Khasab is a peaceful town located at the foot of Wadi Khasab and overlooking the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. Khasab in Arabian means 'fertility' which refers to the large produce of dates (did you know they're about good for nearly everything?) and to the fresh water.
In Khasab we boarded a dhow (traditional boat used in the Arab countries) to explore the fjord of Khor Sham. That's a spectacular sheltered 16 km long fjord with crystal clear water. Because of the presence of mountains around, it has been given the nickname 'The Norway of Arabia'. It truly is very beautiful!
Along the cruise, we were able to see some old villages, dating back ages ago and still inhabited by some families - those of Nadiff, Qanaha and Maqlab - and also passed Telegraph Island where the British built a telegraph station in 1865. They laid an underwater cable from India to Basra in Iraq to get a telegraph connection between England and India. The island was only manned for a very short time. Now it's surrounded by reefs and corals and is one of the best places for swimming and snorkeling. You can also spot dolphins there.
It was a very pleasurable cruise. We were comfortable (I don't mind sitting on cushions) and got everything we needed. At noon we were treated to a nice lunch aboard the vessel. Rice and vegetables and chicken + fruit as much as you liked.
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