Crystal-clear blue water, thriving coral reefs that start at the water’s surface and extend as far as the eye can see, and a host of unique and beautiful marine life are just some of the reasons why the Egyptian Red Sea has been one of the world’s most popular snorkeling destinations for decades. Take all of that and throw in two outstanding snorkeling resorts with world-class service, all accompanied by a professional Snorkel Guide for the duration of the tour, and you have all the necessary ingredients for the snorkeling adventure of a lifetime! Oh yes, and three nights in Cairo exploring some of the world’s most iconic historical artifacts and architectural marvels!
We don’t want you to miss out on anything that Egypt offers so we’ll be exploring the best reefs from central to the south via two different resorts-Marsa Shagra and Marsa Nakari. Each destination has its unique charm above and below the water line. Marsa Shagra is well known for its stunning house reef which one could easily explore for weeks, Marsa Nakari is best known for its natural charm and its close proximity to a very special site where we can expect to snorkel alongside wild pods of spinner dolphins and possibly dugongs!
Both of these resorts are owned by one of Egypt’s leading environmental activists and a pioneer of sustainable tourism development. So, as we work our way south through their different resorts, you can be assured that the level of service, safety, and accommodation will be top-notch throughout the tour.
Marine Life Guide
Here’s a quick video of just some of the possible highlights while snorkeling with Red Sea Diving Safari
This tour is partnered with The Reef-World Foundation. Find out how we support The Reef-World Foundation via this tour here.
Day 1 - Arrival in Cairo
Upon your arrival in Cairo, you’ll be greeted and transferred to the Sofitel by a driver, an upscale hotel located right on the Nile River in the heart of this historic city. The group will meet for a dinner at the hotel on this first evening, this is a great time to get to know everyone on the tour as well as meet the tour leader. We have three nights at this hotel.
Day 2-3 - Cairo
The following two mornings will start with a break breakfast at the hotel, after which we’ll enjoy guided tours. to see some of the iconic sites. One day we’ll visit the pyramids, and the second day we’ll visit the Egyptian Museum of Cairo.
Day 4 - Transfer to Marsa Nakari
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll make our way to the airport to catch our short flight to Marsa Alam where we’ll have a transfer waiting which will take us the rest of the way to Marsa Nakari Village, about 30 minutes away. After we check into our rooms and freshen up we’ll have some orientation briefings, and then for those that are keen, we can go explore the fantastic house reef with an afternoon snorkeling session.
Day 5 - 8 - Snorkeling from Marsa Nakari
Each snorkeling day will run slightly differently as we aim to explore the many reefs in the area. We’ll spend two of the days around Marsa Nakari’s massive house reef which extends for hundreds of meters in either direction. On the other days, we’ll either take the resort’s larger speedboat or car further afield to snorkel on some of the reefs further away. Marsa Nakari staff are really adept at reacting quickly to changing situations, such as a pod of dolphins being spotted in a nearby bay, so it’s not unusual for the plan to alter because an exciting creature has decided to make an impromptu appearance in the bay somewhere.
With such a healthy and lively reef on the doorsteps of the resort, as with the other resort we’ll be visiting after, you’ll have unlimited access to explore every inch of it any time you choose. With a myriad of colorful damselfish and reef dwellers using the hard corals as shelter from larger predatory fish like trevally or jacks cruising up and down the reef walls, there is always something new to find. It’s not uncommon to come across larger creatures, like their resident turtles feasting on soft corals, giant moray eels, and blue-spotted rays digging for crustaceans or hanging out on the sandy patches between the coral bommies. The resort does have tender boats that can drop you further along the house reef so that you can snorkel back to the resort, or you can just walk in from the beach!
Day 9 - 14 - Snorkeling from Marsa Shagra
After breakfast at the resort, we will check out and transfer via private air-conditioned vans about thirty minutes south to our next resort, Marsa Shagra, where will be based for the following six nights.
Upon arrival at Marsa Shagra, we will check into our rooms and be briefed on the resort and how the following days will operate, which, since this is the partner resort and situated very similarly to Marsa Nakari in that it has a fantastic house reef with other reefs easily accessible by speedboat, our days will run in much the same vein. On this first day, however, we will spend our time exploring the amazing house reef.
The health of the coral reefs which are accessible from Marsa Shagra often catches people by surprise. Despite their close proximity to the shore, the quality and diversity of the fish and coral life is astounding, and the variety of underwater topography offers something for everyone from pinnacles, swim-throughs, and canyons, to drop-offs, hard and soft coral gardens and sea grass beds.
