Port Ghalib Snorkeling Excursion from Marsa Alam

The boat leaves Port Ghalib harbor and moves out along the Red Sea coast. From the deck, you see the marina recede behind you before the open water becomes the main view. The guide uses the crossing to explain the snorkeling areas, expected water depth and how to stay within the designated swimming area while the crew remains nearby.

This first part of the boat ride is also a useful break before the water activities begin. You can sit in the shaded area, take photographs from the deck and prepare your mask and fins without rushing. When the boat reaches the first reef area, the crew gives clear instructions for entering the water. Travellers should follow the guide's directions, use the available ladder and tell the crew if they need help at any point. The exact sailing time depends on the day's route and sea conditions.

The first water activity takes place at the snorkeling stop “Marsa El Shone”, where the boat anchors near a reef area selected by the crew. After the guide checks the group, you enter the water in small groups and swim at an easy pace. Close to the surface, the reef shows patches of coral, small fish and changing colours as the light moves across the seabed.

You can spot plenty of corals and a variety of colorful fish while following the guide around the safe snorkeling area. The guide points out features that are easy to miss, such as fish sheltering beside coral heads or moving through the shallower sections. You do not need to dive deeply to enjoy the stop; floating calmly and keeping a respectful distance from the coral gives you a good view. After the session, return to the boat using the ladder, rinse off the salt water and take a short rest before the next stop.

The boat continues to the snorkeling stop “Marsa Mubarak”, a sheltered Red Sea bay known for its marine life. The crew chooses the precise place to enter according to the conditions on the day. Once in the water, you follow the guide along the reef and sandy areas, watching for schools of fish, coral formations and other creatures moving through the bay.

Marsa Mubarak is also a place where travellers may look for the dugong sea cow. Sightings depend on the animal's movements and the conditions, so the guide never treats one as guaranteed. If a dugong is seen, the group keeps a careful distance and avoids chasing or touching it. The same approach applies to the reef and fish: look, move slowly and do not stand on coral. When the guide signals the end of the swim, everyone returns to the boat for a drink, a towel and time to dry off on deck.

After the snorkeling sessions, the boat pauses for lunch while the crew prepares the meal on board. This is a relaxed part of the day, with time to sit at a table, talk with fellow travellers and look back over the water. The meal is typically served as a simple boat lunch, with accompanying drinks, and the crew can explain the available dishes if you have dietary needs.

Use the break to change out of wet snorkeling gear and keep personal items together before the return journey. The guide remains available for questions about the sites and marine life seen during the excursion. If you prefer not to swim again, you can stay on deck and enjoy the sea view. The boat's return departure follows lunch and the crew's assessment of the route, so the timing remains practical rather than fixed to an exact minute.

Once lunch is finished, the boat heads back toward the marina. The return crossing gives you a quieter chance to rest after the swims, take final photographs and watch the coastline approach. The crew announces the arrival procedures before docking and helps travellers leave the boat safely, one group at a time.

At the marina, our vehicle is ready for the road transfer back to Marsa Alam. The guide confirms the drop-off arrangements and checks that everyone has collected bags, phones and snorkeling equipment. You then travel back to your hotel, with the journey time depending on the location of your accommodation and traffic. The excursion ends at drop-off, after a full day on the Red Sea and two guided snorkeling sessions.