Telegraph Island sits in the middle of Khor Sham, the main fjord in Musandam, and it is the stop every dhow cruise anchors at. It is small, rocky, and carries a piece of Victorian engineering history that most people arrive knowing nothing about.
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The History Of Telegraph Island
In 1864 the British built a telegraph repeater station here, part of the cable link running from London toward Bombay. The fjord was chosen because it was sheltered and defensible. It was also, by every account left behind, a miserable posting. Temperatures over 45 degrees, no fresh water, no shade, and no way out except the supply boat. The station was abandoned after only about four years.
The phrase “going round the bend” is often said to come from the journey round the bend of the fjord to reach the island. It is a good story and a popular one locally. Treat it as folklore rather than settled etymology, because the evidence for it is thin.
What remains today are the stone foundations and low walls of the station, clearly visible above the waterline as the boat comes in.
What It Is Actually Like To Visit
You do not land on the island. Boats anchor a short distance off and you swim or snorkel from the deck. The water here is shallow, calm and clear, and the reef sits close enough to the surface that you do not need to be a strong swimmer to see it. Butterfly fish, groupers and parrotfish are common. Snorkeling gear and life jackets are provided on every cruise, and kayaks are usually in the water too.
Most boats stop for around an hour. Lunch is served on deck as the dhow leaves.
How To Get To Telegraph Island
There is no way to reach Telegraph Island except by boat from Khasab. No road goes anywhere near it, and there is no public ferry. You need to be on a dhow cruise.
- Half day dhow cruise, three hours, AED 125 per person. Reaches Telegraph Island and turns back.
- Full day dhow cruise, six hours, AED 150 per person including lunch. Telegraph Island plus Seebi Island.
- Musandam Khasab tour from Dubai, AED 535 per person, door to door with the border handled, for anyone not already in Khasab.
- Overnight dhow cruise, from AED 2,000 for a private boat, anchoring in the fjord for the night.
Practical Tips
Best time of year. October to mid May. Outside that the heat is punishing and the water gets choppy.
Bring. Swimwear, a towel, sun protection and a hat. Shade on deck is limited and the reflection off the water catches people out. Water shoes help if you are getting in and out repeatedly.
Non swimmers. Fine. Life jackets are provided and nobody has to get in. The view from the deck is most of the experience anyway.
Children. The water at the island is shallow and calm, which makes it one of the better snorkeling spots for families.
Cameras. Bring a dry bag. Spray on the way in and out is guaranteed.
Before You Go
Telegraph Island is in Oman, so getting there from the UAE means crossing the Al Dara border. Most nationalities get a visa on arrival, passports need three months validity, and there are restrictions on single entry UAE visa holders. Our Musandam visa requirements guide has the full list. If you are driving yourself, read the border crossings guide first, since rented and financed vehicles need an NOC.
All cruise departures and prices are on the Khasab Oman tour packages page.
