Where is Telegraph Island located?

Telegraph Island (Jazirat al Maqlab) is located in Khor Ash Sham fjord, about 1 hour by dhow from Khasab Port in the Musandam Peninsula, Oman.

Why is it called Telegraph Island?

It was named after the British telegraph station built there in 1864 as part of the Indo-European Telegraph Line connecting London to Karachi. The station operated until 1869.

Can you swim at Telegraph Island?

Yes! Telegraph Island is one of the best snorkeling spots in Musandam. The crystal-clear waters have visibility up to 20 meters, with colorful coral and tropical fish.

How do you get to Telegraph Island?

Telegraph Island can only be reached by boat. Most visitors access it via dhow cruise from Khasab. Both half-day and full-day cruises stop here for swimming and snorkeling.

What is the phrase "going round the bend"?

Legend has it this English phrase originated from Telegraph Island. British operators stationed in the extreme heat allegedly went mad, or "round the bend" (referring to the U-shaped fjord they had to navigate).

What can you see on Telegraph Island?

You can see ruins of the old telegraph station buildings, including stone walls and foundations. Underwater, you will find beautiful coral formations, tropical fish, and sometimes sea turtles.

Telegraph Island in Musandam: A Complete Guide | Jazar Musandam Blog

What is Telegraph Island?

Telegraph Island, known locally as Jazirat al Maqlab (جزيرة المقلب), is a small rocky island nestled in the heart of Khor Ash Sham, the largest fjord in Musandam, Oman. This uninhabited island holds a fascinating piece of British colonial history and is now one of the most popular stops on any dhow cruise in Musandam.

The island is famous for two things: its historic telegraph station ruins from the 1860s and its exceptional snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island offer visibility of up to 20 meters, making it a paradise for underwater explorers.

The Fascinating History of Telegraph Island

The Indo-European Telegraph Line

In 1864, the British Empire established a telegraph repeater station on this small island as part of the ambitious Indo-European Telegraph Line. This underwater cable network was designed to connect London to Karachi (then British India), enabling rapid communication across thousands of miles.

The station was strategically placed in this remote fjord because the deep, protected waters were ideal for the submarine telegraph cables. British operators lived and worked on this isolated outpost, maintaining the equipment that kept messages flowing between Britain and India.

The Origin of "Going Round the Bend"

One of the most popular legends associated with Telegraph Island is the origin of the English phrase "going round the bend" (meaning to go crazy).

According to local lore, the British operators stationed here suffered greatly from the extreme summer heat, isolation, and challenging conditions. Many allegedly experienced mental breakdowns. The phrase supposedly refers to the U-shaped bend in the fjord that boats had to navigate to reach the island – quite literally, they "went round the bend" to get there.

While historians debate whether this etymology is accurate, it makes for a wonderful story that adds to the island's mystique!

Abandonment and Discovery

The telegraph station was abandoned in 1869, just five years after it opened, when the line was rerouted. For over a century, the island remained largely forgotten until the rise of tourism in Musandam brought visitors back to these historic shores.

Today, you can still see the stone ruins of the original buildings, including walls, foundations, and remnants of what was once the operator's quarters.

Snorkeling at Telegraph Island

Why It's One of Musandam's Best Spots

Telegraph Island is widely considered one of the top snorkeling destinations in all of Oman. Here's why:

Crystal-clear water: Visibility often reaches 15-20 meters
Calm, protected bay: The fjord shields the area from waves
Abundant marine life: Colorful coral, tropical fish, and sometimes sea turtles
Shallow areas: Perfect for beginners and families
Dramatic underwater scenery: Rocky formations and drop-offs for exploration

What You'll See Underwater

During your snorkel at Telegraph Island, you can expect to encounter:

Marine Life	Description
Clownfish	The famous "Nemo" fish hiding in anemones
Parrotfish	Colorful fish that munch on coral
Angelfish	Elegant striped fish in various colors
Moray Eels	Hiding in rocky crevices (harmless if unprovoked)
Sea Turtles	Occasionally spotted, especially green turtles
Coral Formations	Both hard and soft corals create underwater gardens

Best Time to Snorkel

Morning: Calmer waters, better visibility
Winter months (Oct-Apr): Best overall conditions
Avoid midday: Sun is harsh and less comfortable

How to Visit Telegraph Island

By Dhow Cruise (Most Popular)

The most common way to visit Telegraph Island is via a traditional dhow cruise from Khasab. Both half-day and full-day cruises include a stop here:

Cruise Type	Duration	Telegraph Island Stop	Price
Half Day Cruise	3.5 hours	30-45 minutes	From 12 OMR
Full Day Cruise	6 hours	45-60 minutes	From 20 OMR
Private Charter	Flexible	As long as you want	From 150 OMR

What's Included:

Snorkeling equipment
Life jackets
Refreshments
Experienced crew

By Speed Boat (Private Option)

For those wanting more flexibility, private speed boat charters can take you directly to Telegraph Island with a customized itinerary.

Tips for Visiting Telegraph Island

What to Bring

Reef-safe sunscreen (protect the coral!)
Underwater camera or GoPro
Towel
Hat and sunglasses
Light clothing over swimwear

What's Provided on Dhow Cruises

Snorkeling mask, snorkel, and fins
Life jackets
Fresh water and refreshments
Lunch (on full-day cruises)

Important Notes

No facilities on the island: There are no toilets, shops, or shade on Telegraph Island itself. The dhow has basic facilities.
Rocky terrain: Wear water shoes if you plan to explore the ruins
Respect the site: The ruins are historic – please don't remove any stones or artifacts
Current awareness: While generally calm, always ask the crew about conditions

Combining Telegraph Island with Other Stops

Most dhow cruises combine Telegraph Island with other highlights:

Khor Ash Sham Fjord: The dramatic journey through the fjord itself
Dolphin Watching: Wild dolphins are often spotted en route
Seebi Island: Another snorkeling stop on full-day cruises
Remote villages: Glimpses of traditional fishing communities

The Verdict: Is Telegraph Island Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Telegraph Island offers a unique combination of:

Historical significance – A tangible piece of British colonial history
World-class snorkeling – Some of the clearest waters in Oman
Stunning photography – Dramatic fjord setting
Refreshing swimming – Perfect escape from the heat

Whether you're a history buff, snorkeling enthusiast, or simply looking for a memorable experience in Musandam, Telegraph Island should be at the top of your list.