Ten days between Musandam’s mineral fjords and Dubai, including 5 days of itinerant sea kayaking, 4 nights camping on remote beaches and a final urban contrast around Palm Jumeirah.
Current status: this trip is temporarily suspended. We are waiting for a lasting improvement in the geopolitical situation in the region before considering new departures.
Musandam: where the mountains fall into the sea
At the northern tip of the Sultanate of Oman, the Musandam Peninsula forms a maze of steep limestone inlets, rocky headlands and secluded coves around Khasab. Here, the arid mountains drop straight into clear water, creating a spectacular landscape best explored slowly, at kayak level.
For 5 days of itinerant sea kayaking, we travel through Sham Fjord and the surrounding coastline. The camp moves with us: the kayaks carry the camping equipment, food and personal gear required for several days of self-supported travel. Each evening, we set up camp on a beach or in a cove chosen according to the route and conditions.
Short walks can complement some paddling days, particularly around Telegraph Island or on ridges overlooking the fjords. Musandam also supports rich marine life; encounters with dolphins and other species are possible, never guaranteed.
Then the atmosphere changes completely. After the silence of Musandam and nights under the stars, we return to Dubai for a half-day paddle around Palm Jumeirah and time to discover the city, from the souks and Dubai Creek to its contemporary skyline.
Trip at a glance
Oman · Musandam Peninsula · Khasab & Sham Fjord
This trip is temporarily suspended because of the geopolitical situation in the region. We will not offer a new departure until conditions appear sufficiently stabilised for us to resume the journey responsibly.
- Duration
- 10 days
- Kayaking days
- 5 days in Musandam + ½ day in Dubai
- Accommodation
- 4 camping nights + 3 nights in 3-star hotels
- Technical level
- Level 2 — Intermediate
- Daily paddling
- Approximately 15 to 20 km during the Musandam itinerancy
- Group
- 4 to 8 participants
- Start / finish
- Dubai
- Format
- Self-supported itinerancy with camping equipment carried in the kayaks
- Price
- Last reference price: €1,700 per person
The route and camping locations are indicative. They can be adapted according to weather, sea conditions, safety considerations and the group’s level.
Why this journey is special
- Spectacular Arabian landscapes: arid mountains fall directly into the sea, creating deep inlets, rocky capes, beaches and coves.
- A genuine camping itinerancy: for four nights, the camp moves with us and the kayaks carry the equipment required for the journey.
- A progressive exploration of Sham Fjord: paddling, Telegraph Island, sheltered coves and short walks reveal the area from several perspectives.
- Unusual expedition logistics: Voyage Kayak brings its own folding kayaks so we can use equipment suited to the trip.
- Two different worlds in one journey: Musandam’s quiet coves followed by the radical contrast of Dubai and a half-day paddle around Palm Jumeirah.
Five days at the pace of the fjords
The heart of the journey unfolds around Khasab, in and around Sham Fjord. Once the kayaks are assembled and prepared, we set off carrying everything required for several days. The stages are not fixed in advance: the guide adapts the route according to conditions, the group’s pace and suitable camping opportunities.
Sea kayaking is particularly well suited to this coastline. It lets us follow the cliffs closely, enter hidden coves, observe villages and traditional boats from the water, then land on isolated beaches for lunch or to establish camp.
When time and the group allow, short walks add another dimension to the journey and reveal a completely different view of the fjords. Another area farther north may also be considered if conditions are suitable.
Day-by-day itinerary
This itinerary is indicative and may be changed according to sea conditions, weather, safety considerations and the group’s level.
- Day 1 — Flight to Dubai
International flight to the United Arab Emirates. International air travel is not included in the trip price. - Day 2 — Dubai → Khasab
Meet the group, then transfer by road to Khasab, the capital of Musandam. The journey crosses desert landscapes before entering the Sultanate of Oman. Check-in and overnight in a 3-star hotel. - Day 3 — Start of the itinerancy
Equipment preparation, kayak assembly and familiarisation before setting out on Sham Fjord. First night camping on a beach.
