You’d be mistaken to think that the only mode to explore the Sultanate of Oman is in an air- conditioned 4WD with an experienced driver behind the wheel. An indulgent way to take in the spectacle, colour and diversity of Oman is on board a luxury yacht with Ocean Blue Oman.

With Oman’s seafaring history extending back as far as 200BC, the most authentic way to experience the history and culture of the 1000km coastline of mountains, deserts and fishing villages is from the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman in the Arabian Sea. Ocean Blue offers visitors a choice of day trips, overnight tours and high-end private charters with their fleet of seven luxury vessels.

The latest addition is a magnificently resorted 85-foot Arabian Dhow called Ibra which offers an indulgent escape for up to 40 passengers on a day cruise or six guests on overnight adventures.The vessel is available for day charter from Shangri La Marina in Muscat as well as overnight charters capturing the charm and splendor of the Musandam Peninsula, Zighy Bay, Bandar Khairan, Jebel Sifa, Dimanyat Islands as well as Sur and Ras al Hadd.

“We offer high-end touring and catering options for guests seeking a truly bespoke experience of Oman,” says Ocean Blue Chairperson Clara Zawawi, a former Australian university academic and business-woman, who established Ocean Blue in 2007 after reinventing her late father’s fishing business. Ocean Blue was Oman’s first luxury charter company and she was the first female in the country to establish a tourism business.

Ms Zawawi says the addition of Ibra to the fleet allows them to offer guests extended tours around some of the most historical and scenic parts of Oman, with lavish on-board accommodation and exceptional food and beverage.

One of the tailor-made tours boards Ibra at the Shangri La Marina in Muscat and sets sail for the desert fjords of Bandar Khayran. “Keep an eye out for dolphins as we pass a vista of rocky mountains and white-washed houses before we drop anchor for the night,” said Ms Zawawi. The next day, guests take a leisurely cruise down the coastline past the historical port of Quriyat to the ancient seafaring capital of Oman, Sur, where guests generally head ashore for a day of adventure in the desert with activities like dune bashing, camel riding or horse riding.

Day three cruises down the coastline to the famous turtle-nesting beaches and village of Ras al Hadd before overnight passage to the Dimanyat Islands.

“Our guests awake in the pristine Dimanyat Islands, where World Heritage Listed coral reefs and white sand beaches await for a day of exploration on the final day of the tour,” says Ms Zawawi. “The overall offering is a tourism experience of pure luxury with superb cabin fit out for up to six overnight guests, beautifully appointed open decks and world-class catering with international menu selections.”

More information is available from Australian-based travel experts, McLachlan Experiences.