Desert mountains and turquoise coves along Oman’s southern edge — wild yet deeply serene.
Sailing the Hallaniyat Islands and the Dhofar Coast
Along Oman’s far southern coast, the Indian Ocean meets the Arabian Desert in a rare landscape of cliffs, dunes, and deep-blue water. Oman’s Indian Ocean Frontier follows this wild edge from Salalah to the Hallaniyat Islands — a region of serene isolation, rich marine life, and enduring seafaring heritage. Designed for explorers seeking both comfort and authenticity, the voyage weaves coral reef dives with desert picnics, dolphin encounters, and frankincense-scented cultural moments ashore. It is adventure softened by refinement — a quiet odyssey through one of Arabia’s last true frontiers.
Day 1 – Salalah Embarkation
Board your yacht at Salalah Marina. After a welcome reception, cruise along the coast to Mirbat, where rugged cliffs meet palm-fringed beaches. Evening swim and alfresco dinner beneath the stars.
Day 2 – Mirbat & Coral Gardens
Tender ashore to visit Mirbat Fort and its quiet harbour. Dive or snorkel in the surrounding coral gardens, known for turtles and rays. Late afternoon sail eastward to anchor beneath Hasik’s dramatic cliffs.
Day 3 – Hasik & Blowholes
Go ashore at Hasik to walk among limestone formations and sea caves carved by monsoon surf. The crew sets up a shaded picnic on the beach. Dolphins often follow the tender back to the yacht at sunset.
Day 4 – Passage to the Hallaniyat Islands
A blue-water leg (≈60 nm) brings you into the Hallaniyat archipelago. Anchor in a sheltered bay surrounded by emerald water and coral shelves. Dinner on the aft deck, the only sound the ocean’s slow rhythm.
Day 5 – North Hallaniyat & Wreck Dive
Dive the 16th-century Portuguese wreck discovered off Hallaniyat’s coast — a ghostly reminder of early explorers. Non-divers can snorkel or kayak the lagoon. Evening bonfire dinner on an empty beach beneath the Milky Way.
Day 6 – Dolphin Passage & South Island
Sail between the islands through a deep channel where spinner dolphins often gather. Join your marine guide for a photo excursion by tender. Afternoon at leisure for paddleboarding and reef exploration.
Day 7 – Kuriya Muria Islands
Cruise east toward the Kuriya Muria group (≈70 nm). Visit a small fishing hamlet for tea with local seafarers who still navigate by stars. Snorkel offshore reefs, then relax on deck with a glass of fresh lime juice as the trade wind hums softly through the rigging.
Day 8 – Ras Madrakah Headlands
Make landfall at Ras Madrakah, where ochre dunes fall into turquoise water. Desert barbecue lunch prepared by the crew, followed by dune walks and stargazing over the open sea.
Day 9 – Shuwaimia Lagoon
Anchor near Shuwaimia, a coastal enclave of freshwater springs and mangroves. Kayak through calm channels alive with herons and fish. Afternoon yoga on deck or a short hike to the cliff lookout above the lagoon.
Day 10 – Mughsail Bay
Sail west toward Mughsail Beach, famous for its blowholes and dramatic limestone cliffs. Visit the Frankincense Land Museum ashore to learn about the ancient incense trade. Farewell dinner on board as the cliffs glow amber at sunset.
Day 11 – Return to Salalah
A relaxed morning cruise back toward Salalah. Spend the afternoon at leisure: last swims, photo sorting, or a galley cooking session with the chef. Evening mooring within Salalah Marina.
Day 12 – Disembarkation at Salalah
Breakfast on deck before farewells. Optional post-cruise desert extension through Wadi Dawkah’s frankincense groves.
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