Egypt Discovery
ExcursionMarsa Alam

Hamata and Qulaan Islands Full-Day Boat Trip

8 hours, shared boat, three reef stops, lunch on board and hotel transfers included.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

An 8-hour shared boat day from Marsa Alam to the Hamata and Qulaan islands, with three reef stops for snorkelling, lunch on board and a chance of turtles.
  • New

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations
Marsa Alam · Hamata · Qulaan Islands
Includes
Collection from and return to your hotel in Marsa Alam town, Port Ghalib or any resort in between (El Quseir can be arranged) · A shared air-conditioned vehicle and a place on the boat · Snorkelling gear: mask, snorkel and fins · A meal served on the boat · Tea, coffee and bottles of water
Guide languages
English

Best time to go

Calm mornings are best. Spring and autumn give warm water without the harshest sun.

  • Licensed Egyptian tour operator since 1988
  • Local staff based in Marsa Alam

02Overview

A first look

This is an eight-hour shared boat trip to the Hamata and Qulaan islands, on the southern stretch of the coast. The boat visits three reefs, so there is plenty of time to swim and little rushing. Turtles are sometimes seen, but they are wild and we never promise them. Between stops you can sit on deck, read or sunbathe. Lunch is served on board. Transfers, snorkelling kit and drinking water are included. It suits swimmers who like a full day at sea.

Background

The facts

The Hamata and Qulaan islands lie off the southern part of Egypt's Red Sea coast. Their reefs are reached by boat from the harbour near Hamata.

Named in this entry

reef snorkelling·Red Sea coast

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • Swimmers who want a full day of reef snorkelling at a relaxed pace.

Maybe not, if

  • Not suited to those prone to seasickness or who want a guaranteed turtle sighting.

What lingers

  • 01Three snorkelling stops on reefs around the Hamata and Qulaan islands
  • 02Turtles are sometimes seen, though sightings are never guaranteed
  • 03Time on deck between swims to rest in the shade
  • 04Lunch on board, with tea, coffee and bottled water
  • 05A guide and crew who choose the calmest reefs for the day
  • 06A shared boat with a relaxed pace

Honest assessment

The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.

Highlights

  • Three different reefs in one day
  • Plenty of time in the water
  • Lunch, drinks and kit included

Things to Consider

  • A long day with some travelling at each end
  • Turtles cannot be promised

Stop by stop

Detailed itinerary

  1. 1

  2. 2

  3. 3

  4. 4

  5. 5

  6. 6

  7. 7

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Collection from and return to your hotel in Marsa Alam town, Port Ghalib or any resort in between (El Quseir can be arranged)
  • A shared air-conditioned vehicle and a place on the boat
  • Snorkelling gear: mask, snorkel and fins
  • A meal served on the boat
  • Tea, coffee and bottles of water
  • A guide and crew

Not included

  • Tips for the crew and guide
  • The reserve entry charge, should the harbour ask you for it
  • Cold fizzy drinks
  • Money for your own purchases

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Take a seasickness tablet before sailing if you tend to feel unwell

  2. 02

    Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch on deck

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

The islands trip is free for under-2s, half fare for ages 2 to 11 and full fare from age 12. The islands trip lasts 8 hours, so think about what your children enjoy and can manage.

These fares are a guide, as prices and departure move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days you have in mind.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How is the price for the islands trip worked out?
    The figure for the islands trip is per person, and it pays for each item in the list of what is included. Our team confirms the figure for the islands trip after you send a request, and until then it is provisional. We operate the islands trip under ETAA Licence 718 (Category A) and our IATA accreditation, though international flights are not something we sell.
  2. 02What time is hotel collection?
    For the islands trip, collection is at about 07:00. For the islands trip we cover Marsa Alam town, Port Ghalib and the resorts in between, and we can collect from El Quseir if you ask. Your exact time for the islands trip is confirmed when we accept your request, and the driver cannot wait long.
  3. 03Can children join the islands trip, and what do they pay?
    Yes. On the islands trip, children under 2 travel free, ages 2 to 11 pay half the adult fare, and ages 12 and over pay the full adult fare. Children on the islands trip should be happy around water or in the heat, depending on the trip.
  4. 04Are turtles guaranteed on the islands trip?
    No. Turtles are sometimes seen, but they are wild and move around. The crew picks reefs with the best chances, though no sighting can be promised. The reefs themselves are worth the swim.
  5. 05Can I cancel or change my booking for the islands trip?
    Give us more than 72 hours' notice and you can keep 100% as credit towards a future holiday or have 100% refunded, less bank charges. Between 72 and 24 hours beforehand, keep 100% as credit or have 50% back. Within 24 hours, or if you don't turn up, nothing can be refunded or credited. Should we have to cancel, you won't lose a penny.
  6. 06How busy is the boat?
    Other guests share the boat, 25 at most. There is shade on deck and space to sit, but it is not a private yacht. If you would like a quieter day, ask us about a private boat when you send your request.

If plans change

Cancellation and refunds

What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms

Continue reading

From the archives

Product ID: EXC-MRS-322522

You Might Also Like

El Quseir Old Town Tour from Marsa AlamMarsa Alam

El Quseir Old Town Tour from Marsa Alam

A half-day trip to El Quseir, an old Red Sea port about an hour and a half north of Marsa Alam. You walk through the old port quarter, visit the Ottoman fort and its visitor centre and spend time in the local market, with a guide. The vehicle is shared with other guests. This is a request-only trip, which our team confirms.

From £70

Beginner Discovery Scuba Dive from Marsa AlamMarsa Alam

Beginner Discovery Scuba Dive from Marsa Alam

A first taste of scuba diving for people who have never tried it. You start with a briefing and practice in shallow water, then make one or two guided dives on a calm reef with an instructor beside you. No certificate is needed, but you must complete a short health form. This trip is by request, and we confirm it with the dive centre.

From £126

Samadai Dolphin House Boat Trip from Marsa AlamMarsa Alam

Samadai Dolphin House Boat Trip from Marsa Alam

A day on a shared boat to Samadai, known as Dolphin House. It is a horseshoe-shaped reef about 30 minutes off the coast, where spinner dolphins often rest. Sightings are likely, though the dolphins are wild and cannot be guaranteed. Swimming is allowed only in the marked zone, and everyone wears a life jacket there. The marine reserve charge and lunch are included.

From £91