The Musandam is a wild, empty place, stacked with adventurous opportunities in one of the most beautiful places you could ever imagine.

Musandam is a part of the country of Oman, yet separated from it as its land borders the United Arab Emirates. With the Arabian Gulf on one side and the Gulf of Oman on the other it is a World apart, yet, only an hour and a half drive from the bustling metropolis of Dubai.

Known as the ‘Norway of Arabia’, it is a land of dramatic, vertigo-inducing fjords, called Khors.  These Khors are found everywhere along it's unbelievably indented coastline. The dramatic scenery is everywhere with tiny coves to find, hidden between these huge stone cliffs. The juxtaposition between the azure blue waters and the bright red cliffs is pretty staggering.

Working for Absolute Adventure over the winter months, when the temperatures are perfect for exploring, yet still lovely and warm in the water, has enabled me to experience this unique location on many occasions. 

Entering Musandam, Oman, via its quieter Gulf of Oman border, at Dibba is like stepping back in time. The hustle and bustle of UAE urban life is replaced by a distinct change of pace. You will see more goats wandering around its dusty streets than people, occasionally a car will putter on by. The views seem to increase in beauty in relation to how quiet it becomes. A white sand beach tempts with miles to wander upon, along Dibba’s corniche. 

A few kilometers up the road lies Dibba Mina, the port and harbour for this side of Musandam. Its a fascinating place with haggling at the fish market, smugglers boats trying to evade Omani customs and Dhow boats loading up to take people into Musandam’s hidden khors.

A Dhow boat is the traditional craft in these parts and offers a fantastic base to live aboard while you explore the coastline. They are the perfect platform to sleep in and on, eat your food under the stars, fish from, sunbathe on and also launch SUP’s and Kayaks from.

The views become even more inspiring from a paddleboard or kayak, you are paddling at just the right speed to truly take in the scenery. The huge indentations on the coastline means that the likelihood is that you will be able to find serene calm conditions to enjoy. Expect to see some azure blue waters underneath you, possibly Turtles, spinner dolphins and plenty of other marine life.

The high walls of the Khors seem to magnify the power of the sun hitting the water, so it is imperative to have lots of drinking water, sun cream and clothing that works to repel the rays.

Inland is a stark, bleak yet stunning landscape with amazing climbing, hidden ancient settlements and high peaks ready to be bagged. It is a place I cannot wait to be able to paddle and explore again.