Muscat’s boat tours deliver memorable experiences along Oman’s stunning coastline. The best city tours pack in impressive sights like the gleaming Grand Mosque and bustling Mutrah Souk. I love the traditional dhow cruises at sunset – they’re atmospheric and include drinks while you glide past the city’s waterfront landmarks. Daymaniyat Island trips stand out for their crystal-clear snorkeling spots and professional crews. For wildlife enthusiasts, the dolphin watching excursions rarely disappoint, with spacious boats and good deals for families.
We favor the half-day dhow cruises and Daymaniyat Island trips for their authentic character and excellent value. Private charters work well for groups wanting a customized experience.
Check out our picks for Muscat’s finest maritime outings below.
Key Points
- Muscat offers a range of boat tours and cruises, including city tours, snorkeling trips, dhow cruises, and dolphin watching excursions, with high customer satisfaction and recommendation rates.
- The tours provide accessibility features, such as wheelchair access, infant seats, and life jackets, catering to diverse traveler needs.
- Boat tours offer unique opportunities to observe marine life, including dolphins and diverse underwater ecosystems, with guided experiences enhancing the overall experience.
- Customers consistently rate the tours 5 stars, indicating high levels of satisfaction, and the experiences are often shared on social media platforms.
- Pricing is transparent, with a lowest price guarantee and a flexible refund policy, ensuring financial assurance for customers.
Cruise-Tour Excursion Muscat City Tour Half Day
The Cruise-Tour Excursion Muscat City Tour Half Day provides travelers with a rundown of Muscat’s top attractions.
Over the course of the half-day tour, visitors will explore the Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House, Al-Alam Palace, Mutrah Souk, and Al-Jalali Fort.
With a 98% traveler recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this tour offers an excellent way to experience the city’s highlights.
Transportation is provided via an air-conditioned vehicle, and admission to the Royal Opera House is included.
While lunch is at the traveler’s own expense, the tour includes bottled water and local taxes.
The tour starts at 8:00 AM and must arrive at the Grand Mosque by 9:00 AM, as it closes at 11:00 AM.
Read our full review: Cruise-Tour Excursion Muscat City Tour Half Day Review
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Boat Trip and Snorkeling at Daymaniyat Island
For those seeking a more immersive experience beyond Muscat’s city sights, the Boat Trip and Snorkeling at Daymaniyat Island offers a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of Oman’s coastline.
This highly recommended tour includes a light lunch, use of snorkeling equipment, and private transportation to the Seeb Port departure point.
With a 5-star rating from 44 travelers, the excursion promises an unforgettable day of discovering the island’s vibrant marine life.
However, it’s not suitable for those with certain medical conditions.
Departing at 8:30 am, the tour can accommodate up to 15 travelers and is easily accessible via public transportation.
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Omani Traditional Dhow Cruise: Sunset and Muscat Coastal View
Aboard an Omani traditional dhow, travelers can enjoy a scenic sunset cruise along Muscat’s picturesque coastline.
This highly-rated 5-star experience, with a 100% recommendation from past visitors, offers a chance to take in the city’s stunning views from the water.
The cruise includes complimentary refreshments like coffee, tea, snacks, and bottled water, as well as access to air-conditioned comfort and on-board restrooms.
Reviewers praise the friendly crew and the overall enjoyment of the evening.
With free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance and a convenient pick-up/drop-off service, this dhow cruise is an ideal way to experience Oman’s maritime heritage and Muscat’s coastal beauty.
Read our full review: Omani Traditional Dhow Cruise: Sunset and Muscat Coastal View Review
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36 Private Boat Charter for 3 Hours in Muscat
Travelers can enjoy a private boat charter for 3 hours in Muscat, offering a customizable experience with a 100% recommendation from past guests.
The tour includes a private boat, bottled water, soda, and snorkeling equipment. Participants can choose from various activities like fishing, sunset cruising, diving, or snorkeling.
The tour’s meeting point is at the Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, and it’s wheelchair accessible with service animals allowed.
The tour costs $469.33 per group (up to 12 people), with a lowest price guarantee. Travelers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the experience starts for free.
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Evening Sunset Dhow Cruise Tour – Muscat
On an evening Sunset Dhow Cruise in Muscat, Oman, travelers can board a traditional dhow and sail along the city’s picturesque coastline.
The 2-hour cruise offers stunning views of landmarks like the Al Alam Palace and Portuguese forts. Guests can enjoy soft drinks, water, coffee, and dates while soaking in the beautiful sunset.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the cruise provides an intimate and relaxing experience. While most reviewers praise the friendly staff and scenic beauty, some have reported last-minute changes to a speedboat instead of a dhow.
Read our full review: Evening Sunset Dhow Cruise Tour – Muscat Review
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Omani Dhow:Coastal and Sunset Cruise
An Omani dhow cruise along Muscat’s picturesque coastline offers travelers a chance to experience the city’s maritime heritage.
During this 2-hour journey, participants can admire views of the Al Bustan Palace, Muttrah Corniche, bays, beaches, and cliffs. The cruise includes pickup and drop-off, national park fees, and bottled water.
While gratuities aren’t included, the hospitable crew provides a relaxing experience. Travelers can expect a mix of enjoyable and potentially choppy moments, with suggestions for improvement including a tour guide with a microphone, on-board music, and light snacks.
