Snorkeling at Marsa Mubarak: Dugong and Turtles

Swim alongside dugong and the Red Sea's largest turtles in one morning

Snorkeling at Marsa Mubarak is a full-day activity from Port Ghalib in Marsa Alam where you swim with dugong, giant sea turtles and reef fish in the Red Sea. Hotel pickup is included. You travel by air-conditioned vehicle to the marine base 1km south of Marsa Alam airport, then sail 25 minutes to the snorkeling site. The day runs about 8.5 hours and includes a safety briefing, two separate snorkeling sessions with lunch between them, all equipment, and a guide who speaks English.

The experience

You get picked up from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and driven to Port Ghalib marine base, just south of Marsa Alam airport. From there, a speedboat takes you 25 minutes out to Marsa Mubarak, the snorkeling spot where dugong and the Red Sea's biggest sea turtles feed. A guide gives a short briefing on the marine life and safety before you enter the water.

The first snorkeling session lasts about an hour, focused on finding and swimming near the dugong without touching them. You'll also see Nemo fish and the coral reef. After that, you come back to the boat for a freshly prepared lunch and drinks, then head out again for a second snorkeling session with the giant turtles. When you're done, the boat returns to Port Ghalib and the vehicle takes you back to your hotel.

If you're arriving from Hurghada or Makadi Bay, the transfer is a private car to El Quseir, where you'll join the group bus heading to Port Ghalib. Bottled water, snacks, coffee and tea are provided throughout the day, along with all snorkeling gear and the guide's instruction.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• boat transport from Port Ghalib to Marsa Mubarak.
• all snorkeling equipment.
• an English-speaking guide.
• two snorkeling sessions.
• freshly prepared lunch onboard.
• bottled water, snacks, coffee and tea throughout the day.

Options for this experience

2 options

Departs from the Marsa Alam areaGuide in English · 08:00Duration: 8 hours. Visit Marsa Mubarak if you are in Marsa Alam, El Quseir, Port Ghalib or any hotel or location in the area. Includes pickup.

From Hurghada areaGuide in English · 08:00Visit Marsa Mubarak if you are staying in Hurghada, Safaga, Sahl Hashish, Makadi, Gouna or any hotel in the area. Air-conditioned private vehicle to El Quseir, where you then join us on our bus; the return trip follows the same route to Hurghada. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Lasts 8h 30m, runs every day except Saturday at 08:00, from US$ 88 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day except SaturdayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 10000

Live guideEnglish

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 10

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Marsa Waves Activities

Is this one for you?Book from Marsa Alam if you're staying nearby and want to skip the longer transfer. Choose Hurghada pickup if that's where you're based, though the journey adds time before the boat departs. Either way, the full day is built around the boat schedule and the guide's knowledge of where the dugong and turtles are feeding, so you're not hunting on your own.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 10 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.

What's the difference between the Hurghada and Marsa Alam pickup options?

Marsa Alam area pickup is a direct transfer to Port Ghalib. From Hurghada or Makadi Bay, you travel by private car to El Quseir first, then join the group bus to Port Ghalib marine base.

How long do you actually spend in the water snorkeling?

You have two snorkeling sessions: the first lasts about one hour focused on dugong, and the second is with the giant turtles. The total time in the water depends on conditions, but the full day from pickup to return is 8.5 hours.

Will you definitely see dugong and turtles?

Marsa Mubarak is where dugong and the Red Sea's largest sea turtles regularly feed, so sightings are the reason the spot is chosen. The guide will navigate to find them, but marine life presence varies by day and season.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and return, air-conditioned vehicle transport, the 25-minute boat ride, all snorkeling equipment, a guide in English, lunch prepared onboard, bottled water, snacks, coffee and tea.

Is this snorkeling suitable for beginners?

Yes, it's suitable for all fitness levels. The guide gives a safety briefing before you enter the water. The activity is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.