Marsa Alam: Snorkel With Sea Cows and Turtles at Marsa Mubarak

Nestled along the stunning Red Sea coast, Marsa Alam offers an unforgettable underwater adventure. At the protected Marsa Mubarak site, snorkelers can swim alongside the gentle dugongs, often called "sea cows," and spot a variety of sea turtles gliding through the crystal-clear waters. This vibrant marine habitat, teeming with diverse aquatic life, beckons visitors to explore its captivating beauty. With guided tours that provide equipment, transportation, and a delectable lunch, the snorkeling experience at Marsa Mubarak promises an immersive journey into a breathtaking underwater paradise – one that may just leave you yearning for more.

Key Points

1. Marsa Mubarak, a protected marine area in Marsa Alam, offers exceptional snorkeling opportunities to observe dugongs, sea turtles, and diverse marine life in their natural habitat.

2. The snorkeling tour includes boat transportation, snorkeling equipment, and professional guides to ensure a safe and immersive experience for visitors.

3. Snorkelers can expect to encounter the gentle, plant-eating dugongs, as well as various species of sea turtles, including green, hawksbill, and loggerhead, during the tour.

4. The tour is priced at $33.28 per person and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, boat trip, open buffet lunch, and national park fees.

5. Travelers have consistently reported high satisfaction with the snorkeling tour, praising the exceptional marine life sightings, quality of food and refreshments, and the professionalism of the guides.

Discovering Marsa Alam’s Underwater Paradise

On the eastern coast of Egypt, Marsa Alam beckons visitors to explore its underwater wonderland. Renowned for its diverse marine life, the region offers a captivating snorkeling experience that allows travelers to encounter majestic sea cows and playful turtles.

The crystal-clear waters of Marsa Mubarak, a protected national park, teem with a vibrant ecosystem, including dolphins, rays, and a myriad of colorful fish. Snorkelers can enjoy this aquatic paradise, marveling at the graceful movements of dugongs and the gentle sea turtles as they glide through the warm, azure waters.

This unique opportunity to connect with these gentle giants and observe their natural behaviors is a highlight for many visitors to Marsa Alam.

Encountering Dugongs and Turtles

Snorkelers visiting Marsa Alam can expect to encounter two of the region’s most captivating marine residents: dugongs and turtles.

Dugongs, also known as "sea cows," are gentle, plant-eating mammals that thrive in the warm waters of Marsa Mubarak. Snorkelers have the unique opportunity to observe these elusive creatures in their natural habitat.

In addition, the area is home to several species of turtles, including green, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles. These majestic creatures can often be spotted gracefully gliding through the coral-rich waters.

The chance to swim alongside these incredible marine animals is a highlight of the snorkeling experience in Marsa Alam.

Exploring the Marsa Mubarak Snorkeling Spot

At the heart of the Marsa Alam snorkeling experience lies the captivating Marsa Mubarak, a protected marine area teeming with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of diverse marine life.

Visitors can explore this underwater paradise, where they may encounter majestic dugongs, also known as sea cows, as well as a variety of sea turtles gliding gracefully through the clear waters.

The tour includes boat transportation to the site, allowing easy access to this unique snorkeling destination.

With the provided snorkeling equipment and guides, travelers can enjoy the mesmerizing world beneath the surface, creating unforgettable memories of their encounter with the region’s captivating marine wildlife.

Highlights of the Snorkeling Tour

The breathtaking underwater vistas and up-close encounters with marine life define the highlights of the Marsa Alam snorkeling tour.

Snorkelers can expect to witness:

• Captivating sightings of dugongs, also known as sea cows, gracefully gliding through the waters
• Turtles peacefully resting on the seafloor or swimming alongside snorkelers
• A vibrant array of tropical fish, including schools of colorful angelfish and parrotfish

Reviewers consistently praise the tour’s professionalism and the guides’ exceptional care in ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all.

With the opportunity to take in the region’s rich marine ecosystem, the Marsa Mubarak snorkeling tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

What’s Included in the Experience

The snorkeling tour in Marsa Alam comes with a comprehensive package that ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Priced from $33.28 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a boat trip to Marsa Mubarak, an open buffet lunch, and unlimited water and soft drinks.

Snorkeling equipment and life vests are provided, and the national park fees of €10 per person are covered.

For travelers staying at distant hotels, additional fees may apply.

The maximum group size is 30 people, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available.

With a flexible cancellation policy and a "pay later" option, the tour offers convenience and value for money.

Pickup and Transportation Arrangements

Pickup time for the snorkeling tour in Marsa Alam is set at 8:00 am.

The duration of the pickup varies based on the distance of the hotel, ranging from 1 to 2 hours. Confirmation of the pickup is provided at the time of booking.

The tour accommodates a maximum group size of 30 travelers, ensuring a personalized and comfortable experience.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infant seats are available for those traveling with young children.

• Pickup time: 8:00 am
• Duration: 1-2 hours based on hotel distance
• Confirmation: Received at booking
• Maximum group size: 30 travelers

Cancellation and Payment Details

Travelers can enjoy the freedom of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This gives them the flexibility to adjust their plans if needed.

Alternatively, they can opt for the "Reserve now, pay later" option, which allows them to secure their spot without making a full payment upfront.

The tour operator’s straightforward cancellation and payment policy gives participants peace of mind when booking their snorkeling adventure in Marsa Alam.

Whether they need to cancel or simply want to pay later, the tour experience is designed to accommodate the needs of modern travelers.

Traveler Feedback and Recommendations

Overwhelmingly, reviewers express high satisfaction with the snorkeling tour in Marsa Alam, lauding the professionalism and care of the guides.

Travelers highlight several key strengths of the experience:

• Sightings of diverse marine life, including dolphins, rays, and unique fish
• The thrill of swimming alongside dugongs (sea cows) and turtles
• The exceptional quality of the provided food and refreshments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling equipment. However, the tour includes the use of snorkeling gear, so it may be more convenient to use the provided equipment.

How Do I Obtain the Required National Park Fees?

The national park fees of €10 per person must be paid in cash on the day of the tour. This fee is not included in the tour price and is required to access the snorkeling site.

Are There Any Additional Costs for the Tour?

The tour includes most costs, but there are additional fees for travelers staying at hotels farther from the pickup location. The national park fees of €10 per person must be paid in cash on the day.

How Long Does the Boat Trip to Marsa Mubarak Take?

The boat trip to Marsa Mubarak typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the hotel’s distance from the location. The duration of the boat ride may vary based on the group’s pickup points and the overall distance traveled.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Snorkeling Activity?

The snorkeling activity doesn’t have any age restrictions, but infant seats are available. The tour is suitable for families and groups of all ages who want to experience swimming with dugongs and turtles.

Recap

Marsa Mubarak offers an awe-inspiring snorkeling experience, where visitors can swim alongside gentle dugongs and vibrant sea turtles amidst a vibrant coral reef. With comprehensive tour packages and experienced guides, travelers of all skill levels can enjoy this underwater paradise and create unforgettable memories of their encounter with these magnificent marine creatures.