Snorkeling in Marsa Mubarak: Dugongs and Turtles

Glide beside gentle dugongs and turtles in a protected marine sanctuary.

Snorkel Marsa Mubarak, a protected marine park in the Red Sea near Port Ghalib, on a full-day boat trip with a professional PADI instructor. You'll make two guided snorkeling sessions in waters known for dugongs and sea turtles, rest between dives on a shaded yacht with a sun deck, and eat a fresh open-buffet lunch. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and an optional introduction dive is available for first-time divers.

The experience

The boat leaves Port Ghalib for a 25-minute ride to Marsa Mubarak, a national park and one of the Red Sea's clearest snorkeling grounds. You'll enter the water twice during the day with your guide, who briefs you on safety and stays close to help you spot the marine life. The dugongs (large, gentle marine mammals) are the draw here, along with sea turtles that move through the coral gardens. Between sessions, you rest on the yacht under shade or on the sun deck, with soft drinks and fresh fruit available.

Lunch is a prepared open-buffet spread served on board, so you eat without leaving the boat. The guide speaks English, German, or Arabic, and the whole experience is built around small groups and a relaxed pace rather than crowds. If you've never dived before and want to go deeper than snorkeling allows, a PADI instructor can lead you through an introduction dive for an additional fee. This is optional and arranged when you book.

The trip runs eight hours total. An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your hotel and brings you back at the end of the day. The national park entrance fee is 10 euros per person, paid in cash when you arrive at the park.

What’s included

• Full-day boat trip to Marsa Mubarak national park.
• two guided snorkeling sessions with a professional PADI instructor.
• safety briefing before each session.
• fresh open-buffet lunch.
• soft drinks, tea, coffee and fresh fruit.
• hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, German and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by DiveZen Red Sea

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, German, or Arabic, so choose the language that fits your group. Small groups and a relaxed pace mean you're not rushed between water sessions, and the yacht's shaded areas let you rest comfortably between snorkels.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, German and Arabic.

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.

What will I actually see when I snorkel in Marsa Mubarak?

Dugongs and sea turtles are the main draw, swimming through coral gardens in clear water. The guide points out the marine life and stays with you during both snorkeling sessions to help you spot them and answer questions underwater.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join this trip?

No experience is required. The guide gives a safety briefing before each session and works with all fitness levels. If you've never snorkeled before, the guide will help you get comfortable in the water.

What's included in the price, and what do I pay separately?

The price covers the boat, two guided snorkeling sessions, lunch, drinks, fruit, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the guide. The national park entrance fee is 10 euros per person, paid in cash on the day. An introduction dive with the PADI instructor costs extra if you choose it.

How long is the boat ride from Port Ghalib to Marsa Mubarak?

The ride takes 25 minutes. The full trip is eight hours, including snorkeling time, lunch, and rest periods on the yacht.

Can I try diving if I've never done it before?

Yes. A PADI instructor on the boat offers an introduction dive for first-time divers, arranged when you book. This is optional and costs extra, but it's a safe way to go deeper than snorkeling allows.