No certification needed
Snorkeling in Marsa Alam
You do not need to dive to see the best of the Marsa Alam coast. Shallow seagrass bays, fringing reefs that start at the surface, and resting dolphin pods make it one of the Red Sea's best snorkeling areas - and most of it is family-friendly. We run guided snorkeling trips to the same standout sites our divers visit.
Fast reply on WhatsApp. Hotel pickup available. Beginner and certified options, small groups when possible.
Best snorkeling sites
Abu Dabbab is the turtle-and-seagrass bay, shallow and calm, with a strong chance of green turtles. Marsa Mubarak adds seagrass, turtles, and an outside chance of a dugong. For dolphins, Dolphin House (Sha'ab Samadai) and Sataya in the Fury Shoals have resting spinner pods and managed lagoons.
Good for families and beginners
The bays are shallow, sheltered, and easy to enter, which makes them ideal for children, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants to stay close to the boat or shore. Guides keep groups together and point out what to look for.
Diving and snorkeling together
Most of our boats carry both divers and snorkelers, so mixed groups can share the same day - divers go down, snorkelers stay up top over the same reef. It is the easiest way for a family with different interests to spend a day on the water together.
Who it suits
- Families and children
- First-time and casual snorkelers
- Non-divers joining a diving group
- Anyone hoping to see turtles or dolphins from the surface
What is included
- Guided snorkeling with a local guide
- Mask, snorkel, and fins (sizes on request)
- Boat or shore logistics for the site
- Hotel pickup within the standard zone
Not included
- Wetsuit rental where needed
- Marine park / site access fees
- Lunch on some half-days
Hotel pickup and transfers
Snorkeling pickups are included within the standard coastal zone between Port Ghalib and Marsa Mubarak. Tell us your hotel and group and we will confirm the trip and pickup time.
Safety and sea conditions
Guides brief every trip and keep groups together, and we provide buoyancy aids for weaker swimmers on request. Turtles and dolphins are wild and protected - we keep our distance and never chase. Sites can change with wind and visibility.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best snorkeling in Marsa Alam?
Abu Dabbab for turtles and seagrass, Marsa Mubarak for seagrass and a chance of dugong, and Dolphin House or Sataya for spinner dolphins.
Can children join snorkeling trips?
Yes. The sheltered bays are well suited to families, and we provide buoyancy support and keep groups close to the guide.
Will I see turtles or dolphins when snorkeling?
Often, but never guaranteed - they are wild animals. The bays give good turtle odds, and the dolphin reefs have resting pods, subject to the day.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Basic comfort in the water helps. We provide buoyancy aids and keep weaker swimmers near the guide and the boat.
Can non-divers join a diving boat?
Yes. Most of our boats take both divers and snorkelers, so mixed groups can share the same trip.