Sunset Dhow Cruise from Muscat
- Overview
Sail along OmanÂ’s spectacular coast on a wooden 'dhow,' an Arabian sail boat, on this 2-hour sunset cruise from Muscat! Settle on the cushion-covered deck of your vessel and enjoy the scenery and cooling sea breezes. Cruise past sleepy villages and medieval forts, and see MuttrahÂ’s Corniche, old Muscat harbor and the Al Bustan Palace in all their glory. As the last rays of sun illuminate the landscapes, relish the views one last time as you sail back to port. Unlimited bottled water and sodas are provided on board.
Start your day with a pickup from your hotel in Muscat and move to
Marina Bandar Al-Rowdha outside the city to board your traditional
wooden dhow. These handcrafted vessels have been used for trading around
the Arabian Peninsula for centuries and still ply OmanÂ’s waters. Settle
on to the cushion-covered deck as your dhow sets sail.
As you
drift northward, admire OmanÂ’s Hajar Mountains and rugged coastline,
where cliffs open to secluded bays and tiny fishing villages. Pass
Muscat Yacht Club and the picturesque hamlet of Sidab, where colorful
fishing boats speckle the beach. Take photos of Cemetery Bay, home to
the graves of British World War I servicemen, and keep your camera handy
as you cruise into old Muscat harbor. See the cliff paintings depicting
the ships that have docked here through the ages and gaze at the
16th-century forts of Jalali and Mirani, both standing guard over the Al
Alam Palace: the glittering residence of the Sultan of Oman.
Next,
sail into Muttrah harbor and absorb the views over the glittering,
whitewashed Corniche set against the barren mountains. Then, as the sun
sets and casts everywhere in a golden glow, drift by the Al Bustan
Palace, one of OmanÂ’s most exclusive hotels. This magnificent building
stands alone on a mountain-ringed bay and cries out to be captured on
camera.
After two hours on the water, sail back to the marina,
where your experience ends and you will be transferred back to your
hotel.