Snorkeling Hamata Islands: Reefs and birdwatching tour

Three snorkeling stops, a tropical island walk, and lunch on the boat

Snorkel three untouched reefs inside Wadi El Gemal National Park near the Hamata Islands, departing from Marsa Alam with hotel pickup and returning the same day. The day combines underwater exploration of vibrant coral gardens with an island landing where you walk white beaches and watch tropical birds among mangroves. Lunch, snorkeling equipment and an English-speaking guide are included.

The Experience

A 90-minute drive from Marsa Alam takes you to Hamata Marina, where you board the boat and meet your guide. After a safety briefing and gear check, the boat heads to the first snorkeling site. You'll spend time exploring three separate reefs known for colorful fish and rare marine species living in coral gardens that see far fewer visitors than the main Red Sea resorts. The guide stays with the group and points out what to look for underwater.

Between snorkeling stops, you return to the boat for a freshly prepared open-buffet lunch with vegetarian and vegan options. In the afternoon, the boat docks at one of the Hamata Islands themselves: a protected area inside the national park with soft white sand, mangrove trees and nesting birds. You walk the beach and explore the island on foot before heading to a final snorkeling spot. The return journey to Hamata Marina takes the afternoon, and your driver meets you there around 4 PM for the drive back to your hotel.

The full day lasts eight hours from pickup to drop-off. Snorkeling equipment, bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle are all included. The itinerary suits swimmers of any fitness level who want to spend time both underwater and on land without arranging separate transport or meals.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• 90-minute drive to Hamata Marina.
• snorkeling equipment for all three reef stops.
• English-speaking guide for the day.
• open-buffet lunch on the boat with vegetarian and vegan options.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Marsa Waves Activities

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel three separate reef sites in one day rather than stay at one location, and if you're comfortable entering the water independently with a guide nearby.

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Top questions

What's the water like for snorkeling at the Hamata Islands?

The reefs inside Wadi El Gemal National Park are known for vibrant coral gardens and rare marine species, with clear water and far fewer visitors than crowded resort beaches. You'll encounter colorful fish and other sea life across three separate snorkeling stops during the day.

How long is the drive from Marsa Alam to the boat?

The drive to Hamata Marina takes 90 minutes each way. Hotel pickup is included, and you return to your hotel around 4 PM after the full eight-hour day.

What happens on the island part of the day?

After lunch on the boat, you land at one of the Hamata Islands and walk the white sand beaches. The islands are part of Wadi El Gemal National Park and have mangrove trees where you can watch tropical birds. This gives you time on land between the second and third snorkeling stops.

Is lunch included, and what are the options?

Lunch is a freshly prepared open-buffet meal served on the boat between snorkeling stops. Vegetarian and vegan options are available alongside other dishes.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling equipment is provided and included in the price. You'll receive your gear at Hamata Marina before boarding, and the guide will explain how to use it during the safety briefing.