Port Ghalib Intro Diving Trip from Marsa Alam
Description
The Port Ghalib diving trip from Marsa Alam gives you two guided chances to explore the Red Sea below the surface, with the main focus on the marine life around Marsa Mubarak and Marsa Shouna. After your transfer to Port Ghalib, you board the dive boat and meet the professional instructor, who explains the plan, checks your equipment and stays with you during the dives. The pace is practical and unhurried, making this a straightforward introduction for travellers who want to try diving with support close by.
The first dive takes place at Marsa Mubarak, a well-known bay where green sea turtles often feed over seagrass. The bay has sandy patches, reef edges and sheltered water, giving you time to settle into the dive instead of moving straight into deeper conditions. Turtles are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed, but the site is chosen for its regular marine-life activity. Keep your movements slow, leave plenty of space and let the guide position the group without chasing anything.
Marsa Mubarak is also associated with a resident dugong nicknamed Dennis. Spotting him depends on his movements and the conditions on the day, but the possibility gives the dive an extra point of interest. Your guide can help you watch the seagrass areas where dugongs may feed, while reminding the group to keep a respectful distance. Even when Dennis is elsewhere, the bay can bring close views of reef fish, rays and other Red Sea life.
The second dive is at Marsa Shouna, giving the trip a different underwater setting after your first descent. Here, the boat reaches another reef area where you can look across coral formations and watch smaller fish move through the reef. The instructor adjusts the pace to the group, allowing time to check your breathing, buoyancy and comfort. These 2 Dives are planned as separate sessions, with time on the boat between them to rest, drink water and prepare for the next entry.
- Visit Marsa Mubarak and Marsa Shouna by dive boat
- Take 2 Dives with guidance from a professional instructor
- See green turtles in their natural Red Sea habitat
- Look for the resident dugong known as Dennis
This is an organised excursion from Marsa Alam rather than a self-arranged marina visit. Our team coordinates the transfer and the day’s diving arrangements, so you do not need to find your own way to Port Ghalib or arrange a separate boat. The exact route, dive order and time spent at each site can change with sea conditions, harbour procedures and the instructor’s safety assessment. You will receive the practical briefing before entering the water, including hand signals, equipment use and what to do if you need assistance.
The trip suits travellers who want a first experience of Red Sea diving, as well as certified divers looking for a straightforward day at two established sites. You should be comfortable in the water and able to follow the instructor’s directions. Diving is not suitable for everyone, including people with certain medical conditions; tell us about any relevant health concern before the excursion so the required advice can be given. Children and non-divers may need a different arrangement, so check the booking conditions before travelling.
Wear swimwear under comfortable clothing and expect a day built around time on the boat, two water entries and surface intervals. Bring sun protection, a towel and enough water for the journey. Lunch or refreshments should only be expected when listed in your booking details, and diving equipment rental may depend on the package selected. Please confirm your pickup point in Marsa Alam and arrive ready at the stated time, as the boat schedule is linked to the marina’s departure procedures.
Included
2 guided dives at Marsa Mubarak and Marsa Shouna
Diving briefing and surface interval between dives
Professional diving instructor
Hotel pickup and drop-off from Marsa Alam, where stated in the booking details
Boat trip from Port Ghalib
Excluded
Personal expenses
Diving equipment rental unless included in your selected package
Lunch and drinks unless stated in the booking details
Tipping
Any services not listed under included services
Don't forget
Reusable water bottle
Swimwear and a towel
Comfortable clothing and a light layer for the boat
Sun cream, hat and sunglasses
A valid certification card if you are booking as a certified diver
Any required medical information or medication
Frequently Asked Questions
This amazing diving trip from Marsa Alam includes the transfer to Port Ghalib, two guided dives, and support from a professional instructor. The dives are planned at Marsa Mubarak and Marsa Shouna, where you may see green sea turtles and the resident dugong known locally as Dennis.
Exact equipment, refreshments, and other inclusions depend on the selected package, so check the booking details before confirming.
The trip includes 2 dives: one at Marsa Mubarak and one at Marsa Shouna. The day follows a relaxed diving schedule, with time for transfers, safety checks, equipment preparation, surface intervals, and guidance from the professional instructor.
The overall duration can vary with pickup arrangements, sea conditions, and the diving schedule. We confirm the practical timings with you before the excursion.
Pickup is arranged from your accommodation in the Marsa Alam area for the transfer to Port Ghalib and the return journey after the dives. We confirm the pickup point and time after booking because they depend on your location and the day's route.
Please be ready at the agreed meeting point with your diving documents and personal belongings. Transfer time can vary between hotels and accommodation areas.
The trip may suit beginners who meet the operator's diving and medical requirements, because each dive is supervised by a professional instructor. Children must meet the applicable minimum age and health conditions for scuba diving, which should be checked before booking.
Travellers with limited mobility should contact us before booking. Boat access, boarding steps, transfers, and movement around the dive sites may make the excursion unsuitable for some mobility needs.
Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, comfortable clothing for the transfer, and any personal medication you need. You should also carry your passport or identification if requested for local travel arrangements.
Our team will advise you about the diving equipment and documents required for your booking. Avoid heavy meals immediately before diving and tell the instructor about any medical condition or previous diving concern.
