Abu Dhabi/Khasab

[UK Cruiser2]

We will doing a 2 week back to back cruise and in a couple of places we will have been there or there aren't any excursions that we fancy.

Is there anywhere local we can walk to or a short taxi to in Abu Dhabi and Khasab. Things like a beach or town to stroll around,anything really ?

[little britain]

Khasab  you should do a dolphin watching trip - incredible scenery.

Used Dolphin Khasab Tours in the past and will use them again.

 

 

Half day dhow cruise

Morning: 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Enjoy an unforgettable experience cruising through the "fjords of the Musandam" on board our traditionally decorated Omani dhow, where you can sit comfortably on cushions and carpets while feasting your eyes on the striking scenery. A dhow trip offers an insight into the fantastic landscape. Discover ancient villages and swim and snorkel in the clear waters off Telegraph Island. There is a distinct possibility you may see dolphins along the way. Refreshments, snorkeling equipment and towels are provided.

 

Rates: AED 150 per adult; children (4 to 8 years) AED 75; below 4 years complimentary

 

Payment to be made in cash on arrival. Payment can be made in AED, OMR, Euro and USD.

 

Transfer (to and fro) from the ship is included in the cost.

[little britain]

@UK Cruiser2 Abu Dhabi I would always recommend the mosque - they have FREE tours at 11am every day. It is about 30 mins in a cab from the cruiseterminal. However if you are 'mosqued-out' then you can get a cab along the Corniche where there are many 5* hotels with beach access and spend the day there?

[UK Cruiser2]

Thanks for all your ideas. We are doing back to back and visit Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island twice.

 

[buchhalm]

Abu Dhabi Louvre museum.

Fabulous. Not only the collection, but also the building.

Nice restaurant and coffe shop and the gift shop has interesting stuff.

If amusement parks are of interest, Ferrari world,  Warner bros movie world, water park. All on Yas island, where there also is Abu Dhabi' s biggest mall, the Formula 1 circuit (where on weekends you can cicle or jog, and lots of restaurants.

[edinburgher]

We have been to Abu Dhabi twice.

 

Amongst other things we did in town, can highly recommend the Grand Mosque even if you think you have already seen enough mosques.  We did one of the free tours there. It was incredible.

We shared a taxi from the cruise terminal with another couple who were also going there.

See Tripadvisor for suggestions, info and photos.

 

The other time we did a full day shorex to Al Ain, again worth doing and very different from Abu Dhabi.

 

At Khasab we did the 4x4 mountain trip. In the afternoon we took the shuttle bus into town, but there really is nothing to see and we only spent around a half hour there, if it was even that.  Some pax took a short walk to the right of the dock in the opposite direction from town.

 

If I remember correctly there are no taxis at all in Khasab. You walk, tour or use the shuttle.

 

 

[little britain]

On 10/13/2019 at 4:48 AM, buchhalm said:

Abu Dhabi Louvre museum.

Fabulous. Not only the collection, but also the building.

Nice restaurant and coffe shop and the gift shop has interesting stuff.

If amusement parks are of interest, Ferrari world,  Warner bros movie world, water park. All on Yas island, where there also is Abu Dhabi' s biggest mall, the Formula 1 circuit (where on weekends you can cicle or jog, and lots of restaurants.

A friend has suggested we go to the Louvre for lunch... do they serve alcoholic beverages? 

[buchhalm]

No alcohol at the cafe/restaurant (unless things changed very recently).

Also, it is quite expensive.

There is also a quite hidden rooftop bar that DOES serve alcohol,  but it is a bit tricky to find. Staff will point you in the right direction 

[5bagspacked]

On 10/13/2019 at 4:47 AM, edinburgher said:

 

At Khasab we did the 4x4 mountain trip. In the afternoon we took the shuttle bus into town, but there really is nothing to see and we only spent around a half hour there, if it was even that.  Some pax took a short walk to the right of the dock in the opposite direction from town.

 

If I remember correctly there are no taxis at all in Khasab. You walk, tour or use the shuttle.

 

 

 

I'm considering the 4x4  excursion in lieu of the dhow cruise. Did you enjoy it?

[edinburgher]

We really enjoyed the 4x4 mountain trip.

 

We had spent two days in Muscat, but our sightseeing there was within the city, and were tempted by the dhow cruise, but as we were already cruising we decided we would prefer to see some of the country outside of towns.

 

The road is restricted to 4 x 4's and pretty bumpy for some of it as you are often driving on stones. The 4 x4's were modern, enclosed vehicles (not open safari type) with a/c.  We were four pax and a driver in each, travelling in convoy.

 

By chance we found ourselves in the lead vehicle with the lead driver/guide who spoke very good english.  It meant he could tell us more about the country, in addition to when the convoy stopped and he could speak to everyone. Our understanding at the time was that other guides didn't speak much as their english wasn't as good. Being in the lead vehicle also meant we had clear views from inside.  Those behind had dust coming from the vehicles in front.  If you decide to go try to get the lead vehicle.

 

We had a number of stops at viewpoints and travelled up to the summit of Jebel Harim where there are fossils in the rocks. The scenery was diverse, sometimes greener than we had expected and great views. Incredible to see so many homes up there.   Lot of donkeys too.

 

You could internet search on "Jebel Harim" or similar to read more and see pics. Lonely Planet describes it well too.

 

We were really pleased we opted for this tour but if you are a nervous passenger you might not want to do this drive.

 

Hope this helps.

Edited November 2, 2019 by edinburgher