travel & Tours

The oldest agency in Khasab has been operating since 1992. Also has a representative in the Esra Hotel Apartments as well as an office in Dubai.

Khasab palm groves

Hidden inside Khasab's old city, you can visit and explore the beautiful palm groves, which supply local people with some dates.

Local Handicraft Shop

Many local Musandam handicraft and Omani souvenirs are for sale in the shop inside Khasab Castle. Very friendly staff.

LuLu Hypermarket

Largest supermarket in Musandam with huge range of products (food/non-food).

8AM-11:45PM

Musandam Discovery Diving

Offers diving courses, diving, snorkelling and fishing excursions, and rents out equipment.

Daily 8:30AM-noon, 3:30-7:30PM

Old Souq

The old souq is a good place to pick up hand-crafted walking sticks, the more elaborate of which are decorated with silver.

Telegraph Island Restaurant and Cafe

Serves freshly cooked food, including grills, Indian and Arabic cuisine, tandoori, pizzas, fresh juices, and fresh brewed coffee.

Daily 10AM-midnight·RO 0.3-0.5

Wadi Qada Restaurant

A popular Persian restaurant which also serves some vegetarian and vegan options.

Daily 11AM-midnight

Al Hajar al Gharbi Mountains

Ru'us al-Jabal Mountains

Khasab is a good base to stage a mountain safari and explore the rugged northernmost extremity of the Western Hajar Mountains. If you don't have your own 4WD vehicle, you can rent one or arrange a guided tour through one of the travel agencies in town. Highlights include the prehistoric petroglyphs of and the Musandam Peninsula's highest point, (2087 m). At the mountain top is a military radar station, so going to the top requires permission and most tours therefore stop at 1600 m above sea level near the military barracks.

City walk by night

As the temperature is far more pleasant during the evening, you can stroll around the city center along the avenue and center mosque. Also, there are a couple of gardens that are open by night, where you can see families playing with their children.

Dates

At the tiny Sikkit market in centre town you can buy fresh dates.

Dhow cruises

A great way to appreciate the dramatic coastline is to take a cruise in a dhow. Cruises depart from the main Khasab port and travel through Khor Ash Sham, the largest and one of the more scenic fjords. Highlights include dolphin-watching, visits to (Jazirat al Maqlab) with its abandoned 19th-century British telegraph station, and snorkeling in the surrounding waters. Full-day cruises continue on to (Jazirat Sibi), with possible detours to one or more traditional fishing villages, and more snorkelling. The dhow operator will provide all snorkelling equipment, along with drinks and a snack for the half-day excursion, or lunch for the full-day outing. Any of the agencies in town can arrange this but possibly the easiest way to book a trip is through the front desk of your hotel.

Twice daily·Half-day: RO 15 if going with other people, RO 30 if going alone; full-day: RO 20

Diving

The diving season runs from April through January, and the best time to see whale sharks is between May and October. Most dive spots are also suitable for snorkeling. In addition to the dive centres listed below, the Atana Khasab (listed under 'sleep') has its own dive centre.

Musandam Restaurant

Local meat and fish dishes in this restaurant in centre of the city. Expect to pay from RO 1-2 depending on what you eat. Some vegetarian/vegan options.

8AM-11PM

Amjad Restaurant

Specializes in grilled seafood.

Daily 10AM-11PM

Dolphin Khasab Tours

Khasab Sea Tours

They offer dhow cruises.

9AM - 6PM

Musandam Sea Adventure Travel & Tourism

Khasab Coastal Rd

Ras Musandam Diver

Offers PADI courses and diving trips.

Dhow Khasab Tours

Khasab Musandam tourism company.