5 Things to Know Before Your First Snorkeling Tour in Marsa Alam

If you’re visiting Egypt’s Red Sea coast, joining a snorkeling tour in Marsa Alam is one of the best ways to experience its world-famous marine life. From colorful coral reefs to sea turtles, dolphins, and even the rare dugong, the waters here are home to some of the richest biodiversity in the region.

For first-time snorkelers, it can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. What should you expect? How do you prepare? And which sites are best for beginners?

This guide highlights five essential things to know before heading out, helping you enjoy the sea with confidence and make the most of your time in Marsa Alam.

1. Choosing the Right Snorkeling Spot

Not all reefs are the same, and picking the right location can make or break your first snorkeling tour in Marsa Alam. Luckily, the area offers a wide range of sites suitable for different experience levels.

• Abu Dabbab Beach: Known for its shallow entry and calm waters, it’s one of the best places to spot sea turtles and sometimes even dugongs.
  
• Satayeh Reef (Dolphin House): Famous for spinner dolphins that often swim near snorkelers. It requires a boat trip but is worth the journey.
  
• Sharm El Luli: A protected beach with crystal-clear waters and pristine corals, perfect for beginners.
  
• Marsa Mubarak: A lagoon-style reef where you might see turtles, rays, and schools of colorful fish.
  

Each site has its own highlights. If it’s your first time, choosing a sheltered bay like Abu Dabbab or Sharm El Luli gives you the confidence to ease into the water while still seeing plenty of marine life.

2. What to Expect on the Boat

Most snorkeling tours in Marsa Alam start with a hotel pickup and a transfer to the marina. From there, you’ll board a comfortable boat equipped with shaded seating, bathrooms, and space for gear. Before departure, the crew provides a safety briefing and hands out snorkeling equipment if you don’t bring your own.

The boat ride can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the chosen reef. Along the way, you’ll enjoy Red Sea views and sometimes spot dolphins swimming near the boat. Drinks and snacks are often provided, and full-day tours include a freshly prepared lunch on board.

At each snorkeling stop, the crew guides you on where to swim and helps identify safe areas with the best coral and marine life. Life jackets are available for beginners, and guides are always nearby to offer support.

The boat experience itself is part of the adventure—combining relaxation, scenery, and the excitement of reaching world-class snorkeling sites.

3. Marine Life You Might See

One of the main reasons travelers book a snorkeling tour in Marsa Alam is the chance to see incredible marine life up close. The Red Sea is home to hundreds of species, and each site offers something unique.

Common sightings include:

• Green sea turtles grazing on seagrass in shallow bays.
  
• Spinner dolphins at Satayeh Reef, sometimes swimming playfully near snorkelers.
  
• Colorful reef fish such as butterflyfish, parrotfish, and angelfish.
  
• Moray eels and rays tucked among coral outcrops.
  
• The rare dugong (sea cow), occasionally seen at Abu Dabbab or Marsa Mubarak.
  

Coral reefs here are vibrant and diverse, with both soft and hard coral creating natural gardens beneath the surface. Even in shallow waters, you’ll see plenty without needing to dive deep.

Every trip is different, and part of the excitement is never knowing what you might encounter. Respectful behavior in the water—such as keeping a safe distance and avoiding touching corals—ensures both your safety and the protection of the reef.

4. Tips for Beginners

If it’s your first snorkeling tour in Marsa Alam, a few simple tips can help you feel more comfortable in the water and get the most out of the experience.

• Practice with the gear: Before heading into deep water, test your mask and snorkel in the shallow area near the boat or beach. Make sure it fits well and doesn’t leak.
  
• Use a life jacket or floatation aid: These help you stay relaxed on the surface, especially if you’re not a confident swimmer.
  
• Stay close to the guide: Follow the route explained during the briefing. Guides know where the best coral and marine life can be found.
  
• Conserve your energy: Move slowly and avoid unnecessary kicking—it saves energy and prevents disturbing the water around you.
  
• Protect yourself from the sun: Even though you’ll spend a lot of time in the water, sunscreen or a UV-protective rash vest is essential.
  

Snorkeling is not about speed or covering distance—it’s about slowing down, floating calmly, and observing the underwater world at your own pace.

5. When Is the Best Time to Go Snorkeling in Marsa Alam?

A snorkeling tour in Marsa Alam can be enjoyed year-round thanks to the Red Sea’s warm climate and clear waters. However, some times of year are better than others for comfort and visibility.

• Spring (March–May): Excellent visibility, warm water, and pleasant air temperatures.
  
• Summer (June–August): Very hot on land, but the sea remains refreshing. Great for spotting turtles and dugongs, though sun protection is essential.
  
• Autumn (September–November): Many consider this the best season, with calm seas, comfortable weather, and plenty of marine activity.
  
• Winter (December–February): Cooler air temperatures but still mild compared to Europe. Water remains clear, though a wetsuit may be more comfortable.
  

Tours run in every season, but if you want the best mix of conditions, spring and autumn are the most popular times for first-time snorkelers.

Frequently Asked Questions