Egypt Discovery
ExcursionMarsa Alam

Marsa Mubarak Boat Trip with Turtle Snorkelling

5 hours, shared boat, two snorkelling stops with a guide, transfers included.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

A 5-hour shared boat trip from Marsa Alam to Marsa Mubarak with two guided snorkelling stops: the turtle grazing area and a coral reef.
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Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations
Marsa Alam · Marsa Mubarak
Includes
A driver to fetch you from, and take you back to, your hotel in Marsa Alam town, Port Ghalib and the resorts between (El Quseir by request) · A seat on a boat that other guests share · A snorkel set: mask, tube and fins · Tea and coffee, plus water in bottles · A guide and boat crew
Guide languages
English

Best time to go

Mornings are usually calm. Spring and autumn are warm without a punishing midday sun.

  • ETAA Category A licence, trading since 1988
  • Our own Marsa Alam office

02Overview

A first look

This is a five-hour shared boat trip from the bay at Marsa Mubarak. The sail is short, so most of your time is spent in the water. The first stop is the turtle grazing area, where green turtles feed on seagrass. Turtles are wild, so we say sightings are likely but never promise them. The second stop is a coral reef with plenty of fish. A guide snorkels with the group, and you are back at your hotel by early afternoon.

Background

The facts

Marsa Mubarak is a bay and marina south of Marsa Alam town. Seagrass beds nearby draw green turtles, and a short boat ride reaches them.

Named in this entry

reef snorkelling·Red Sea coast

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • Families and snorkellers who want a half-day trip with a good chance of turtles.

Maybe not, if

  • Not for anyone needing a guaranteed sighting or a long deep-water reef day.

What lingers

  • 01A short sail from Marsa Mubarak to the area where green turtles graze
  • 02Likely, but never guaranteed, turtle sightings
  • 03A guide in the water with the group at both stops
  • 04A second swim over a thriving coral reef
  • 05Tea, coffee and bottled water on board
  • 06A half-day trip that is easy to fit between beach days

Honest assessment

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

Highlights

  • Short sail and lots of time in the water
  • A guide snorkels with you
  • Good for beginners

Things to Consider

  • Turtles cannot be promised
  • The boat is shared, so it can be busy

Stop by stop

Detailed itinerary

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The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • A driver to fetch you from, and take you back to, your hotel in Marsa Alam town, Port Ghalib and the resorts between (El Quseir by request)
  • A seat on a boat that other guests share
  • A snorkel set: mask, tube and fins
  • Tea and coffee, plus water in bottles
  • A guide and boat crew

Not included

  • Tips for the crew and guide
  • Any other drinks you order
  • Upgraded kit or underwater photos
  • Money for your own purchases

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Hold the boat ladder when getting in and out if you are unsteady

  2. 02

    Wear a rash vest to protect your back from the sun while you float

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

The Marsa Mubarak trip is free for under-2s, half fare for ages 2 to 11 and full fare from age 12. The Marsa Mubarak trip lasts 5 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 Marsa Mubarak trip worked out?
    We quote the Marsa Mubarak trip per person and the figure covers everything on the inclusions list. Our team confirms the figure for the Marsa Mubarak trip after you send a request, and until then it is provisional. For the Marsa Mubarak trip, bear in mind that we are a licensed Egyptian operator with ETAA Licence 718 (Category A) and IATA accreditation, but we do not sell international flights.
  2. 02When and where will you collect me?
    A driver collects you for the Marsa Mubarak trip at 08:00 from hotels in Marsa Alam town, Port Ghalib and the resorts between them. For the Marsa Mubarak trip, El Quseir pick-ups can be arranged on request. We confirm your exact time for the Marsa Mubarak trip once your request is accepted, so be ready in the lobby a few minutes early.
  3. 03Can children join the Marsa Mubarak trip, and what do they pay?
    Yes. On the Marsa Mubarak 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. Please think about whether little ones can cope with the Marsa Mubarak trip, which lasts 5 hours.
  4. 04Will we see turtles on this trip?
    Turtles are seen on most days, but they are wild, so we cannot guarantee it. The boat goes to the area where they feed. The guide keeps the group calm and at a safe distance, and nobody should touch or chase them.
  5. 05What if I have to cancel the Marsa Mubarak 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 many people are on the boat?
    Up to 25 guests share the boat, so it can feel lively on the deck. The snorkelling stops are spread out, so the water rarely feels crowded. For more space, ask 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-893582

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