A quiet expedition along cliffs and dunes, where dolphins, reefs, and desert solitude meet.
An Expedition Through Oman’s Wild Southern Coast
South of Salalah, the Dhofar coast stretches into a vast and elemental seascape — granite headlands, desert dunes, and the unspoiled Hallaniyat Islands adrift in cobalt sea. The Hallaniyat Islands voyage traces this southern frontier, where monsoon-chiselled cliffs meet coral shallows, and frankincense-scented breezes drift from the desert interior. This is Oman at its most untamed: long blue passages punctuated by stark beauty, ancient trading ports, and reefs alive with turtles and dolphins. The rhythm is expeditionary yet indulgent — sunrise dives, picnics on empty beaches, and slow evenings under starfields undimmed by civilization.
Day 1 – Salalah Embarkation
Board at Port Salalah, where the crew greets you with Omani coffee and dates. After a safety briefing, cruise east toward Mirbat, once a key frankincense port. Sunset swim and a welcome dinner of grilled kingfish on the aft deck.
Day 2 – Mirbat & Coral Gardens
Anchor off Mirbat’s quiet harbour. Dive or snorkel among colourful coral gardens, home to moray eels and turtles. Go ashore to visit Mirbat Fort and the tomb of Bin Ali, an ancient Sufi pilgrimage site. Evening sail along the rugged coast toward Hasik.
Day 3 – Hasik Headlands
Cruise beneath towering cliffs that plunge straight into the sea. The tender explores caves and blowholes carved by monsoon swells. Stop for a beach picnic on a remote crescent of white sand. Dolphins often gather off these headlands at dusk.
Day 4 – Al Hallaniyat North
Cross open water to reach the Hallaniyat Islands (≈60 nm). Anchor in a calm bay fringed by coral shelves. Afternoon dive on a shallow reef teeming with anthias and turtles. Sunset cocktails on deck, the only lights those of the stars above.
Day 5 – The “City of Ships” Wreck Dive
Dive the 16th-century Portuguese wreck off Al Hallaniyat — cannons and anchors still resting on the seabed, now encrusted in coral. Non-divers can snorkel or explore by kayak. Evening beach barbecue on a deserted island, accompanied by live oud and warm sea breezes.
Day 6 – Dolphin Passage & South Island
Sail south through a channel often visited by spinner dolphins. Swim and photograph the pod from the tender. Afternoon hike across South Island’s low hills to view nesting ospreys and sea eagles. Dinner aboard as the horizon fades into indigo.
Day 7 – Kuriya Muria Islands
Set a northeasterly course toward the Kuriya Muria group (≈70 nm). The islands mark the ancient shipping route from Arabia to India. Dive coral drop-offs and visit bird colonies ashore. Anchor in the lee of Qabr al-Jinn (“Tomb of Spirits”) for a night of complete silence.
Day 8 – Offshore Passage & Desert Coast
Make a steady westward run along the coast. Guests can join the crew in chart plotting or fishing for tuna and mahi-mahi. Arrive late afternoon at Ras Madrakah, where ochre dunes spill into turquoise sea. Beach setup for sunset drinks and a candlelit dinner.
Day 9 – Coastal Coves of Shuwaimia
Continue toward Shuwaimia’s hidden lagoons, reached only by tender at high tide. Kayak through limestone channels lined with mangroves and white herons. Relax on board with a traditional Omani lunch of spiced rice, shrimp, and preserved lemon.
Day 10 – Blowholes of Mughsail
Anchor off Mughsail Beach and watch waves thunder through the natural blowholes. Hike the limestone trails above for panoramic views. The chef prepares a farewell seafood feast featuring local lobster and saffron rice.
Day 11 – Return to Salalah
An easy final passage along the coast. Guests can assist in helm navigation or simply lounge on deck as frankincense-scented winds drift from shore. Evening mooring in Salalah Marina.
Day 12 – Disembarkation at Salalah
Breakfast on deck before farewells with the crew. Transfers arranged to Salalah Airport or onward desert extension through Dhofar’s wadis and incense valleys.
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