From Dubai: Fujairah Sea Turtles Snorkeling Tour with Lunch — An Honest Review
Trying to picture a day of swimming alongside hawksbill and green turtles while taking in the striking mountain and coastline views of Fujairah? This snorkeling adventure from Dubai promises all that and more. With a focus on natural beauty, friendly guides, and a solid lunch, it’s a popular choice for travelers craving authentic marine encounters without the hassle of planning every detail.
What really caught our eye (and in some reviews, captured the hearts of past guests) is how accessible and well-organized this trip is—especially considering the distance from Dubai. Plus, the chance to see numerous sea turtles in their natural habitat is a genuine highlight. We also appreciate the seamless roundtrip transfers, which make this a hassle-free day trip. That said, it’s worth noting that this activity is about 3-4 hours long, which might be shorter than some expect for a full-day experience.
One thing to keep in mind: you’ll need to bring your own towel and sunscreen, as these aren’t included. But overall, it’s a trip well-suited for nature lovers, families, or anyone eager to experience the underwater world of the Arabian Gulf without diving equipment or prior experience.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Stunning coastal scenery with views of the Hajar Mountains
- Close encounters with hawksbill and green turtles in their natural habitat
- Superb coral reefs and rock formations for underwater exploration
- Convenient roundtrip hotel transfers from Dubai
- Enjoyable lunch with sandwiches and soft drinks included in the price
- Flexible booking options and cancellation policies
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What to Expect from the Tour
This tour is designed to offer a straightforward yet immersive snorkeling experience. Starting with hotel pickup in Dubai, you’ll travel approximately a couple of hours eastward to Fujairah. The drive itself offers a scenic preview of the Hajar Mountains and the rugged coastline, setting the perfect mood for a day in nature. Once you arrive at the snorkeling site, your guide will provide all necessary gear—mask, snorkel, fins, and a permit—ensuring you’re ready to explore.
Expect to spend around 3-4 hours in the water, during which you’ll have ample opportunity to see multiple turtle species—including the hawksbill and green turtles—feeding, surfacing, and gliding through the coral reefs. The underwater scenery features vibrant coral formations and interesting rock structures, making each swim a visual treat. Many visitors, including the sole review we found, mention spotting around ten turtles and a variety of fish, which is quite impressive considering the natural setting.
The guide’s familiarity with the local sites is often highlighted—some reviewers mention Gareth’s comment about “so many different fish and ten turtles,” emphasizing how knowledgeable guides enhance the experience. After snorkeling, a simple yet satisfying lunch of sandwiches and soft drinks is served, perfect for re-energizing before heading back.
Finally, the return journey includes a smooth transfer back to your Dubai hotel, wrapping up a comprehensive day of adventure and relaxation.
The Value of This Experience
While $800 per person might seem steep at first glance, it’s important to consider what this fee includes: roundtrip transfers, snorkeling gear, and a permit—not always offered in similar excursions. The convenience of door-to-door service from Dubai saves you time and hassle, especially if you’re short on time or unfamiliar with the area.
The snorkeling portion is the core of the trip, offering a chance to see marine life in a natural setting—a rare opportunity close to Dubai. The lunch adds a communal and casual vibe, making this more than just a snorkeling trip; it’s a mini adventure that combines scenic vistas, wildlife encounters, and local cuisine.
Compared to other tours that might focus solely on snorkeling or marine life, this experience balances adventure with comfort, making it suitable for families, solo travelers, or couples wanting a taste of UAE’s natural waters.
Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary
More Great Tours NearbyPickup and Transfer
The trip kicks off with hotel pickups, typically in the morning, allowing for a relaxed start. The drive to Fujairah offers pleasant views of the rugged Hajar Mountains, giving you a glimpse into the region’s dramatic landscape.
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Arrival and Preparation
Once on-site, guides will equip you with snorkeling gear and ensure all necessary permits are in place. Some reviews mention the guides being particularly knowledgeable, sharing tips that help beginners feel more confident in the water.
Snorkeling in Fujairah
This is where the magic happens. The warm waters of the Arabian Gulf provide excellent visibility, often around 3-4 hours of swimming time. Expect to see turtles feeding on seagrass, surfacing for air, and gracefully navigating the coral reefs. The reefs are home to a variety of fish and marine creatures, making each swim a new discovery.
Lunch and Relaxation
After all the swimming, you’ll head back to the boat or designated area for a sandwich lunch and soft drinks. The simple meal is enough to satisfy hunger and offers a casual chance to chat with fellow travelers about the morning’s highlights.
Return to Dubai
The journey back is usually smooth, with the guide sharing insights about the region’s natural beauty and marine life. Most guests find this trip to be a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Authentic Experiences and Insights
One guest, Gareth, shared that the trip was “amazing,” with 10 turtles seen and a variety of fish. His comment highlights how well the trip delivers on wildlife viewing, especially with knowledgeable guides who know where to spot the best creatures. The guide’s familiarity with the area ensures you’re in good hands, enhancing your chances of memorable sightings.
Past travelers also note the stunning views of the Hajar Mountains and the clear waters, which make for excellent photos and a peaceful environment for snorkeling. The coral reefs and underwater rock formations add to the visual appeal, creating a lively underwater landscape.
Practical Tips for The Trip
- Bring a towel and sunscreen as these are not provided
- The activity lasts about 3-4 hours, so plan accordingly if you’re on a tight schedule
- Book in advance, especially during peak seasons, as spots fill quickly
- The tour offers languages including English, Arabic, Russian, Italian, and Spanish, so check for guided language preferences if needed
- Soft drinks and sandwiches are included, but you might want to carry extra snacks or water if you’re particularly hungry
Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?
This snorkeling trip is an excellent choice for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts eager to see turtles in their natural habitat. It’s also suitable for families with children, provided they’re comfortable in the water, as well as beginners thanks to the guided support and relatively shallow reef areas. Those looking for a relaxing yet adventurous day will find this tour a manageable and rewarding escape from Dubai’s urban environment.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides roundtrip hotel transfers from Dubai, making it a very convenient option.
How long is the snorkeling activity?
Expect about 3-4 hours in the water, not including travel and transfer times.
What should I bring?
Bring a towel and sunscreen to protect your skin and stay comfortable during the day.
Are the snorkeling gear and permits provided?
Yes, all necessary equipment and permits are included in the package.
Can I see turtles easily on this trip?
Yes, past reviews mention seeing around ten turtles, including hawksbill and green turtles, feeding and surfacing nearby.
Is the lunch provided?
Yes, sandwiches and soft drinks are included, providing a casual meal after snorkeling.
Final Thoughts
This Fujairah snorkeling tour from Dubai offers a standout experience for anyone eager to get close to marine life, especially sea turtles, in a scenic and relaxed setting. The combination of stunning mountain and coast views, friendly guides, and a well-organized schedule makes it a worthwhile outing, particularly if you’re visiting Dubai and want a taste of the UAE’s natural waters.
While the price might be higher than some local activities, the inclusion of transfers, gear, permits, and lunch makes it a solid value for a full-day adventure that combines wildlife viewing, scenic beauty, and comfortable logistics.
The trip’s real strength lies in its authentic encounters—those turtles really do turn the water into a natural aquarium—and the professionalism of the guides, as reflected in glowing reviews. If you’re after a memorable, hassle-free day with marine life and mountain views, this tour ticks all the boxes.
In summary, this tour is ideal for those wishing to explore the marine environment near Dubai without diving, seeking a guided experience, and enjoying a scenic drive with wildlife sightings. It’s a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and natural beauty, sure to leave you with lasting memories of the UAE’s underwater treasures.
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