The sun beats down on you, and the salty air swirls in your lungs as you take a leap of faith into the warm, glassy waters of the Persian Gulf. One spritz of the ocean water hits your face, and in that moment, you’d swear you were in the Caribbean. The teal waves sparkle as you dive beneath the surface, and for a second, everything feels perfect. But this isn’t the Caribbean. It’s Oman.
We’re in a part of the world few would ever associate with paradise: the barren, sun-scorched Middle East. Yet here, just 40 miles off the coast of Iran, lies one of the most serene and unexpected slices of heaven on Earth. They call this region the “Norway of Arabia” for its striking fjords and breathtaking blue waters. With calm seas and jagged cliffs rising from the depths, this hidden corner of Oman feels otherworldly—like a secret waiting to be discovered.
Getting to Oman
During a visit to Dubai, we wanted to get out and explore more than just the UAE. Nearby, is the country of Oman. So we thought it sounded like a great idea. Our journey to this Omani outpost, Khasab, began at sunup in a foggy Dubai. We boarded a bus packed with fellow tourists, all eager to escape the artificial extravagance of the UAE for something more authentic. The road trip took us through desolate villages that blistered in the desert sun, inching closer to the Omani border. After two and a half hours of barren landscapes, the blue signs ahead were a welcome sight. They told us what we’d been longing to hear: we were about to cross into Oman.
At the border, the process was simple but thrilling in its own way. Passports were collected and stamped, and we were ushered across a short stretch of no-man’s land into a country that few of our friends had even heard of, let alone visited. Oman—a tiny nation at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, where adventure beckoned and the promise of an unforgettable day lay ahead.
Taking to the Water
Our sea-bound journey started aboard an aging wooden dhow, its floors covered in mismatched cushions that looked like they belonged more in someone’s backyard than on the high seas. Despite the humble accommodations, the aquamarine waters glittered invitingly beneath us, as if daring us to dive in.
It didn’t take long for our guide to start his geography lesson, and soon, we were marveling at the fact that we were just 65 kilometers from Iran. As we cruised along the rugged coastline, every direction we pointed our cameras seemed more picturesque than the last. The rocky terrain was reminiscent of Mars—remote, unexplored, and awe-inspiring. Who would have thought this corner of the Persian Gulf would be so breathtaking? This is the kind of place you visit that no one else you know has been to—and that makes it all the more special.
Learning a Little History of Oman
Our guide, speaking in a mix of German, French, and English, pointed out Telegraph Island, a small, football-field-sized landmass. Back in 1864, it housed a telegraph repeater station, connecting Britain to India. As we passed it, we couldn’t help but imagine the British soldiers who once manned this lonely outpost. They were said to have gone mad from the isolation and unbearable heat. Today, however, all seemed peaceful. It was just another quiet relic of history amid the tranquil waves.
Before long, we passed a remote fishing village accessible only by boat. It’s so isolated that the local schoolchildren stay in town all week. They only return home on the weekends. That is a bit crazy to think about The thought of their simple, quiet lives in such a far-flung place was humbling. Makes you think how fortunate we are back home. The sun was high in the sky, and it was time to dive in and fully immerse ourselves in the experience.
Snorkeling and Lunch
Jumping into the water was like slipping into a warm bath. The Gulf’s water was so clear, you could see down for what felt like miles. Plus, you can see fish swimming effortlessly beneath us. It was hard to reconcile the tropical paradise we found ourselves in with the harsh desert we had left behind. This water—so integral to global trade and politics, often associated with conflict and tension—felt like a utopia, a peaceful refuge from the noise of the world. Sean was the only one who wanted to explore the water. The clear sea made snorkeling quite easy, since the view stretched so far.
After a refreshing swim, the boat crew laid out a buffet of Middle Eastern fare. Pita, hummus, vegetables, stew, and fish—a meal that looked simple but tasted divine. As we ate, we cruised further down the coast, passing luxury yachts that could very well belong to oligarchs hiding from the law. Who knows? What mattered most was the laughter, the sun, and the sense that, for a day at least, the worries of the world were far behind us.
Diving in with Wildlife in Oman
The final stop on our journey was a secluded inlet, where a mini-armada of other tourist boats had gathered. The water teemed with fish, and soon, our fellow travelers began peeling off their street clothes and diving in. There’s something about a place like this—a place so beautiful, so unexpected—that strips away your inhibitions. Strangers become fast friends as they leap into the water, each jump met with cheers and laughter. The hot sun, the cool water, the sense of camaraderie—it was all a reminder that sometimes the best vacations are the ones that bring you out of your comfort zone and into a new, shared experience.
And as if the day couldn’t get any better, a pair of dolphins joined our group on the way back, swimming playfully alongside the boat. This is a common occurrence from what we’re told. Watching these beautiful creatures swim by us was quite the sight. It truly was the perfect, almost cinematic end to an already incredible day. Dolphins, fjords, warm seas, and good company—who could ask for more?
Final Thoughts
As the day drew to a close and the Omani flag fluttered in the breeze, I reflected on the fact that Oman probably wasn’t at the top of anyone’s travel list. Most people couldn’t find it on a map, and many only associate this region with conflict and oil. But if you look beyond the headlines, beyond the stereotypes, you’ll find a place of immense beauty, history, and culture.
Our day in Oman was a reminder that the world is full of surprises. You just have to be willing to take the plunge.
As the saying goes, it may be hot as hell here, but it sure looks like heaven.
