Imagine swimming alongside graceful sea turtles and the elusive dugong in their natural habitat. Located near Port Ghalib in Marsa Alam, Egypt, Marsa Mubarak offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the vibrant underwater world. This guided tour includes hotel pickup, snorkeling stops, and a delicious lunch, all while enjoying the enchanting coral reefs and diverse marine life. With rave reviews from satisfied travelers, this adventure promises to create lasting memories. But what exactly can you expect from this unique wildlife encounter?
Key Points
- This tour offers the rare opportunity to swim alongside turtles and potentially spot the elusive dugong in the waters of Marsa Mubarak, located near Port Ghalib, Egypt.
- The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, snorkeling equipment, two guided snorkeling stops, a buffet lunch, and unlimited drinks, providing a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.
- While dugong sightings are not guaranteed due to the animal’s shy and reclusive nature, travelers report memorable encounters with turtles and a vibrant underwater world filled with coral reefs and tropical fish.
- With a perfect 5.0-star rating based on six reviews, the tour is praised for its good value, responsive hosting, and ability to deliver an unforgettable wildlife experience.
- The tour has a maximum capacity of 40 travelers, and advance booking is recommended to secure a spot on this unique excursion.
Tour Overview
Marsa Mubarak, situated in Port Ghalib, Marsa Alam, Egypt, offers a unique opportunity to swim alongside turtles and the elusive dugong.
This activity lasts an unspecified duration and accommodates up to 40 travelers. Participants can expect hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling equipment, two guided snorkeling stops, a buffet lunch, and unlimited drinks.
However, sighting the dugong isn’t guaranteed, as the search is conducted via speedboat. Despite this, traveler reviews indicate positive experiences, including sightings of both turtles and dugongs.
With an overall rating of 5.0 stars, this tour provides an unforgettable marine wildlife encounter in the Red Sea region.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Port Ghalib.
Inclusions
The tour includes several amenities to enhance the overall experience.
Travelers can expect hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless transition to the adventure.
Snorkeling equipment and life vests are provided, allowing guests to explore the underwater world with confidence.
The tour features two guided snorkeling stops, offering the chance to encounter the marine life.
A buffet lunch served on board and unlimited water, soft, and hot drinks are included, catering to the travelers’ needs.
Plus, the National Park Fees of 5 EUR per person are covered, and an optional pickup from South/North Marsa Hotels is available for an additional fee.
Pickup Information
The pickup time for the tour is 07:00 AM.
The pickup varies based on the location of the hotel, and it may take 1-2 hours to complete. Guests must provide their room number to get the exact pickup details.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible, and infant seats are available. This information is crucial for guests with special needs or traveling with young children, ensuring they can fully participate in the experience.
- The pickup time may vary depending on the hotel location.
- Guests must provide their room number for exact pickup details.
- The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible.
Wildlife Experience
Sightings of the elusive dugong aren’t guaranteed on this tour, as the search is conducted via a speedboat. However, travelers have reported positive experiences, including encounters with turtles and dugongs.
The dugong, a relative of the manatee, is a shy and reclusive creature, making it challenging to spot during the excursion. Despite the lack of a guaranteed dugong sighting, the opportunity to snorkel and swim with these gentle marine animals in their natural habitat is a unique and thrilling experience.
Participants can explore the vibrant underwater world of Marsa Mubarak, home to a diverse array of marine life, including coral reefs and a variety of tropical fish.
Traveler Reviews
While the tour’s wildlife experience may not guarantee a sighting of the elusive dugong, travelers have reported positive experiences overall.
Of the six total reviews, the tour received a perfect 5.0-star rating, with one guest describing it as "Awesome trip! Good value for money!" and another noting, "Es war traumhaft schön… alles ein echtes lohnenswertes Erlebnis."
The host has expressed appreciation for the feedback and a desire for return visits.
The review highlights suggest that the tour offers:
- An enjoyable, high-value experience
- Memorable wildlife encounters, even if the dugong remains elusive
- Responsive and attentive hosting by the tour provider
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Booking and Pricing
Currently, the tour is priced at 65 EUR per person, with an additional 7 EUR charge for pickup from hotels south or north of Marsa Alam.
Guests must pay the 5 EUR National Park fee in cash upon arrival.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling gear, two guided snorkeling stops, a buffet lunch, and unlimited water, soft, and hot drinks.
Pickup times vary depending on the hotel location, taking 1-2 hours.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but stroller access and infant seats are available.
Booking in advance is recommended, as the tour has a maximum capacity of 40 travelers.
Recommended Attire
For the swimming with turtles and dugong tour at Marsa Mubarak, guests should pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing suitable for the warm weather and water activities.
The tour involves snorkeling, so you will want to wear swimsuits or rash guards that won’t weigh them down when wet. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are also recommended to protect feet when entering and exiting the water.
To complete the packing list, guests should bring:
- Sunscreen and a hat to shield from the sun
- Towel for drying off after snorkeling
- Lightweight, breathable cover-up for the boat ride
Additional Information
The tour operator emphasizes the importance of respecting the natural environment and wildlife during the excursion.
Guests are reminded to refrain from touching or feeding the turtles and dugongs, as this can disrupt their natural behaviors.
The tour includes two guided snorkeling stops, allowing participants to observe the marine life from a safe distance.
Visitors are required to pay the National Park Fees of 5 EUR per person in cash upon arrival.
Additional pickup from South/North Marsa Hotels is available for $7 per person.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but stroller access and infant seats are provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Spot the Dugongs?
The best time to spot dugongs is typically during the warmer months, as they prefer the temperate waters. However, sightings are not guaranteed, as their population and migration patterns can vary.
Are There Any Restrictions on the Number of People in the Water at Once?
The tour has a maximum traveler capacity of 40 people. While there are no explicit restrictions on the number of people in the water at once, the group size is limited to facilitate an enjoyable and manageable wildlife experience.
Can Participants Request Specific Snorkel Spots During the Tour?
Participants can’t request specific snorkel spots during the tour, as the itinerary is predetermined by the tour operator. The guide will select the best spots to view turtles and dugongs based on the group’s safety and environmental conditions.
Is the Boat Equipped With Any Underwater Cameras or Viewing Platforms?
The tour boat is not specifically equipped with underwater cameras or viewing platforms. However, guests can use their own cameras and equipment to capture the wildlife sightings during the snorkeling stops.
Are There Any Additional Safety Precautions Taken During the Dugong Search?
Additional safety precautions are taken during the dugong search. The tour uses a speedboat to carefully scan the waters and follows strict protocols to avoid disturbing the wildlife. Guests are briefed on proper viewing etiquette.
Recap
This tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to swim with turtles and the elusive dugong in the vibrant waters of Marsa Mubarak. With a perfect 5.0-star rating, it promises an unforgettable experience filled with stunning marine life and a delicious buffet lunch. Travelers can look forward to a hassle-free adventure with hotel pickup and drop-off, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a memorable wildlife encounter.