Telegraph Island, Musandam: History, Snorkeling & Travel Guide

Tucked deep inside the fjords of Khasab, Telegraph Island (locally known as Jazirat al Maqlab) looks like little more than a barren rock rising out of turquoise water. But step off your dhow and onto its sun-baked stone, and you’re standing on one of the most bizarre outposts of the British Empire.

This tiny island is where Victorian ambition met the harsh realities of the Arabian climate—giving birth to incredible snorkeling spots and, legend has it, a phrase we still use today.

The History of Telegraph Island, Musandam

The British Telegraph Station in Musandam

In the mid-19th century, the British Empire embarked on one of its most ambitious communication projects: establishing a telegraph line connecting London to British India. This 11,000-mile network would revolutionize communication, reducing message transmission time from months by ship to mere hours by wire.

Telegraph Island served as a crucial repeater station along this route. Between 1864 and 1868, British telegraph operators were stationed on this isolated outpost to maintain and boost the signal traveling through the underwater cables that snaked through the Persian Gulf.

Isolation from the outside world

The location was strategically chosen for its position along the communication route, but it proved to be a spectacularly inhospitable posting. The conditions were brutal. Summer temperatures routinely soared past 50°C (122°F) with crushing humidity. Supply ships arrived irregularly, leaving operators completely cut off from the world.

Did Telegraph Island Inspire “Going Round the Bend”?

The heat and solitude took a massive mental toll. The phrase “going round the bend”—meaning to lose one’s mind—is widely believed to originate right here. To reach the island, ships had to sail around the sharp bend of the Khorsham fjord. Passing that bend meant entering a desolate rock where sanity rarely lasted long. The station was so unbearable that the posting was eventually abandoned after just four years in 1868.

Telegraph Island Ruins: What Can You See Today?

Today, visitors can still see the weathered remains of the telegraph station clinging to the rocky island. Stone walls, partially collapsed structures, and the footprint of where operators once lived and worked are visible, though time and the elements have taken their toll.

While life on the island was miserable 160 years ago, today it’s one of the top highlights of any Musandam dhow cruise. The underwater life around Telegraph Island is thriving. The calm, protected waters of the fjord make it a natural sanctuary for marine life.

Crystal Waters and Marine Life

The water stays remarkably clear, offering 10 to 20 meters of visibility. Because the fjord shelters the area from open-sea waves, the water is calm and easy to swim in—even for beginners and families.

When you jump off the dhow for a snorkeling session, you’ll immediately see:

• Vibrant Reef Fish: Schools of parrotfish, angelfish, wrasses, and butterflyfish weaving through the rocks.
• Sea Turtles & Rays: Green sea turtles frequently surface near the island, while stingrays rest on the shallow sea floor.
• Dolphin Encounters: While not underwater, wild humpback and bottlenose dolphins almost always swim alongside the boats on the way to the island.

What Is the Snorkeling Experience Like?

While Telegraph Island’s history is dark, its waters are brilliantly alive. The surrounding area has become one of Musandam’s premier snorkeling destinations, offering crystalline visibility and an abundance of marine life that thrives in the protected fjord environment. Most tour operators include snorkeling stops near Telegraph Island as part of full-day dhow cruises. The experience typically includes:

• Calm Waters: The protected fjord environment means calm conditions most of the year, making it suitable even for novice snorkelers.
• Clear Visibility: Depending on conditions, underwater visibility can extend 10-20 meters, allowing excellent views of the marine environment.
• Accessible Depths: The snorkeling areas feature shallow sections perfect for beginners, with drop-offs nearby for more adventurous swimmers.

How to Visit Telegraph Island

You can’t drive to Telegraph Island; it’s only accessible by boat. Most travelers visit as part of a full-day or half-day Musandam dhow cruise departing from Khasab port.

• Best Time to Visit: October through April offers comfortable temperatures (20°C to 30°C) and ideal water visibility.
• What to Expect: A typical tour includes dhow sailing through the fjords, guided snorkeling stops at Telegraph Island, gear rental, light refreshments, and time to explore the stone ruins on foot.
• Temperature: Water temperatures range from pleasantly warm in summer (sometimes too warm at 30°C+) to refreshingly cool in winter months (around 20-24°C), when a wetsuit becomes advisable.

Telegraph Island Tour Options

Several tour operators in Khasab offer Telegraph Island excursions:

Traditional Dhow Cruises: Full Day and half day trips aboard traditional wooden dhows include multiple snorkeling stops, dolphin watching opportunities, and onboard lunch. These leisurely cruises allow you to appreciate the fjord scenery at a relaxed pace.

Speedboat Tours: Faster options cover more ground, often combining Telegraph Island with other Musandam highlights like Seebi Island and various snorkeling spots.

Overnight Dhow Trips: For a truly immersive experience, some operators offer overnight camping aboard dhows, allowing you to experience the fjords at sunset and sunrise.

What to Bring for a Telegraph Island Visit

• High-SPF sunscreen (reef-safe formulations preferred)
• Hat and sunglasses for boat portions
• Light wetsuit or rash guard (sun and temperature protection)
• Underwater camera
• Plenty of water for hydration
• Motion sickness medication if prone to seasickness
• Valid Passports: Ensure your passports are valid for at least 3 months when crossing the UAE–Oman border.
• Vehicle Documents: Your vehicle should be registered in your name. Rental or bank-financed