Marsa Mubarak snorkeling with dugong and turtles in Marsa Alam

If you’re dreaming of swimming alongside gentle giants and vibrant marine creatures, the Marsa Mubarak snorkeling trip might just be your perfect escape. This well-rated tour promises an unforgettable day exploring some of Egypt’s most stunning underwater habitats, with a focus on spotting dugongs, sea turtles, and colorful clownfish in the clear waters of Marsa Alam.

What we love about this experience is how accessible and thoughtfully organized it is: from hotel pickup, to a short cruise to the snorkeling spots, and the chance to see rare marine life. Plus, the lunch on board adds a nice touch of relaxation. One thing to keep in mind is the $5 national park fee, which is an extra cost some might overlook when budgeting.

This tour suits travelers who seek genuine encounters with marine animals, don’t mind a full day out on the water, and value the chance to explore the Red Sea’s quieter, less crowded spots. It’s especially great for families and anyone interested in spotting marine mammals or just enjoying a beautiful day at sea.

Key Points

• Unique marine encounters: Swim with dugongs, the rarest of marine mammals, and large sea turtles.
• Well-organized day: Includes hotel pickup, guided snorkeling, and a delicious onboard lunch.
• Short cruise: Only 25 minutes to reach the snorkeling sites, minimizing travel fatigue.
• Good value for money: At $55, it offers a comprehensive experience with equipment, guide, and food included.
• Authentic experience: A respectful, non-intrusive approach that’s praised by previous travelers.
• Limited group size: Max 30 travelers, ensuring a more personal feel.

What to Expect from the Marsa Mubarak Snorkeling Tour

This tour combines a comfortable, all-inclusive day with plenty of opportunities to witness Egypt’s unique underwater scenery. From the moment of pickup, you’ll notice the focus on ease and safety. The air-conditioned transportation ensures a comfortable journey from your hotel to Port Ghalib Marine, just a short drive from Marsa Alam Airport.

The Journey to the Marine

The actual sailing time to Marsa Mubarak is about 25 minutes, making it a manageable trip without long, tiring boat rides. Prior to getting into the water, your guide will give a quick briefing about the marine environment, safety tips, and what to look out for. This prep is especially helpful if you’re new to snorkeling, or just happy to be reminded of best practices for observing wildlife without disturbing it.

Searching for Dugongs and Snorkeling

The highlight of the day is the search for dugongs via speedboat. These gentle, rare creatures are often elusive, but the guides have a good track record of spotting them here. According to recent reviews, many travelers appreciated the “brief but informative session” from the guide, which helped set expectations and enhance the experience.

Once located, you’ll have around an hour to snorkel alongside these docile mammals. The experience is described as respectful and non-intrusive, with travelers feeling they had a genuine chance to observe rather than disturb the animals. Several reviews mention the “very clean boat” and friendly staff, which adds to the overall pleasant vibe.

Turtles and Vibrant Reef Life

After the dugong encounter, you’ll enjoy a meal on the boat — a welcome break amid the adventure. The onboard lunch is typically described as tasty and satisfying, giving you the energy for the next snorkeling stop. The waters are home to the largest turtles in the Red Sea, and many travelers are thrilled to spot these majestic creatures during their swim.

The reef around Marsa Mubarak is known for its colorful fish, including clownfish (Nemo), and other vibrant marine life. Expect to see corals in full bloom, offering some excellent photo opportunities. Reviewers have remarked about the “beautiful coral reef” and the well-balanced stops that allow everyone plenty of time to explore.

Return and Reflection

As the day winds down, you’ll cruise back to the port, enjoying the scenic views and relaxed atmosphere. The return trip is short, and your guide will assist with your safe return to your hotel. Many travelers feel the overall value is excellent, especially considering the inclusion of equipment, guide, transport, and lunch.

The Practicalities: What’s Included and What to Consider

Included in the price are snorkelling equipment, a guided snorkeling session, air-conditioned transportation, lunch, coffee/tea, and bottled water. These inclusions make it straightforward to enjoy the day without worrying about extra costs — aside from the optional $5 national park fee and tipping.

Not included are the national park fees, which are a small additional expense, and tips for staff, which are customary but optional.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with the minimum requirement being the ability to comfortably snorkel. It’s also capped at 30 participants, so you’re not lost in a massive crowd. The group size helps ensure a more intimate experience, especially when trying to spot elusive creatures like dugongs.

Timing and booking in advance are practical considerations. The tour is generally booked about 9 days ahead, reflecting its popularity. It runs for approximately 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day.

Authentic Experiences and Reviewer Insights

Previous travelers highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. One reviewer remarked on “fun staff without being invasive,” which suggests a good balance of guidance and space for individual enjoyment. Another shared that it was the “best tour ever if you like dolphins” — although dolphins aren’t part of the itinerary, it hints at the high-quality marine encounters available nearby.

Clean boat conditions and the well-balanced snorkeling stops have also been praised, ensuring comfort and variety throughout the trip. Many guests appreciated the chance to see coral reefs, clownfish, and turtles, reinforcing the tour’s reputation for showcasing diverse marine ecosystems.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This snorkeling trip offers incredible value for those eager to see rare marine mammals and large turtles in a relaxed, guided environment. It’s ideal for families with children, given the manageable group size and safety measures. Nature lovers who enjoy underwater photography or simply want to admire marine biodiversity will find plenty to love here.

If you’re on a budget but craving a full day of adventure, this tour is a fantastic choice. It combines transport, equipment, meals, and expert guidance into one affordable package, making it a straightforward way to explore Marsa Alam’s underwater treasures.

However, if you’re seeking dolphin encounters specifically, this isn’t the exact trip, although reviewers note similar experiences in other tours nearby. Also, travelers should be comfortable with water activities and prepared for a day on the sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of this snorkeling tour?
The tour costs $55 per person, which includes snorkeling gear, guide, transportation, and lunch. There’s also a $5 national park fee payable on-site.

How long is the entire experience?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, from hotel pickup to return, with around 25 minutes of cruising time plus plenty of snorkeling.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, the trip is family-friendly, with reviews mentioning children as young as 7 years old participating comfortably.

What marine animals can I expect to see?
You’ll have the chance to see dugongs, sea turtles, and colorful fish like clownfish, along with beautiful coral reefs.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, sun protection, camera for underwater shots, and any personal items you might need. The boat provides snorkelling equipment.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book at least 9 days ahead, as the experience is popular and spots fill quickly.

Final Thoughts

The Marsa Mubarak snorkeling tour offers a well-organized, value-packed way to experience some of Egypt’s most intriguing marine life. With a focus on seeing rare dugongs and large turtles, travelers get a chance to witness the Red Sea’s underwater wonders without the hassle of complex arrangements.

The combination of comfortable transport, guided snorkeling, and authentic encounters makes this a top choice for nature lovers and families alike. The friendly staff, clean boat, and thoughtfully curated stops ensure an experience that’s both enjoyable and memorable.

Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a curious beginner, this trip provides a fantastic chance to connect with nature and create stories worth sharing. For those seeking a responsible and well-priced tour that emphasizes wildlife, Marsa Mubarak won’t disappoint.

In summary, this tour is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, authentic, and wildlife-focused day in Marsa Alam. Its emphasis on rare sightings, friendly guides, and high value makes it a standout choice for exploring Egypt’s stunning underwater world.