- Day 4 — Sham Fjord
Paddling between cliffs, sheltered bays and clear water. Second night camping. - Day 5 — Telegraph Island
Sea kayaking through the fjord and around Telegraph Island. A short walk may complement the day. Third night camping. - Day 6 — Sea and mountains
Another day of paddling in Sham Fjord, with the possibility of walking on the ridges for a wider view over the route and surrounding relief. Fourth night camping.
- Day 7 — Return to Khasab
Final day of the itinerant section and return to Khasab. Overnight in a 3-star hotel. - Day 8 — Khasab → Dubai · Palm Jumeirah
Transfer to Dubai in the morning, followed by a half-day paddle around Palm Jumeirah. Free evening to discover the city. Overnight in a 3-star hotel.
- Day 9 — Dubai
Discover the city, its souks and Dubai Creek according to the available time, then take the return flight in the evening. - Day 10 — Arrival
Arrival after the return flight.
A typical day during the itinerancy
In the morning, we break camp and distribute the equipment between the kayaks. After a briefing on conditions and the planned stage, we set off for several hours of exploration, alternating paddling, breaks, swimming and, when conditions allow, snorkelling or a short walk.
Lunch is picnic-style. At the end of the day, we choose a suitable beach or cove, unload the boats, pitch the tents and prepare a hot dinner together. Comfort is simple, but the immersion in Musandam’s landscapes is complete.
Kayaks, camping & airport logistics
For this journey, we travel with our own folding sea kayaks. The equipment available locally does not match the requirements of our itinerant programme, so the TRAK and Nautiraid kayaks are brought from France. The expedition therefore really begins at the airport: the usual arrangement is for the guide and participants to meet at the departure airport with the kayaks packed in their travel bags, then check in the equipment so that it travels on the same flights as the group.
In Dubai, we collect both our luggage and the kayaks, and they travel with us during the road transfer to Khasab. The boats are assembled and prepared there before the itinerant section begins.
- Folding sea kayaks: TRAK 2.0 singles and Nautiraid tandems, depending on the group and requirements.
- Paddles: Werner carbon paddles, with different models available.
- Paddling equipment: PFD, spraydeck, dry bags and shared safety equipment.
- Camping equipment: 2- or 3-person tents, stove and shared cooking equipment.
The folding kayaks, paddling equipment and part of the camping gear are distributed between travel bags to comply with airline baggage allowances. The Road Book for each departure explains the exact distribution, available personal baggage allowance and check-in arrangements. This is why we ask participants to travel light.
If a participant departs from a different airport from the guide, the principle remains the same but the logistics are adapted: the kayak and its equipment can be shipped to the participant in advance in their travel bag. The participant then checks the kayak onto their own flight and meets the group in Dubai.
This way of travelling is part of some of our expeditions. You can read more in our article “Travelling with your kayak — when the expedition begins at the airport”.
Personal equipment
Bring lightweight clothing, full sun protection, footwear suitable for both walking and kayaking, a headtorch, sleeping bag and sleeping mat. A mask and snorkel are also useful. A detailed personal equipment list is supplied before departure.
Accommodation & meals
Four nights camping
Camping is central to the journey: four nights are spent on beaches or in coves in Musandam. Tents are provided, and sleeping under the stars may sometimes be possible when conditions allow.
Three hotel nights
The current programme includes 3 nights in 3-star hotels, in Khasab and Dubai. Accommodation is based on shared twin/double rooms. A single room can be discussed subject to availability, with any supplement confirmed at booking stage.
Meals
During the itinerant sea-kayak section, lunches are picnic-style and hot dinners are prepared together. Meals in Khasab and Dubai are free, allowing you to discover local restaurants and cuisine.
The Dubai contrast
The return to Dubai is part of the identity of this journey. After several days camping in a mineral and sparsely inhabited environment, we return to an entirely different world. The half-day paddle around Palm Jumeirah offers an unusual perspective on Dubai’s transformed coastline before continuing the city discovery on foot or by public transport.
Is this trip right for you?
