18 October 2010
MUSCAT: With winter season just a few weeks away, dhow cruising is gaining in popularity. Blessed with a long coastline and dotted with sylvan and scenic spots, tourism operators believe dhow cruising in Oman has tremendous tourism potential.
A cruise in the dhow, a traditional boat, is likely to be an unforgettable experience. Taking a lead in announcing dhow cruises for the season ahead is the Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre.
Its managing director, Rob Gardner, said, "We are running a dhow cruise every Saturday for the full season. The cruise is launched from Shangri La's Marina in conjunction with Euro-Divers and costs RO35 per person."
He informed that the dhow cruise, which got off on October 16, will leave Shangri La's dock at 9am and return by 1pm. "Passengers are provided with Omani coffee and dates, soft drinks, water and snacks on board; kayaking and snorkelling will be also provided for."
There are many agencies which operate dhow services in the Sultanate.
A variety of services are offered to the tourists who want to savour the sea and its sights. The sea is serene, and dazzling in its mutation of colours ranging from pale aquamarine, sometimes plunging into deep sapphire with a roll of the waves, at times merging into a turquoise, visually impacting against the music of the sea birds.
The common three types of services offered are chartered dhow cruise, dinner dhow cruise and the sunset dhow cruise and a normal cruise. Besides, special services like anniversary parties, birthday parties, staff parties and picnics can be organised in the midst of the sea. Dolphin and whale watching are yet another activity which can be combined with dhow cruise.
There are many tourism agencies based in Marina Bander Al Rowdah which offer dhow cruises. The location is itself beautiful with a great view. The cove with its coloured yachts, boats and dhows bobbing gently in the waters will titillate your senses even before you embark on a cruise.
The sights included in such cruises are Al Bustan Palace, Bandar Al Jissa, where the wind sculpted cliffs provide for a great spectacle, the quiet Yiti Beach, the Bandar Khyran, a popular beach and a great spot for snorkelling and a rendezvous with frolicking dolphins and whales. For sunset cruises, the sights are the residence of the British ambassador, the yacht club, the picturesque village of Sidab, followed by Muscat harbour, Jalali and Mirani forts and Al Alam Palace.
With Musandum being promoted as a hot destination, dhow cruises in the region are also gaining popularity. A full day dhow cruise in Musandum glides though spectacular fjords anchoring at several places.
Surrounded by spectacular mountains and serene remote white sand beaches, the tourists will enjoy dolphin watching, swimming and snorkelling in pristine waters teeming with friendly colourful fish before being transported to their hotels at Khasab harbour.
MUSCAT: With winter season just a few weeks away, dhow cruising is gaining in popularity. Blessed with a long coastline and dotted with sylvan and scenic spots, tourism operators believe dhow cruising in Oman has tremendous tourism potential.
A cruise in the dhow, a traditional boat, is likely to be an unforgettable experience. Taking a lead in announcing dhow cruises for the season ahead is the Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre.
Its managing director, Rob Gardner, said, "We are running a dhow cruise every Saturday for the full season. The cruise is launched from Shangri La's Marina in conjunction with Euro-Divers and costs RO35 per person."
He informed that the dhow cruise, which got off on October 16, will leave Shangri La's dock at 9am and return by 1pm. "Passengers are provided with Omani coffee and dates, soft drinks, water and snacks on board; kayaking and snorkelling will be also provided for."
There are many agencies which operate dhow services in the Sultanate.
A variety of services are offered to the tourists who want to savour the sea and its sights. The sea is serene, and dazzling in its mutation of colours ranging from pale aquamarine, sometimes plunging into deep sapphire with a roll of the waves, at times merging into a turquoise, visually impacting against the music of the sea birds.
The common three types of services offered are chartered dhow cruise, dinner dhow cruise and the sunset dhow cruise and a normal cruise. Besides, special services like anniversary parties, birthday parties, staff parties and picnics can be organised in the midst of the sea. Dolphin and whale watching are yet another activity which can be combined with dhow cruise.
There are many tourism agencies based in Marina Bander Al Rowdah which offer dhow cruises. The location is itself beautiful with a great view. The cove with its coloured yachts, boats and dhows bobbing gently in the waters will titillate your senses even before you embark on a cruise.
The sights included in such cruises are Al Bustan Palace, Bandar Al Jissa, where the wind sculpted cliffs provide for a great spectacle, the quiet Yiti Beach, the Bandar Khyran, a popular beach and a great spot for snorkelling and a rendezvous with frolicking dolphins and whales. For sunset cruises, the sights are the residence of the British ambassador, the yacht club, the picturesque village of Sidab, followed by Muscat harbour, Jalali and Mirani forts and Al Alam Palace.
With Musandum being promoted as a hot destination, dhow cruises in the region are also gaining popularity. A full day dhow cruise in Musandum glides though spectacular fjords anchoring at several places.
Surrounded by spectacular mountains and serene remote white sand beaches, the tourists will enjoy dolphin watching, swimming and snorkelling in pristine waters teeming with friendly colourful fish before being transported to their hotels at Khasab harbour.
By AFTAB H. KOLA
© Times of Oman 2010
