2-Day Overnight Snorkeling at Satayh Dolphin Reef

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.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and SaturdayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with 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.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).

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.

How long is the boat ride from Hamata to Satayh Dolphin Reef?

The boat takes two hours to reach Satayh Dolphin Reef from Hamata. You'll have time to settle into your cabin and get a briefing before the first guided snorkeling session begins.

What are the chances of seeing dolphins on this overnight snorkeling trip?

Spinner dolphins live along Shaab Sataya year-round, and the early morning snorkeling on day two (when marine life returns to daily activities) offers the best chance to spot them, along with rays and other reef inhabitants.

What's included in the overnight snorkeling trip price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, all transfers by air-conditioned minibus, snorkeling equipment, all meals aboard the boat, and an English-speaking guide are included. National park entrance fees (5 euros) and tips are separate.

What happens at Abu Galawa on day two?

Abu Galawa is your final snorkeling stop, with coral passages that narrow and shallow until the reef sits only 3 meters below the surface. The sandy bottom between reef blocks makes swimming through the passages relaxed and easy for all levels.

Do I need to arrange my own snorkeling gear?

No, all snorkeling equipment is provided and included in the trip price. You'll receive a briefing on how to use it before your first guided snorkeling session.