Swim with Dugongs & Turtles: Marsa Mubarak Boat Trip

Dugongs are shy. You'll see them in the shallows where few boats go.

A full-day snorkeling boat trip from Marsa Alam to Marsa Mubarak in the Red Sea, where you swim with dugongs and sea turtles among coral reefs. The boat is air-conditioned with shaded lounges and a sun deck. Lunch and snorkeling equipment are included, and a guide leads the underwater exploration in your choice of five languages. Pickup from Marsa Alam hotels is part of the booking.

The experience

The boat leaves Marsa Alam in the morning and heads out eight hours total. You'll spend the day moving between snorkeling sites where dugongs and sea turtles actually live, not in an aquarium or a controlled lagoon, but in their own habitat among the coral. The water is clear enough that you can see the reef structure and the fish moving through it. Between snorkeling stops, you stay on deck where there's shade and sun depending on what you want, and lunch is served onboard to keep you fueled through the day.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you don't bring your own. A guide who speaks English, Italian, German, Arabic or another language goes in the water with your group and points out what's worth watching: the turtles tend to move slowly and predictably, and the dugongs stay in shallower water where the seagrass grows. If you've never snorkeled before, the guide walks you through it. If you're experienced, they'll take you to the spots where the rarer animals show up. The boat itself is built for comfort: air-conditioned cabin space, soft drinks available, and room to spread out when you need a break from the water.

Pickup happens from your Marsa Alam hotel and the return is the same route. The only cash you'll need on the day is for the park fees (twelve euros per person, paid directly), unless your hotel is in South Marsa Alam, which adds a five-euro transfer charge per person.

What’s included

• Lunch onboard.
• snorkeling equipment and guide.
• air-conditioned boat with shaded lounges.
• soft drinks.
• pickup and drop-off from your Marsa Alam hotel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to15h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish, German, Italian, Arabic and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Paid on siteUS$ 19.21

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bassem Attia

Is this one for you?You snorkel independently with the guide present, not watching a demonstration, so you're in the water the whole time, not observing from the boat. This suits anyone who wants to swim with marine life themselves rather than watch it happen, whether you're a confident snorkeler or trying it for the first time.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, German, Italian, Arabic and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. The guide teaches you how to use the equipment and stays with your group in the water, so first-timers and experienced snorkelers go out together. The guide adjusts the pace and depth to what works for everyone.

Will I actually see dugongs on this trip?

Dugongs live in Marsa Mubarak's shallow seagrass beds, and the boat visits the sites where they feed. They're shy animals and sightings depend on the day, but the snorkeling itself (the coral, the fish, the turtles) happens regardless.

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

Lunch, snorkeling gear, guide, pickup from your hotel and soft drinks are all included. You pay twelve euros per person in cash on the day for park and governmental fees. If your hotel is in South Marsa Alam, add five euros per person for the transfer.

How long is the full day, and how much time do I actually spend in the water?

The trip runs eight hours total from pickup to drop-off. You'll snorkel at multiple stops throughout the day, with time between for lunch and rest on the boat deck.