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Dolphin Watching Cruise From Muscat
The Dolphin Watching Cruise from Muscat offers travelers a unique opportunity to spot a variety of marine life off the coast of Oman.
The 2-hour cruise departs at 7:30 am and can accommodate up to 100 passengers. Travelers will be transported in a deluxe, air-conditioned vehicle to the departure pier.
During the cruise, they’ll have the chance to see spinner, bottlenose, and common dolphins, as well as humpback, sperm, and blue whales. A marine specialist will provide information about the local sea life.
The cruise also offers scenic views of Oman’s rugged coastline, picturesque bays, and seabirds.
Children up to 11.99 years old receive a 30% discount, and free cancellation is available up to 72 hours before the tour.
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Dimaniyat Island Tour on Glass Bottom Boat (Muscat)
This glass bottom boat tour of the Dimaniyat Islands provides travelers with a unique opportunity to explore the protected marine life and stunning scenery of this renowned eco-tourism destination in Muscat, Oman.
Priced from $140 per person, the tour accommodates up to 15 guests and departs at 8:00 am from Al Mouj Muscat. The tour includes snacks, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and an air-conditioned vehicle.
Visitors can marvel at the underwater world through the glass-bottom boat and disembark on the islands to further discover the diverse wildlife.
With complimentary pickup and a 5-star rating, this tour is a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting Muscat.
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Muscat : Cruise Ships Arriving in Muscat
Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos Port serves as the primary arrival point for cruise ships visiting the city.
Travelers can take free buses from the ships to the port gate, where they’ll be met by a tour operator. Oman Taxi Tours offers a max-4-person tour package starting at €192.51 per group.
While the tours aren’t wheelchair-accessible, most travelers can participate. Reviews mention a language barrier with the driver, who doesn’t speak English.
The tour includes meeting at the port gate with a sign bearing the traveler’s name, but the lack of identification and communication issues have disappointed some customers.
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2 Hours Dolphin Watching Cruise in Muscat
A 2-hour dolphin-watching cruise in Muscat offers travelers the chance to spot these captivating marine mammals in their natural habitat.
The cruise departs from the Marina Bandar Al Rowdha and can accommodate up to 25 participants, with a maximum of 15 per booking. Priced at SEK 613.97 per person, the experience includes bottled water, soft drinks, life jackets, and all fees and taxes.
The cruise operates daily from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with dates available from September 10, 2022, to December 15, 2025. While not wheelchair accessible, the cruise is stroller-friendly and suitable for most travelers, except those with certain medical conditions.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation and rescheduling policy up to 24 hours before the start of the tour.
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Full Day Private Shore Tour in Muscat From Muscat Cruise Port
For those visiting Muscat on a cruise, a full day private shore tour offers an immersive exploration of the city’s highlights.
Priced from $867.07 per person, this tour includes modern, air-conditioned transportation, a professional local guide, and 3 hours of free time for shopping and dining.
The tour departs from and returns to the Sultan Qaboos Port, with pickup at the Muscat Cruise Terminal.
While not wheelchair accessible, infant seats are available.
Tour route and duration may vary due to unforeseen circumstances, but the tour is covered by a lowest price guarantee and full refund if the ship can’t dock.
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Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Cruise Experience in Muscat
Discover the captivating marine life of Oman’s coast on a Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Cruise Experience in Muscat.
This 3-hour cruise takes you on a journey to spot dolphins and snorkel in the clear waters. The tour runs daily from 10 AM to 1 PM and can accommodate up to 25 participants.
Priced at SEK 837.24 per person, the cruise includes soft drinks, bottled water, life jackets, and towels.
While not recommended for those with medical conditions, the tour is suitable for most travelers.
Reviews are exceptional, with a 5-star rating across the board.
Don’t miss this chance to learn about Oman’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Cruise Experience in Muscat Review
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Common Questions
Do the Boat Tours Offer Any Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Options?
Many boat tour operators offer vegetarian and vegan meal options to accommodate dietary preferences. Customers should inquire about the availability of these special meals when booking their tour to ensure their needs are met.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Gear on the Daymaniyat Island Tour?
Yes, you can bring your own snorkel gear on the Daymaniyat Island tour. Most tour operators welcome guests to use their personal equipment, as it allows for a more comfortable and personalized snorkeling experience.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Omani Dhow Sunset Cruise?
The Omani Dhow Sunset Cruise has a flexible cancellation policy. Customers can cancel their bookings up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time and receive a full refund, according to the tour operator’s policy.
Are the Private Boat Charters Suitable for Large Groups (10+)?
Private boat charters in Muscat can accommodate large groups of 10 or more passengers. These charters offer a more personalized experience and flexibility to cater to the group’s needs and preferences during the cruise.
Can I Request a Special Pickup/Drop-Off Location for the Muscat City Tour?
Yes, many boat tour operators in Muscat can accommodate special pickup and drop-off locations for city tours. Travelers should inquire about this option when booking to ensure their preferred locations are available and convenient.
The Sum Up
Muscat offers a variety of boat tours and cruises to suit different interests. Visitors can choose from city tours, island excursions, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching experiences. These tours provide an opportunity to explore Muscat’s stunning coastline and marine life. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing afternoon or an adventurous day out, Muscat’s boat tours and cruises cater to a range of preferences.