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.
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
- 1
Your vehicle arrives at 07:00 and collects guests from the hotels along the route. The drive to the harbour takes about an hour and a half. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, and bring a light layer for the air conditioning.
- 2
At the harbour the crew welcomes the group aboard and gives a safety briefing. Masks, snorkels and fins are handed out. Tell the crew if you are a weak swimmer so they can help in the water.
- 3
The first reef is a good place to warm up, with shallow coral and plenty of small fish. The guide stays in the water with the group. Take your time and float, as there is no hurry.
- 4
The second stop is at the island reef. You can swim again or stay on deck with a hot drink. The scenery is mostly open sea and low shoreline, with few buildings in sight.
- 5
Lunch is served on deck. Water, tea and coffee are free, and soft drinks cost extra. Tell the crew about any food allergy before you eat.
- 6
After lunch the boat goes to a last reef, often the clearest water of the day. If a turtle has been seen, the guide leads the group quietly toward it. Keep your distance and do not touch.
- 7
The boat returns to the harbour at about 15:30, and the vehicle leaves for the hotels at 16:30. Expect to reach your room around the early evening. A shower and an early dinner are a good plan.
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
- 01
Put on sunscreen before boarding, and reapply on deck
- 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
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. Children under 2 go free and children 2 to 11 pay 50% of the adult price. From 12, the adult price applies.
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
On the ground
Where it is
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
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.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.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.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.05What if the sea is rough or I have to cancel?
More than 72 hours ahead, keep 100% as credit toward future travel or take a 100% refund, less bank charges. Between 72 and 24 hours, keep 100% as credit or take a 50% refund. Within 24 hours, or if you don't show up, there is no refund or credit. If we have to cancel, you lose nothing.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
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how early you tell us and on the type of trip. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Continue reading
From the archives
Last updated Product ID: EXC-MRS-322522
At a glance
- Departs
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