Snorkeling Marsa Alam: Submarine Deck & Coral Reef

Submarine viewing deck, snorkeling at Marsa Mubarak, costume photos, three-course meal

The Nefertari is a floating replica of an ancient Egyptian queen's tomb, moored in Marsa Alam, where you descend to an air-conditioned submarine-level observation deck three meters below the surface to watch coral reefs through panoramic windows, then snorkel for around 45 minutes with a guide, and finish with a three-course seafood lunch or dinner. Hotel pickup is included; the full outing runs 4.5 hours. Vegan and gluten-free meals are available.

The Experience

The day starts with a short cruise to Marsa Mubarak—known locally as Turtles Bay—where the submarine deck becomes your vantage point. You sit in an air-conditioned cabin while the reef unfolds beyond the glass: turtles, dolphins, rays, the rare Red Sea manatee, and fish and corals in every size and color. No equipment needed, no time limit in the viewing room. This is how you see what most snorkelers miss because they're busy managing their breath.

After the submarine viewing, you move to the water for around 45 minutes of snorkeling with a fully qualified guide. This is where you get close to the marine life yourself, with the guide's expertise keeping you safe and pointing out what matters. The boat also offers a chance to dress in authentic replica costumes—ancient Egyptian king or queen regalia—and pose on a replica of Tutankhamun's throne for photos. It's the kind of detail families remember.

Lunch or dinner is a three-course seafood spread: three salads, seafood soup, rice, fish and calamari or chicken and pasta. Vegan and gluten-free versions are available if you need them. The upper deck has copies of temple pillars and a "star roof," so the whole experience—the viewing, the snorkeling, the meal—stays framed inside the Nefertari's pharaonic design.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport.
• submarine-level observation deck viewing at Marsa Mubarak.
• 45 minutes of snorkeling with a qualified guide.
• three-course seafood lunch or dinner with vegan and gluten-free options available.
• costume photo session with ancient Egyptian replica regalia.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Egypt Sunmarine Fleet

Is this one for you?At 4.5 hours total, this outing leaves room for another activity or a meal elsewhere in your day, but the submarine viewing and snorkeling both happen inside the booking—you're not splitting time between two separate sites. The 45-minute snorkel is moderate, not a full-day immersion, so it suits anyone who wants to see the reef without committing a whole afternoon to the water.

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Top questions

What exactly is the submarine deck and how does it work?

The submarine level is a large air-conditioned viewing platform built three meters below the water's surface on the Nefertari boat. You sit inside and look out through panoramic windows at the coral reef and marine life passing by—no diving, no swimming, no equipment required. It's a way to see the underwater world without entering the water yourself.

How long do I actually spend snorkeling in the water?

You snorkel for around 45 minutes at Marsa Mubarak with a guide. The rest of the 4.5-hour outing includes the submarine viewing, the cruise between spots, the meal, and the costume photo session on board.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is not included with the cruise. You'll need to bring your own mask, fins and snorkel, or arrange to rent them separately before boarding.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English, Italian, French, German, and four additional languages. Confirm your language preference when you book.

Does the price include drinks on board?

The three-course meal and hotel pickup are included. Additional drinks on board are not included and can be purchased separately.

Can I do this if I'm not a strong swimmer or have mobility concerns?

The submarine deck viewing requires no swimming at all—you sit in an air-conditioned cabin. The boat is wheelchair accessible, all surfaces and areas are accessible, and specialized infant seats are available. If you choose to snorkel, you'll be in the water with a guide, so your swimming ability matters for that part.