Marsa Alam: Marsa Mubarak Snorkeling with Dugong & Turtles

Summary

Snorkel Marsa Mubarak’s wild side—dugong, turtles, coral and laughter

You’ll float above wild dugong and giant turtles in Marsa Mubarak’s clear water, guided by locals who know every current. Taste simple grilled lunch on deck between swims, laugh over mispronounced names, and end your day salty-haired—with memories that stick longer than sunburn.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling with dugong and turtles

• Pick up from hotel reception
• Drive to Port Ghalib marine
• Sail 25 minutes to Marsa Mubarak
• Attend snorkeling briefing and safety instructions
• Snorkel with dugong for one hour
• Enjoy freshly prepared lunch onboard
• Snorkel with the biggest turtles
• Return to port
• Drive back to hotel

Top questions

How long is the boat ride from Port Ghalib to Marsa Mubarak?

About 25 minutes sailing from Port Ghalib marina to the snorkeling spot at Marsa Mubarak.

Is hotel pickup included for this Marsa Mubarak snorkeling tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel reception is included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Can beginners join this snorkeling trip in Marsa Alam?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels and includes a safety briefing from your guide.

What animals can you see while snorkeling at Marsa Mubarak?

You may see dugong (sea cow), giant sea turtles, Nemo fish (clownfish), and unique coral reefs.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, a freshly prepared lunch is served onboard between snorkeling sessions.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks included?

Snorkeling equipment is provided along with bottled water, coffee or tea, and snacks.

How far is Port Ghalib marina from Marsa Alam airport?

The marina is about 1 km south of Marsa Alam airport.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during transfers.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup right from your hotel lobby in an air-conditioned vehicle to Port Ghalib marina; all your snorkeling gear; guidance from a local expert who’ll brief you before each swim; bottled water, coffee or tea plus snacks; and a freshly cooked lunch served onboard before heading back salty but happy.

What’s the experience like?

We were already out on the water before my coffee had even kicked in. The boat left Port Ghalib just after sunrise—honestly, I almost forgot to put sunscreen on because I was distracted by the way the light hit the water. Our guide, Ahmed, handed out masks and cracked a joke about “sea cows” being friendlier than land cows. I didn’t know what to expect from this Marsa Mubarak snorkeling trip except that I’d maybe see a turtle if I was lucky. But everyone seemed quietly excited, like something special might actually happen.

The first splash into the Red Sea felt colder than I thought it would—my heart did that little skip you get when you’re suddenly underwater. Ahmed pointed into the blue and there it was: a dugong, moving slow but somehow graceful. We kept our distance (he made sure of that), but it was so close I could see its whiskers twitching as it grazed. There were these tiny fish darting around its head—I think someone whispered “Nemo!” behind me and we all laughed through our snorkels. The salt stung my lips but honestly, I barely noticed because I couldn’t stop staring.

Lunch happened somewhere between swims—grilled fish and rice eaten with wet fingers on the deck, sun drying us off while we tried to guess how big those turtles really were up close. Turns out: huge. The second snorkel spot had two of them just drifting along like they owned the place (which maybe they do). Someone tried to pronounce their Arabic name; Ahmed grinned and shook his head—“Close enough,” he said. By then my arms were tired but in that good way where you know you’ll sleep well later.

I still think about the quiet under the water—just breath sounds and sunlight flickering through coral. It’s strange how you can feel so far from everything else for a few hours, then suddenly you’re back at port with sand still stuck between your toes. If you’re near Marsa Alam and want something real—not just another photo stop—I’d say try this day trip to Marsa Mubarak. Not every day lets you swim alongside a sea cow.