If you’re considering a day out on the Red Sea that promises close encounters with some of its most extraordinary marine life, the Marsa Mubarak boat trip might just be what you’re after. This full-day snorkeling tour, offered from Marsa Alam, combines scenic boat rides, guided underwater explorations, and time to relax amid stunning ocean vistas. While it’s not a hidden secret, it’s certainly a well-loved experience for those eager to see dugongs, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs firsthand.
What makes this tour appealing? First, the chance to swim alongside dugongs, a rare and gentle marine mammal. Second, the opportunity to snorkel in areas where sea turtles in their largest sizes are known to frequent. Third, the value for money — at just under $40 per person, it’s a full-day adventure that offers a lot more than just the underwater sights. That said, one point to keep in mind is that admission fees are not included, which can be an extra cost you’ll want to budget for. This tour suits adventurous travelers, Marine life enthusiasts, and families looking for a mix of relaxation and discovery.
Key Points
- Unique Marine Encounters: Swim with dugongs and the largest sea turtles in the Red Sea.
- Expert Guidance: Guides provide insightful marine life information and safety briefings.
- Comfort and Convenience: Pickup and drop-off from your hotel, with air-conditioned transport.
- Value-Added Food: An onboard buffet lunch and refreshments complement the day.
- Limited Group Size: Tours are capped at 25 travelers for a more personalized experience.
- Additional Costs: Be prepared for extra fees like $10 for southern hotel pickups and the entry fee at Marsa Mubarak.
What the Tour Entails: A Deep Dive
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Starting Point and Pickup
The adventure kicks off early, with a pickup from your hotel at 8:00 am. The tour provider, Empire Red Sea Tours, organizes air-conditioned transportation, making the early start manageable and comfortable. If you’re staying in central Marsa Alam, this part is smooth, but those in southern hotels should budget an extra $10 for pickup. The ride to Port Ghalib Marine, just a kilometer south of Marsa Alam Airport, takes around 25 minutes, giving you a glimpse of the local scenery and setting the tone for the day ahead.
The Boat Ride and Orientation
Once at the port, you’ll board a well-equipped boat—most reviewers highlight the friendly and helpful crew. The boat is generally covered, which is a blessing in the hot Egyptian sun, allowing you to stay cool during the ride. As the boat leaves the port, your guide will give a quick briefing on marine safety and marine life, something that immediately raises your anticipation for what’s to come.
The Main Snorkeling Stops
The highlight? Three main snorkeling sessions taking place in the Red Sea Coral Reefs near underwater islands in Marsa Mubarak. These reefs are home to diligent guides and experienced snorkelers, who will assist with equipment and ensure safety.
- First stop: Encounters with dugongs, gentle marine mammals that are surprisingly elusive in many parts of the world. A review from a guest named GiuliaClaudia_M describes the experience as “likely we got to see the dugong,” indicating that sightings are special and somewhat variable, but definitely worth the effort.
- Second stop: Snorkeling with large sea turtles, some of which are noted to be the biggest in the Red Sea. One guest praised the experience, saying, “we saw both the turtle and the dugong,” and emphasized that the crew was “good and nice,” which reassures first-timers about the professionalism of the staff.
- Final exploration: A relaxed session to soak in the vibrant underwater scenery, with coral formations, clownfish, and other colorful fish. Many reviewers appreciated the guided approach, with one mentioning how guides provided “insightful marine life information”—adding educational value to the fun.
Lunch and Relaxation
After the snorkeling, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared buffet lunch on board. The offerings are described as hearty and satisfying, providing enough energy for the rest of the day. Refreshments, coffee, and tea are also included, which is appreciated during the warm midday hours.
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Return Journey and Drop-Off
Post-lunch, the boat heads back to the port, giving everyone a chance to unwind and reflect on their marine encounters. The overall experience lasts about 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip. After returning to your hotel, you’ll have plenty of stories (and possibly some underwater photos) to share.
Authentic Experiences and Real-World Insights
The reviews highlight that the guides are generally knowledgeable and attentive. Guests also note the good value for money, with the tour offering multiple snorkeling sessions, lunch, and transportation in a single package. The opportunity to swim with rare marine mammals makes this experience stand out, although sightings are naturally subject to wildlife and weather conditions. One reviewer shared, “we couldn’t go to the second stop because of weather,” but still considered the day “very nice,” illustrating that even with some uncertainties, the tour remains worthwhile.
Families find this tour particularly suitable because of the covered boat and the presence of guides who help manage children’s safety. One guest with young kids appreciated that the boat was “covered, so you don’t stay all day under the sun,” which can be a concern in hot climates.
However, some reviews mention minor issues like extra charges for certain hotel pickups or entry fees at Marsa Mubarak. It’s important to factor these into your budget and planning. Also, since the maximum group size is 25, it’s recommended to book in advance—especially in high season.
Why This Tour Is Worth Considering
This full-day trip provides a unique chance to connect with the Red Sea’s marine life in a relaxed, organized setting. The combination of guided snorkeling, scenic boat rides, and a comfortable environment makes it ideal for those who want a structured yet intimate experience. The opportunity to see dugongs and large sea turtles — species that are increasingly rare elsewhere — adds a sense of exclusivity and adventure.
The value for money is solid, considering the inclusions of transportation, snorkeling gear, lunch, and multiple snorkeling sessions. While additional costs like admission fees and extra pickups are on the table, they are clearly communicated beforehand, helping you plan your trip smoothly.
This tour is especially attractive for nature lovers and families wanting safe, guided marine encounters. It’s an excellent choice if you want to spend a full day exploring the underwater treasures of the Red Sea without the hassle of organizing every detail yourself.
The Sum Up
The Marsa Mubarak boat trip combines the thrill of snorkeling with some of the Red Sea’s most elusive creatures, set against the backdrop of stunning underwater scenery. The friendly guides, comfortable boat, and well-organized itinerary make it a dependable choice for travelers eager to experience aquatic life in Marsa Alam.
While the weather can sometimes impact sightings, the overall experience remains a meaningful and fun outing. The inclusion of lunch and transportation adds to the value, and the limited group size helps create a more personal atmosphere. This trip is best suited for adventurous travelers, families with children, and marine wildlife enthusiasts who are looking for a memorable day on the water.
For those wanting to combine scenic beauty with rare wildlife encounters, this tour offers an authentic slice of the Red Sea’s vibrant underwater world. It’s an opportunity to not just see, but swim alongside some of the ocean’s most enchanting residents in a relaxed, safe environment.
FAQ
Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included in the tour, with air-conditioned vehicles. If you’re staying in central Marsa Alam, pickup is free; southern hotels incur a $10 charge.
What should I wear and bring?
Bring your swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and possibly a hat for sun protection. The boat is covered, but you’ll want to protect yourself from midday sun exposure.
How many snorkeling stops are there?
There are three main snorkeling sessions: one with dugongs, one with large sea turtles, and a final exploration of the reefs.
Are the marine encounters guaranteed?
Wildlife sightings depend on weather, time of year, and animal activity, so sightings of dugongs and turtles cannot be guaranteed but are often reported.
What is included in the price?
The tour includes transportation, snorkeling equipment, two guided snorkel sessions, refreshments, and a buffet lunch onboard.
Are there any extra costs I should be aware of?
Yes, extra charges may apply for pick-up from hotels in the southern area of Marsa Alam ($10) and the entry fee at Marsa Mubarak, which is not included in the ticket price.
This well-rounded tour offers a fantastic balance of adventure, comfort, and value, making it a memorable way to explore the vibrant marine life of Marsa Alam’s Red Sea.