Several of our days here will be spent exploring the massive house reef, while on four of our days here we’ve organized to explore some of the sites further afield, either by boat or car. Once again, the house reef is always open so if you still need more snorkeling after the day trips, you are more then welcome to hop back in for more reef action!
We’ve also organized to have a guided astro tour where we can not only see the full expanse of the night sky above the desert without any light pollution but also learn about what all those little lights really are!
Day 15 - Tour Ends
After a final breakfast at the hotel, we will then be transferred to the airport where we’ll catch our flight back to Cairo and the tour will finish here.
Marsa Nakari
Marsa Nakari is one of Marsa Alam’s best kept secrets. It is a charming village in a quiet location 18km south of Marsa Alam city. It has a rustic charm, giving a truly natural feel which is in-keeping with its surroundings which allows our guests to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the Red Sea’s natural resources, away from mass tourism.
We will all be staying in the resort’s Deluxe Chalet, their finest rooms overlooking the spectacular mountains on one side and the Red Sea on the other. There are terraces on either side with breathtaking views and every room enjoys an unobstructed sea view. The Deluxe Chalets are 4×6 meters and feature either a double bed or twin singles and a wardrobe, a side & dressing table, AC, a digital safe, a mini-fridge, water kettle with coffee and tea.
Marsa Shagra Resort
Marsa Shagra occupies one of the most strategic and beautiful seaside locations for snorkelers. It not only offers us unlimited access to their house reef just a few feet from the resort’s beach but it’s also the gateway to some of Egypt’s most abundant marine life and vibrant reefs.
Our group will be staying in their Deluxe Chalets. These cleverly designed rooms offer private terraces with views of the mountains as well as the sea. Inside you’ll find a large double bed or two singles depending on your chosen sleeping arrangements. The rooms feature everything you would expect in an upscale resort which includes a wardrobe, television, AC, digital safe, and large bathrooms.
Sofitel Cairo
Sofitel El Gezirah is a 5-star luxury hotel with a private promenade along the Nile. Located in the city center, it is within walking distance of the Opera House and Cairo Tower, as well as the Egyptian Museum and Khan El Khalili. It features an infinity outdoor pool. Free WiFi is available in all areas.
All guest rooms at the Sofitel El Gezirah hotel feature air conditioning, satellite TV, free basic WiFi, and a mini-bar. The hotel has 4 restaurants, which include Moroccan, Egyptian, & Italian specialties. There are also 2 bars including Sunny Bar and Window on the Nile. Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah has a range of leisure facilities, including a spa complete with a swimming pool, a hammam, and a fitness center.
Resort Guide
Snorkeling Boats
Marsa Shagra & Marsa Nakari: Large inflatable ribs equipped for traveling longer distances. The boats do have ladders to help board the boat after snorkeling.
On this page you will find our Tour Dates & Pricing (see below contact form), a Booking Form and Details of Payment schedule including deposit and final balance. If you have any further questions please complete the form and we will reply within 24-48hrs.
Make an Enquiry or Book this Tour
2024 Tour Dates
18 May – 1 June 2024
11 – 25 September 2024
Price:
$4,950 USD per person (Deluxe Chalet)
Single Supplement: $750 USD
How to book your place?
Initial deposit to secure your booking $800 per person
12 Months before departure interim deposit of $600 per person
6 Months before departure interim deposit of $1000 per person
Balance due 3 months before departure
Includes:
- 3 nights at Sofitel Cairo with breakfast and welcome dinner included
- 1 guided trip to the Pyramids
- 1 guided trip to the Egyptian Museum
- 5 nights Marsa Nakari Chalet Deluxe with full board, unlimited house reef snorkeling +
- Full day to Dolphin House (Shaab Samadai) by boat
- Full day to Wadi Gimal Island by boat
- Full day to Wadi Lahami (car then speedboat) to snorkel at Satayah reef
- 6 nights Marsa Shagra Chalet Deluxe with full board, unlimited house reef snorkeling
- Full-day trip to Shaab Marsa Alam (by boat)
- Half day trip to Abu Dabab to look for the dugong (by boat)
- Half day trip to Marsa Abu Dabab (by car)
- Half day trip to Marsa Egla (by car)
- Astro Stargazing Tour
- Cairo – Marsa Alam – Cairo flights with 20kg/44lbs checked luggage + 7kg/15lbs carry-on
- All transfers to and from airports and the different resorts during the tour
- Accompanied by a Snorkel Venture tour leader
Excludes:
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Soft drinks & alcoholic drinks
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Snorkel equipment rental
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Travel and health insurance
- Lunch and Dinner in Cairo
