Discovery Tours Egypt
Day TourMarsa Alam

Hamata & Qulaan Islands from Marsa Alam – Full-Day Boat Trip

8 hours, shared boat of up to 25, three snorkeling stops, lunch on board, pick-up at 07:00.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

An 8-hour shared boat day from Marsa Alam to the Hamata and Qulaan islands: three snorkeling stops, lunch on board and turtles possible but not guaranteed.
  • New

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations
Marsa Alam · Hamata · Qulaan Islands
Includes
Hotel pick-up and drop-off throughout Marsa Alam town, Port Ghalib and the resorts between; El Quseir on request · Air-conditioned vehicle and a boat, both shared · Mask, snorkel and fins · Lunch on the boat · Tea, coffee and bottled water
Guide languages
English

Best time to go

Spring to autumn has the calmest seas. In winter the wind can raise swell, so a seasickness tablet helps.

  • Arranged by our Marsa Alam office, part of an Egyptian operator established in 1988
  • ETAA Licence No. 718, Category A, plus IATA accreditation

02Overview

A first look

The Hamata and Qulaan islands sit off the southern part of the coast, where the water is clear and the reefs are less visited than those near the big resorts. This eight-hour trip is for guests who want plenty of time in the water. A vehicle collects you at 07:00 and drives to the harbour. The boat then makes three snorkeling stops, with lunch on board between the second and third. The crew keeps an eye out for turtles, which are sometimes seen but never promised. By late afternoon the boat returns to the harbour, and a vehicle drives you back to your hotel.

Background

The facts

The Hamata and Qulaan islands lie off the southern Red Sea coast, reached by boat from a harbour about an hour and a half south of Marsa Alam.

Named in this entry

Hamata·Qulaan Islands·Marsa Alam·Coral reef·Green turtles·Red Sea

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • Snorkelers who want a full day on the water with three reef stops.

Maybe not, if

  • Not for guests who dislike boats or who need a guaranteed turtle sighting.

What lingers

  • 01Three separate snorkeling stops on different reefs near the islands
  • 02A swim or a rest on deck at the island reef between stops
  • 03Lunch on board, with tea, coffee and water included
  • 04Mask, snorkel and fins provided
  • 05A chance of seeing turtles, though they are wild and not promised

Honest assessment

Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.

Highlights

  • Three snorkeling stops in one day
  • Quieter reefs than the big resort areas
  • Lunch, gear and hot drinks included

Things to Consider

  • About two hours of driving in total
  • Marine park fee may be extra at the harbour

Stop by stop

Detailed itinerary

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The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off throughout Marsa Alam town, Port Ghalib and the resorts between; El Quseir on request
  • Air-conditioned vehicle and a boat, both shared
  • Mask, snorkel and fins
  • Lunch on the boat
  • Tea, coffee and bottled water
  • Guide and crew

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Marine park fee, if collected at the harbour
  • Soft drinks
  • Personal expenses

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Put on sunscreen before boarding, and reapply on deck

  2. 02

    Choose the first snorkel to get used to the water, then go further at the next stops

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Children below age 2 pay nothing on this shared boat. Ages 2 to 11 are charged half the adult fare, and guests of 12 and above pay the adult fare. We set no minimum age, but the day is long, so it suits children who enjoy being on the water. A parent should stay near young children.

Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01What does the price cover on the islands trip?
    The price is per person on a shared boat. It includes transfers, the boat, three snorkeling stops, gear, lunch, tea, coffee and water. Children under 2 are free, ages 2 to 11 pay half and 12 and over pay the full fare. Our team confirms the final figure after your request.
  2. 02Will we see turtles?
    Sometimes. Turtles live around these reefs, but they are wild and sightings are never guaranteed. The crew picks reefs where they are often seen. If none appear, the corals and reef fish are the main attraction.
  3. 03Is a marine park fee payable?
    Where the harbour office asks for a marine park fee, it is paid on the spot and is not part of the price. Keep a little cash with you. The guide will tell you before boarding if anything is due.
  4. 04Can children and non-swimmers come?
    Yes, with care. Children should wear a vest and stay near an adult. Non-swimmers can stay on deck or float with a vest next to the boat. Mention this to the crew when you step aboard.
  5. 05What if the sea is rough or I have to cancel?
    If the authorities close the sea, we move you to another date or refund you. Otherwise, cancel three days or more ahead for a full refund, and between three days and 24 hours ahead for half. Closer than 24 hours, there is no refund.
  6. 06Do I share this trip with other guests?
    Yes. The boat and vehicle are shared with up to 25 people from several hotels. You stay with one guide and one group through the day. A private boat is a different product that we can arrange on request.

If plans change

Plans change? We make it easy.

  • More than 72 hours before your tour: keep the full amount as credit toward future travel with us, or take a refund.
  • Between 72 and 24 hours: keep the full amount as credit, or take a partial refund.
  • Within 24 hours of the tour, or if you don't show up, we're unable to offer a refund or credit.
  • If we ever have to cancel, for weather or anything beyond our control, you lose nothing.

Credit is valid for 12 months from your original travel date and can be used on any tour, cruise or stay with us.Read our full cancellation and refund policy

Continue reading

From the archives

Product ID: EXC-MRS-322522

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