Ferries

In July 2008, The National Ferry Company of Oman introduced a high-speed ferry service between Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat and the port of Khasab in the Musandum peninsular. 

The Musandum area is famous for its dramatic landscapes; spectacular fjords and jagged mountains are a stunning backdrop for the pristine white beaches.  Khasab Fort is a popular place to explore and tourism is increasing weekly as the region gains a reputation for its natural beauty.

The Muscat – Khasab journey is the longest fast ferry route in the world and covers a stretch of 225 nautical miles.

There are two ferries dedicated to this route – Shinas and Hormuz.  These are identical 65-meter catamarans, each having the capacity to carry 208 passengers and 56 cars.

The service operates twice a week during the summer months and three times a week in the winter.  The journey will take you around 5 hours, depending upon the weather conditions and prices for a return trip start from RO 44 for an adult. 

On Thursdays, the company operates a sunset cruise around the Muscat coast, lasting 2.5 hours, with passengers enjoying an on-board meal.  Passengers may book tickets online via the company website or through a travel agent.

The National Ferry Company of Oman has proudly announced that the two ferries have broken existing world speed records in November 2010. Shinas reached a speed of 55.9 knots with Hormuz beating that at 56 knots.  The record was broken during the auspicious time of the 40^th Oman National Day celebrations.