You can request a cancellation or change, but the applicable terms depend on the booking conditions shown for your selected trip. Contact us as early as possible so our team can check what options are available.
Diving plans can also be adjusted if sea conditions, safety requirements, or local operating conditions affect Marsa Mubarak or Marsa Shouna. We do not guarantee a turtle or dugong sighting, although the sites are known for green turtles and the resident dugong, Dennis.
Reviews
Why travelers choose A1Toureg
- Transparent pricing with no unexpected fees.
- Reserve today and pay on the day of your tour on most excursions.
- Free cancellation on selected tours.
- Organized with trusted licensed Egyptian partners.
- Fast confirmation and personal assistance.
- Comfortable transportation for every journey.
- Support in English, German, French, Italian, Russian & more.
- We're with you every step of the way.
Your unforgettable Egypt journey starts with a booking you can trust.
* Available on selected tours. Flights, cruises and special bookings may have different cancellation policies.
Your Itinerary
Our team collects you from your hotel in Marsa Alam and drives to Port Ghalib, where the diving day begins. The transfer usually takes place in the morning, with the exact pickup time confirmed according to your hotel and the boat schedule. Travel in comfortable clothing and bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel and any personal medication you may need.
At the marina, you meet the dive team and complete the arrival formalities before boarding. Your professional instructor checks your experience level, answers questions and explains the safety procedures for the day. The instructor also confirms the equipment setup and the order of the two dives, taking account of local conditions and the group’s pace.
This is a relaxed introduction to an amazing diving trip rather than a rushed boat outing. If you are new to the area, the briefing gives you time to understand the boat, entry method and signals before the first dive begins.
Once everyone is ready, the crew prepares the diving equipment and reviews the plan for the first site. Your instructor helps you check the mask, fins, regulator, buoyancy equipment and cylinder, then talks through the expected depth, underwater route and safety signals. Certified divers can discuss their previous experience, while beginners receive clear guidance at a comfortable pace.
On board, you have space to store your belongings and settle in as the boat heads towards the first reef. The journey is part of the experience: listen to the crew, stay hydrated and keep your camera secure until the instructor says it is safe to use it. Sea conditions can affect the exact route and timing, so the final dive plan is confirmed on the day.
The two dives are arranged with a proper surface interval between them. This allows you to rest, drink water and talk through what you saw before entering the water again. Your guide remains available throughout the trip for practical help.
The first dive takes place at Marsa Mubarak, a sheltered Red Sea site known for its sandy seabed, coral areas and marine life. After the instructor gives the final entry instructions, you enter the water as a group and begin at an easy pace. The guide points out coral formations and keeps the route clear, giving you time to adjust your breathing and buoyancy.
This is the dive where you may discover the green turtles that visit the bay to feed and rest. Keep a respectful distance, avoid touching the animals and let them move naturally through the water. A dugong known locally as Dennis may also be seen in the area, although wildlife sightings depend on the day and sea conditions.
After surfacing, return to the boat for refreshments and a rest. The instructor checks that everyone is comfortable, discusses the dive and explains what to expect during the second descent.
Between the dives, the boat pauses for a surface interval and a freshly prepared lunch. The meal is typically served on board and gives you time to recover after the first dive. Exact dishes can vary, but a usual Egyptian boat lunch includes simple hot food, salads, rice or pasta, and soft drinks or water.
Use the break to dry off, rest in the shaded seating area and talk with the crew about the reef. Your instructor reviews the first dive and answers questions about equipment, breathing control or marine life. This is also a good time to check your camera, although keep it packed away while moving around the boat and follow the crew’s instructions.
The second dive does not begin until the planned interval and safety checks are complete. You can choose to relax on board if you do not wish to enter the water again, but the instructor will explain the available options before the group continues.
The second dive is at Marsa Shouna, where the instructor leads the group through another section of Red Sea reef. The site gives you a fresh underwater setting after the morning’s first dive, with coral heads, sandy channels and small reef fish to observe. Your guide sets a steady pace and adjusts the route to suit the group’s experience and the conditions on the day.
Before entering, listen to the briefing about the planned depth, entry point and return route. Underwater, stay close enough to see the instructor’s signals without crowding other divers. Point out marine life rather than chasing it, and keep your buoyancy controlled around the coral.
Once the group surfaces, the crew helps everyone back on board and secures the equipment. You can change into dry clothing, collect your belongings and enjoy the boat ride back to the marina. The instructor remains available for a final equipment check and any questions about your dives.
After the boat reaches the marina, the crew assists with leaving the vessel and returning the diving equipment. Take a moment to collect your phone, passport copy and other personal items before we begin the drive back. The return transfer is arranged to match the end of the boat schedule, so the timing can vary with the route and sea conditions.
Our driver takes you from Port Ghalib back to your hotel in Marsa Alam. The journey gives you time to relax after the two dives, and many travellers use it to compare photographs or talk about the turtle and reef sightings with their group. Keep drinking water during the drive and avoid strenuous activity after diving.
We drop you at your hotel, ending the day with your dive equipment returned and your transport completed. If you have questions about future dives or certification, speak with the instructor before leaving the marina.