Snorkeling Sharm El Luli Marsa Alam: Coral reefs & turtles

Coral reefs, clownfish and a warm lagoon walk in one day

A six-hour snorkeling trip from Marsa Alam to Sharm El Luli beach and El Qulaan lagoon, with hotel pickup, English-speaking guide and all equipment. Spend the morning exploring coral reefs and spotting groupers, puffer fish, Napoleons and clownfish in clear water, then move to the lagoon to wade through shallow water toward mangroves and open sea, finish with Bedouin coffee and lunch in a tent by the beach.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and relaxing at Sharm El Luli and El Qulaan

• Pickup from hotel in Marsa Alam
• Drive to Sharm El Luli beach
• Snorkel and explore coral reefs
• Drive to El Qulaan lake
• Swim in warm lake water
• Walk to mangrove tree and open sea
• Taste Bedouin coffee in tent
• Enjoy lunch with fried fish
• Relax at lake beach
• Transfer back to hotel

The experience

The coral reefs at Sharm El Luli sit 60 km south of Marsa Alam in water so clear you see the seafloor from the surface. An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your hotel and carries you there, and once you're in the water with a guide, the reef reveals itself in layers: solitary groupers moving slowly through the coral, bright orange clownfish in their anemones, exotic-colored Napoleons, puffer fish. If conditions align, sea turtles and hawksbill pass through. The white sand beach itself is the kind of place where you can stand and do nothing for an hour and feel like you've done something.

After half a day in the water, the vehicle takes you to El Qulaan, a lagoon fed by warm springs where the water temperature stays high year-round. You wade into the shallows (the bottom is soft and visible), and walk out toward a mangrove tree that marks the boundary between the lagoon and the open sea beyond. The landscape is spare and quiet. Back on the beach, you sit in a tent close to the water's edge, drink traditional Bedouin coffee, and eat lunch (fried fish is on the menu). The whole day runs six hours from pickup to return.

Your guide speaks English throughout, and the operator provides snorkeling equipment, mineral water and soft drinks on the boat. Hotel pickup is included. If your hotel sits south of Marsa Alam, there's an extra fee for that leg.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• English-speaking guide.
• snorkeling equipment.
• mineral water and soft drinks on board.
• lunch in a tent at El Qulaan.

Information

Lasts 6h, runs every day at 08:00, from US$ 171 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 32 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Marsa Alam Tours

Is this one for you?The day is six hours of travel and water time with a guide, so it suits anyone comfortable in the sea and ready for a full morning of snorkeling followed by a lagoon walk. The warm water at El Qulaan is particularly good for those sensitive to cold.

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Top questions

Can children come?

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

What kind of fish and marine life will I see when snorkeling at Sharm El Luli?

Sharm El Luli's coral reefs hold groupers, puffer fish, Napoleons in exotic colors, and bright orange clownfish. Sea turtles and hawksbill rays pass through if conditions are right. The water is clear enough to see the seafloor from the surface.

How warm is the water at El Qulaan lagoon?

El Qulaan is fed by warm springs, so the water stays extremely warm year-round. It's particularly good for people with rheumatic pains or anyone who prefers not to get cold.

What happens after snorkeling in the morning?

After half a day snorkeling at Sharm El Luli, you drive to El Qulaan lagoon, wade through shallow water toward the mangroves and open sea, then rest in a tent by the beach with Bedouin coffee and lunch.

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

Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the trip. You don't need to bring your own.

What is included in the price?

Hotel pickup and return transport, an English-speaking guide for the full day, snorkeling equipment, mineral water and soft drinks on the boat, and lunch are all included. Service charges and taxes are built in.