Snorkeling from Marsa Alam: Port Ghalib coral reefs and dugongs

A couple of reef stops, time in the water, shared boat

A snorkeling trip from Marsa Alam to Port Ghalib Marina takes you to two protected reefs in the Red Sea: Marsa El Shone, where colored fish school over coral, and Marsa Mubarak, a sheltered bay known for its coral gardens and occasional visits from endangered dugongs. Hotel pickup, a local guide, snorkeling gear and lunch are included; the full day runs about six hours from your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling trip at Port Ghalib Marina

• Pick up from Marsa Alam hotel
• Transfer to Port Ghalib Marina
• Board boat and sail 30 minutes
• Snorkel at Marsa El Shone
• Return to boat and sail 20 minutes
• Snorkel at Marsa Mubarak bay
• Explore coral reefs and marine life
• Return to marina and end trip

The Experience

Your hotel pickup starts the day, and the drive to Port Ghalib Marina takes you to the departure point. From there, the boat sails roughly 30 minutes to Marsa El Shone, your first stop. The reef here holds dense coral and schools of colored fish; you'll spend time in the water before heading back to the boat for a 20-minute run to Marsa Mubarak, the second site. This bay is sheltered and protected, which is why the coral reefs here rank among the most intact in the Marsa Alam area — the water stays clear and warm, and if conditions align, you might see a dugong, the endangered sea cow that grazes on sea grass in these shallows.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and a local guide who speaks English leads the trip. Lunch is a buffet served on the boat between the two stops, so you eat without leaving the water for long. The return journey brings you back to Port Ghalib Marina and then to your hotel, completing the day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Marsa Alam.
• round-trip shared transfer to Port Ghalib Marina.
• snorkeling equipment.
• a local English-speaking guide.
• and buffet lunch on the boat.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Excursies Egypte-Day Tours

Is this one for you?This trip suits small groups and solo travelers who want a full day on the water without arranging their own transport or gear — the boat is shared, the pace is set by the guide, and the two reefs let you compare shallow coral gardens in one outing.

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Top questions

What will I see when snorkeling at Marsa El Shone and Marsa Mubarak?

Marsa El Shone holds dense coral formations and schools of colored fish. Marsa Mubarak is a protected bay with some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the Red Sea; the warm, clear water and sea grass beds occasionally attract dugongs, the endangered sea cows that graze there.

How much time do I spend actually snorkeling in the water?

You snorkel at two stops with roughly an hour at each site, though the exact time depends on conditions and the group's pace. The boat journey between stops and to the marina takes about 50 minutes total.

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

Snorkeling equipment is included with the trip — mask, fins and snorkel are provided.

What's included in the lunch, and when is it served?

A buffet lunch is served on the boat between the two snorkeling stops, so you eat without a long break from the water.

Does the trip include hotel pickup from Marsa Alam?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Marsa Alam are included, along with the shared transfer to and from Port Ghalib Marina.