VIP Turtle Bay Snorkelling Cruise with BBQ Lunch Marsa Alam

Marsa Mubarak and Turtle Bay

Marsa Mubarak is a sheltered bay on the southern Red Sea coast, a short distance from Marsa Alam, where shallow, calm water and meadows of seagrass attract green sea turtles to feed. Visitors know it as Turtle Bay, and it is the main reason people choose a Marsa Mubarak turtle snorkelling trip rather than a general reef cruise.

Seeing a turtle graze or glide up to breathe is a calm, memorable moment, and the shallow depth means you do not need strong swimming skills. Turtles are wild and sightings depend on the day, but the bay is known for regular encounters. Keep a respectful distance and never touch or chase them.

Snorkelling the second reef

The second stop is a coral reef chosen for the sea conditions of the day, where you can see hard and soft corals, anemonefish, parrotfish, butterflyfish and schools of small reef fish in clear water. The Red Sea reefs along this coast are some of the healthiest in Egypt, and many begin only a few metres from the boat.

Snorkelling gear can be rented if you do not bring your own, and the crew helps you into the water and out again. A life jacket is a good idea for first-time snorkellers. Floating quietly over the reef at the pace of the current is the best way to see more.

The VIP boat and its massage chairs

The boat is the main difference from a standard snorkelling cruise. It is a spacious, modern vessel with a shaded area, a sun deck and electric massage beds and chairs, so the time between the swims is as restful as the time in the water. Families appreciate the space for children to move about safely.

Extra hot drinks, fresh juices and ice cream can be bought on board, and the crew serves guests throughout the trip. Because the cruise is relatively short, about four and a half hours, it fits well into a morning before an afternoon of rest at the hotel. Shaded seating keeps the sun off while you rest.

Open BBQ buffet lunch on board

Lunch is an open buffet with barbecue dishes, served on the boat between the two snorkelling stops. Grilled meat and chicken are typically offered with rice, salads and vegetables, so there is something for adults and for children, and the buffet format lets you take as much as you like.

The meal is taken at anchor in calm water, with views of the coast and the reef. Please tell our team about any dietary needs when you book, and take a short rest after eating before returning to the water, which is better for your comfort and for safe swimming. Vegetarian guests can ask our team in advance about extra salads and side dishes, so that the buffet works for everyone at the table.

The marina tour and returning to Marsa Alam

After the snorkelling and lunch, the boat makes a half-hour tour around the marina, a pleasant way to end the trip with views of the harbour, the yachts and the waterfront. It adds time on the water without extra effort and gives a final chance for photographs.

You are then taken back by shared air-conditioned bus to your hotel in Marsa Alam. The exact pickup time is confirmed before the trip, and the bus collects guests from several hotels, so please be ready at the main entrance. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for this cruise. Bring a light cover-up for the ride back, because the air on deck is fresh after the swims, and keep a bottle of water ready.