Separating the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, Musandam is a territory of Oman, isolated from the rest of the country by the United Arab Emirates. Many of the area’s tiny coastal villages and mountainous islets can be reached only by boat after navigating the perils of the rocky coast. Dhow cruises reveal the many fjords, towering spindles of rock and striking geological formations jutting out from the water in the gulfs and Hormuz Strait. With a sparse population and light traffic in the surrounding waters, the marine wildlife along the coast remains abundant and active. Playful dolphins, tropical fish, moray eels and astounding coral reefs can been glimpsed beneath the warm, clear waters.