Snorkel with Dugongs and Turtles in Marsa Alam

Swim alongside dugongs and the Red Sea's largest turtles in calm, protected waters

Snorkel with dugongs and turtles in Marsa Alam on a full-day guided activity that includes three snorkeling sessions, a 25-minute boat ride to Marsa Mubarak, lunch and snacks onboard, and expert guides who prioritize safety and conservation. Children from age 6 are welcome. Guides speak English, Spanish, Italian, German and five other languages.

The experience

Marsa Mubarak, a protected marine reserve near Marsa Alam, is where this snorkeling day unfolds. A 25-minute boat ride takes you from the coast to waters where dugongs graze on seagrass and giant turtles move through the shallows. The guides (experienced and trained in marine conservation) begin with a safety orientation before you enter the water, then lead three separate snorkeling sessions spaced across the morning and early afternoon. Each one targets a different part of the reef or seagrass bed where the animals are most likely to be calm and undisturbed.

Between sessions, you stay on deck with freshly prepared lunch and snacks. The pace is unhurried: time to dry off, eat, rest in the shade and talk through what you've seen before the next entry. Small groups mean you're never crowded, and the guides watch both the animals and the snorkelers, adjusting depth, distance and timing so encounters stay peaceful for everyone. The focus is on observation and respect for the creatures, not on speed or numbers.

The day runs eight hours total, including the boat ride and all three snorkeling sessions. You'll need at least a moderate level of fitness for water entry and the physical demands of snorkeling, and the activity is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or significant cardiovascular concerns. Snorkeling gear is provided. Bring a towel and sunscreen, and wear reef-safe protection if you have sensitive skin.

What’s included

• Admission to Marsa Mubarak marine reserve.
• three guided snorkeling sessions.
• snorkeling equipment.
• boat transport from Marsa Alam.
• freshly prepared lunch and snacks served onboard.
• expert guide in your chosen language.
• safety orientation and marine conservation briefing.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 to 65 years) · Youth (6 to 15 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, German, Italian, Czech, Polish, Russian, Turkish and Ukrainian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Oceanic Travel Egypt

Is this one for you?The full eight-hour day and three snorkeling sessions demand moderate fitness and comfort in water, so it suits snorkelers who can handle sustained activity and want time to rest between entries rather than a quick half-day trip. Small groups and expert guides mean you move at a pace that keeps animals calm and lets you observe without rushing, which matters if you came for genuine encounters rather than a checklist of sightings.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, German, Italian, Czech, Russian, Ukrainian, Polish and Turkish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 15 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What are dugongs and why are they rare to see while snorkeling?

Dugongs are large marine mammals that graze on seagrass in shallow Red Sea waters. They are shy, slow-moving herbivores that spend most of their time in protected reserves like Marsa Mubarak, making close encounters with them genuinely uncommon, which is why this activity draws snorkelers from around the world.

How many people go on each snorkeling trip?

Groups stay small to protect the marine environment and keep the experience calm for both snorkelers and animals. Exact group size varies, but the operator prioritizes intimate, manageable groups over large tours.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join?

No prior experience is required. The guides give a safety orientation before you enter the water and lead each session, adjusting pace and depth to match the group. Children from age 6 can participate as long as they are comfortable in water and meet the moderate fitness requirement.

What's included in the lunch served onboard?

A freshly prepared lunch and snacks are served between snorkeling sessions while you rest on deck. The exact menu varies, but meals are designed to refuel you for the remaining sessions without being heavy.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the activity. If you prefer your own mask, fins or snorkel, confirm with the operator before booking, though most travelers find the provided gear sufficient and well-maintained.