Marsa Alam : Marsa Mubarak Sea Snorkeling Boat Trip with Lunch & Transfer

Exploring Marsa Mubarak: An Authentic Snorkeling Day in the Red Sea

A day on the water in Marsa Alam offers the chance to explore some of Egypt’s most treasured underwater sights. While I haven’t personally taken this specific tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect—an engaging blend of marine wildlife encounters, scenic boat rides, and relaxed dining.

What We Love About This Tour:

• Close encounters with sea turtles and dugongs, which are rare and special sightings.
• The beautiful coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, including Nemo-like clownfish.
• A well-organized schedule that balances snorkeling, sightseeing, and delicious onboard meals.

One potential consideration is that not every trip guarantees a dugong sighting, as noted by a reviewer who mentioned the dugong was “off for the day.” Still, the chances of seeing the famed sea cow are high enough to make it worthwhile.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love marine life, enjoy a full day outdoors, and want a hassle-free experience with transfers, equipment, and meals included. It’s ideal for those eager to explore the Red Sea’s vibrant underwater landscape without the need for advanced diving skills.

Key Points

• Marine wildlife: Chance to see sea turtles, dugongs, stingrays, and colorful reef fish.
• All-inclusive value: Transfers, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and coffee/tea make it a convenient option.
• Duration: Around 8 hours, with a flexible and relaxed pace.
• Group size: Limited to 25 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Safety & guidance: Experienced guides provide briefings and ensure safety throughout.
• Weather dependence: Tours can be canceled in poor weather, with options for rescheduling or refund.

The Full Experience: What You Can Expect

Starting the Day: Pickup and Journey to Port Ghalib

Your adventure begins early, with a pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. The transfer is straightforward, taking about 15 minutes south of Marsa Alam Airport to Port Ghalib. This proximity makes the journey quick and easy, giving you more time on the water. The group size is capped at 25, which helps keep things intimate and manageable.

The Boat Ride to Marsa Mubarak

Once at the port, you’ll board a boat that will take you approximately 25 minutes out to the coral reefs. This boat ride in itself offers some moment to relax and enjoy the sea breeze before the real fun begins. Keep your camera ready—there are often scenic views of the surrounding islands and the shimmering red waters.

The Marine Briefing

Before heading to each snorkeling site, guides give a short safety and marine life briefing. This is where you learn about the local wildlife, such as the elusive dugong and the largest turtles in the Red Sea—both of which are highlights of the trip. The guides are attentive and keen on safety, which adds to the comfort level.

Snorkeling with Dugongs

The first big goal is spotting the distant but graceful dugong. As one reviewer shared, “We tried to find the dugong with the speedboat, and then snorkeled with it—without touching or disturbing him.” This encounter, often lasting about an hour, is a rare chance to see a sea creature that’s not often on most travelers’ radar. Keep in mind, as another guest noted, that the dugong might not always be in the area, but the crew’s efforts to locate it are evident.

Lunch on Board

After the initial snorkeling, you’ll enjoy a lavish buffet lunch prepared on the boat. The food is described as fresh and tasty, with salads appreciated by many. A reviewer mentioned that the lunch was similar to other trips they had, but still satisfying after a morning in the water. You can expect a variety of fresh ingredients, and coffee/tea keeps you energized for the next adventure.

Snorkeling with Turtles and Other Marine Life

Post-lunch, the boat moves to another snorkel site, famous for large green sea turtles. As WAM_K reported, they saw turtles eating grass and surfacing, along with stingrays and colorful fish. The guides are attentive and keen on safety, ensuring everyone has a good view of this vibrant underwater scene. This second snorkeling stop truly highlights the diversity of life in the Red Sea, making it a highlight for underwater enthusiasts.

Heading Back

After a few hours of snorkeling and exploration, the boat heads back to port. The journey back allows for some reflection on the day’s sights, and perhaps some photos of the scenic coastline as the sun starts to dip.

Return to Hotel

Your transfer will take you back to your hotel in Marsa Alam, ending a fulfilling day filled with wildlife encounters, scenic boat rides, and good food. The entire experience lasts around 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $44 per person, this tour represents good value considering the inclusions. Transfers, snorkel gear, two guided snorkeling sessions, and lunch are all covered, which simplifies planning and budgeting. The reviews suggest that the trip offers plenty of opportunities for memorable marine encounters, with many guests noting the attentive staff and well-maintained equipment.

The Importance of Flexibility & Safety

The tour operates with safety as a priority, and guides are proactive in briefings. Given the potential for poor weather, the company offers full refunds or rescheduling options, which adds peace of mind. If you’re a confident swimmer with moderate fitness, you’ll likely find the physical aspect manageable.

Additional Costs

Keep in mind, there are additional fees such as $10 national park fees and government charges not included in the base price. These are straightforward and typical for tours in protected marine areas, but worth budgeting for.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re eager to see rare marine life like dugongs and large green turtles in their natural habitat, this trip is a fantastic choice. It suits travelers who enjoy snorkeling, boat rides, and are comfortable in a group setting. Families, couples, and solo travelers can all enjoy the experience, provided they are physically moderate and prepared for a day on the water.

The Sum Up

This full-day Marsa Mubarak snorkeling trip offers a compelling mix of marine wildlife sightings, scenic boat rides, and an inclusive meal. It’s particularly appealing to those who want a guided, hassle-free adventure that hits the highlights of the Red Sea underwater scene. The chance to snorkel with turtles and potentially glimpse the elusive dugong makes it a worthwhile experience for underwater fans.

While weather can impact the day’s activities, the tour’s flexible policies and attentive guides ensure a smooth experience. The value for money is solid, with all essentials covered, making it an excellent choice for both first-timers and seasoned snorkelers.

Overall, it’s a well-rounded trip that balances adventure with comfort, offering authentic encounters that you’ll remember long after your return home.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The tour covers hotel transfers, use of snorkeling equipment, lunch, and two guided snorkeling sessions at coral reefs, along with coffee/tea.

How long does the trip last?
Approximately 8 hours, including transfers, boat rides, snorkeling, and lunch.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, a maximum of 25 travelers, which helps keep the experience personal and manageable.

Can I see dugongs on this trip?
There’s a good chance, but sightings are not guaranteed. The crew makes dedicated efforts to find them, but sometimes they are absent.

What about snorkeling with turtles?
You’ll have a dedicated snorkeling stop where large turtles are often seen feeding and surfacing, creating memorable photo opportunities.

Are meals provided?
Yes, a fresh buffet lunch is included, with salads and a variety of ingredients, along with coffee and tea.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour can be canceled due to bad weather, with options for a different date or full refund.

Do I need special fitness levels?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended. The trip involves swimming and some boat transfers, but it’s suitable for most travelers with basic swimming skills.

Are there additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, a $10 national park fee and government charges are payable separately.