2-Day Overnight Snorkeling at Satayh Dolphin Reef

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.50 (6 reviews)

Free cancellation

1/7

Duration2d

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Swim the reef at dawn when dolphins return, then explore narrow coral passages at Abu Galawa

A 2-day overnight snorkeling trip departing from Hamata, about 100 km south of Marsa Alam, with guided snorkeling at Satayh Dolphin Reef and Abu Galawa. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with all snorkeling gear, meals aboard the boat, and an English-speaking guide. Two guided snorkeling sessions happen on day one after a two-hour boat ride; day two starts before dawn when marine life is most active and dolphins are most likely to appear.

Step-by-step itinerary

Overnight snorkeling trip to Sataya

Pick up from hotel
Drive to Hamata marina
Board vessel and introduction
Two-hour boat ride to Sataya
First guided snorkeling session
Second guided snorkeling in afternoon
Watch sunset and enjoy dinner on boat
Relax with music and Beduin coffee
Early morning snorkeling to spot dolphins
Breakfast on board
Boat moves to Abu Galawa reef
Explore Abu Galawa coral reef
Lunch and break on boat
Return trip to Hamata marina
Minibus transfer back to hotel

The Experience

The day starts with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned minibus for the two-hour drive south to Hamata, a small fishing village where the boat departs. Once aboard, you'll get a brief introduction in the saloon with soft drinks, then choose your cabin while the boat heads toward Satayh. The reef sits two hours offshore — Shaab Sataya is the largest reef in the Red Sea, stretching 45 km, and spinner dolphins live along it year-round. Your first guided snorkeling happens as soon as you arrive, in the protected lagoon where the reef blocks currents and makes swimming easy for all levels. A second guided session follows in the afternoon, giving you hours to watch Napoleon wrasse, turtles, and schools of smaller fish move through hard and soft coral fields.

Dinner is served on deck at sunset, prepared by the boat's chef, with Egyptian music and hand-made bedouin coffee completing the evening. The high deck offers views of the stars and moon over open water. You sleep aboard in your cabin, and the real prize comes early: the boat heads out before dawn on day two, when the reef wakes up and dolphins are most active. You'll snorkel in low light while rays and dolphins move through the water around you. After breakfast, the boat moves to Abu Galawa, the trip's final stop, where coral passages narrow and shallow until the reef is only 3 meters below the surface — swimming through them is relaxed and straightforward. Lunch and a short break follow, then the minibus takes you back to your hotel in time for dinner.

What’s included

Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned minibus.
all boat transfers from Hamata.
snorkeling equipment for both days.
breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard the boat.
soft drinks in the saloon.
hand-made bedouin coffee and Egyptian music in the evening.
an English-speaking guide for both guided snorkeling sessions.
cabin accommodation overnight on the boat.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Marsa Alam Tours

Is this one for you?Two full days away from your hotel means you can commit to an overnight trip without cutting into other plans — the boat handles all the logistics, meals and timing, so you arrive back in time for dinner and the rest of your evening is yours.