- you have previous kayaking experience and match Level 2 — Intermediate;
- you would like to discover a first multi-day itinerancy carrying camping equipment in the kayaks;
- you enjoy simple camping, shared meals and outdoor group life;
- you are prepared to travel light because the kayak logistics take up a significant part of the baggage allowance;
- you accept that a sea-kayak itinerary must remain adaptable to conditions;
- you enjoy contrasting journeys, moving from a remote Musandam cove to Dubai within a few hours.
If you are unsure about your experience, use our sea-kayaking self-assessment and contact us so we can review whether the trip would suit you.
Dates, price & inclusions
The programme is suspended while we wait for a lasting improvement in the regional geopolitical situation. The last reference price was €1,700 per person and would need to be reviewed if the trip resumes.
The price previously included:
- guiding by a qualified sea-kayak instructor;
- kayaks, paddles, PFDs, spraydecks, dry bags and shared safety equipment;
- shared camping and cooking equipment;
- return road transfers between Dubai and Khasab;
- meals during the itinerant sea-kayak section;
- 4 nights camping;
- 3 nights in 3-star hotels;
- the half-day paddle around Palm Jumeirah;
- the final transfer between the hotel and airport as described in the programme.
The price did not include:
- international flights to and from Dubai;
- meals in Khasab and Dubai;
- drinks, tips, local transport and personal expenses;
- any entry formalities or visas required according to nationality;
- personal insurance not included under the travel contract.
Practical information
Start and finish
The trip starts in Dubai, from where the group travels by road to Khasab, and finishes in Dubai before the return flight. Suitable flight references are communicated when a departure is confirmed so that the group logistics can be coordinated.
Level
Level 2 — Intermediate. Previous kayaking experience is required. You should be able to paddle straight, stop effectively and change direction confidently. Rolling is not necessary.
Route flexibility
Musandam is a maritime and mountainous environment. The guide decides the daily route and camping locations and may change them according to weather, sea state, safety considerations and the group’s level.
FAQ — Essential information
How long is the trip?
The trip lasts 10 days. It includes 5 days of itinerant sea kayaking in the Musandam fjords, plus a half-day paddle around Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.
What sea kayaking level is required?
The trip is Level 2 — Intermediate. Previous kayaking experience is required: you should be able to paddle straight, stop effectively and change direction confidently. Rolling is not required.
Where do we sleep during the trip?
The current itinerary includes 4 nights camping in Musandam and 3 nights in 3-star hotels, in Khasab and Dubai.
Is the camping section self-supported?
Yes. During the itinerant section, the group carries the necessary camp equipment in the kayaks. Voyage Kayak provides tents, dry bags, stoves and shared cooking equipment.
How are meals organised?
During the itinerant sea-kayak section, lunches are picnic-style and hot evening meals are prepared together. Meals in Khasab and Dubai are not included, leaving you free to discover local restaurants.
What kayaking equipment is provided?
Voyage Kayak uses TRAK folding singles and Nautiraid tandems, with Werner paddles, PFDs, spraydecks, dry bags and shared safety equipment.
Do I need to bring my own kayak?
No. Voyage Kayak provides the kayaks, but we travel with them. The folding kayaks are packed in their travel bags and flown with the group. Participants normally meet the guide at the departure airport and check in the equipment together. If you depart from another airport, the kayak can be shipped to you in advance so that you can check it onto your own flight and meet the group in Dubai.
Can we see dolphins?
Dolphins are among the wildlife that may be encountered in Musandam, along with rays and tropical fish. As with all wildlife, sightings can never be guaranteed.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. The route is indicative and can be adapted according to weather, sea conditions, safety considerations and the group’s level. Another fjord farther north may also be considered if conditions are suitable.
Is the trip currently operating?
No. The trip is temporarily suspended because of the geopolitical situation in the region. Voyage Kayak will only resume sales and departures once conditions appear sufficiently stabilised.
Discover the atmosphere of the journey
Would you like to be informed when this journey can resume?
We can keep your interest on file and contact you when scheduling Musandam becomes possible again.