Marsa Alam Dolphins Lagoon: Swim, Snorkel & Island Lunch Tour

Summary

Swim with wild dolphins and savor island lunch in Marsa Alam

You’ll swim alongside wild dolphins in Marsa Alam’s lagoon, snorkel vibrant reefs guided by locals who know every current, and share a freshly cooked lunch on deck before wandering barefoot across a quiet sandbank island — all those little details you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that ripple?” our guide Khaled grinned, squinting into the sun as we drifted into the Dolphins Lagoon near Marsa Alam. I’d barely finished my coffee (instant, but somehow perfect out here) when someone shouted — and then there they were. Wild dolphins, just gliding around us like it was nothing. The water was cooler than I expected, almost fizzy against my skin. I tried to keep up but mostly just floated, laughing through my snorkel. Khaled kept pointing out which ones were the babies — he seemed to know them all by name.

After about 45 minutes (felt shorter), we climbed back onto the boat — hair tangled and faces salty. The ride to the reef spot took maybe half an hour? Hard to tell; I got distracted watching flying fish skip past. Lunch smells started drifting up from below deck — garlic, something lemony — while we snorkeled again over these crazy reefs north of the island. The coral looked like old stone lacework and there were flashes of blue and yellow everywhere. I lost track of time until someone called me for food (vegetarian stuff too, not just grilled fish). Eating outside with wet feet and sun-warmed plates is a small thing but honestly felt kind of luxurious.

We sailed south after that — about an hour with everyone stretched out on towels or chatting quietly. When we finally landed on this sandbar (they call it Pearls Island), it really did look sort of Maldives-ish: white sand, shallow turquoise water, nothing else for ages except our group and some distant seabirds. I wandered off for a bit just to feel how soft the sand was underfoot. There’s something about standing there with salt drying on your arms and nowhere you need to be… I still think about that moment sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat Trip and Marine Activities

• Boat trip to Dolphins lagoon and swim with dolphins
• Snorkeling on reef and lunch on boat
• Boat sails south and visit sandy island

Top questions

How long does the Marsa Alam dolphins lagoon tour last?

The tour includes three main stops and lasts most of the day, with each activity ranging from 45 minutes to an hour plus travel time between locations.

Is lunch included on the Pearls Island boat trip?

Yes, a freshly cooked lunch is served on board with vegetarian and meat options available.

Do you actually swim with wild dolphins?

Yes, you spend around 45 minutes swimming with wild dolphins inside their lagoon near Marsa Alam.

Are snorkeling guides provided during the tour?

Yes, snorkeling guides are included throughout the experience.

Is transportation accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible for this tour.

What is included in the Marsa Alam day trip?

The day trip includes snorkeling guide, air-conditioned vehicle, national park tickets, lunch with drinks, and water.

How many snorkeling spots are visited?

You visit two main snorkeling spots: one at Dolphins Lagoon and another at reefs north of Pearls Island.

Is this suitable for families or children?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and offers specialized infant seats if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from nearby locations in Marsa Alam, entry tickets to Wadi el Gemal National Park, a local snorkeling guide throughout each stop, freshly prepared lunch onboard (with both vegetarian and meat dishes), soft drinks plus water and hot drinks before heading back in comfort at sunset.