Snorkeling in Marsa Alam: Dolphins, Reefs & Island

Swim with dolphins, then snorkel reefs you'd struggle to find alone

This boat trip in Marsa Alam takes you to three stops across Wadi el Gemal National Park: a 45-minute swim with dolphins in their lagoon, snorkeling on a pristine reef for 45 minutes, and time on a sandy island. A snorkeling guide leads the water stops, the boat carries you between them, and lunch is prepared and served while you're anchored. The 7-hour day includes park entry, an air-conditioned vehicle for pickup, and drinks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat trip with dolphin swim and snorkeling

• Boat trip to Dolphins lagoon (45-60 min)
• Swim with dolphins (45 min)
• Boat sails to reef spot (30 min)
• Snorkel on reef (45 min)
• Lunch served on boat (60 min)
• Boat sails south of island (1 hour)
• Visit sandy island bank (45-60 min)

The experience

The boat leaves for the dolphins lagoon first: a 45-minute to 1-hour trip depending on conditions. Once there, you have 45 minutes in the water with the dolphins in their own space. The lagoon is part of Wadi el Gemal National Park, and the operator notes the boat traffic here stays light compared to other Red Sea spots.

After dolphins, the boat moves to the reefs (another 30 minutes or so), and you snorkel for about 45 minutes on one of the few reef systems the operator highlights in this area. While the boat is anchored, the crew prepares lunch. Food takes roughly an hour to ready and serve, so you eat after the snorkeling rather than before. The meal includes freshly cooked options for both vegetarians and meat eaters, plus hot and cold drinks and water.

The final stop is a sandy island to the south: a 1-hour sail from the reef. You spend 45 to 60 minutes there before the boat heads back. The whole day runs 7 hours from start to finish. A snorkeling guide is with you in the water, and the vehicle that picks you up is air-conditioned. The guide speaks English, Italian, French, German and other languages.

What’s included

• Snorkeling guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle pickup.
• Wadi el Gemal National Park entry.
• freshly cooked lunch with vegetarian and meat options.
• hot and cold drinks and water.

Information

Lasts 7h, runs every day at 07:00, from US$ 120 per person, with live guides in 6 languages, in groups of up to 15 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, French, German, Italian, Arabic and Polish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Wanderlust Egypt

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a small-group boat day where the guide handles the navigation and timing. The three stops are set, the meals are prepared while you're in the water, and the route stays the same so you're not building the day as you go.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German, Italian, Arabic and Polish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long do you actually spend in the water snorkeling and swimming with dolphins?

You have 45 minutes in the water with the dolphins in their lagoon, then 45 minutes snorkeling the reef. The boat ride between stops and lunch take up the rest of the 7-hour day.

What's the sandy island stop like, is there anything to do there besides walk around?

The sandy island is a Maldives-like spot where you spend 45 to 60 minutes. The operator describes it as part of the tour's three main stops, though the focus is the dolphins and reef snorkeling earlier in the day.

Is lunch included, and will there be food I can eat if I'm vegetarian?

Lunch is freshly cooked and served on the boat after snorkeling. The menu includes options for vegetarians and meat eaters, plus hot and cold drinks and water.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the boat, or is pickup included?

Pickup is included in the tour. An air-conditioned vehicle collects you and brings you to the boat.

What happens if I'm not a strong swimmer? Can I still do this?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. A snorkeling guide is with you in the water, and the operator notes that specialized infant seats are available if you're traveling with young children.

Is the Wadi el Gemal National Park entry fee included in the price?

Yes, National Park tickets are included in the tour cost.