Neptune Tours
Home / Tours / Marsa Alam / Hamata Islands Snorkeling Cruise

Hamata Islands Snorkeling Cruise – Pristine Reefs & Mangrove Coves

~8‑9 hours | 🏝️ 3 islands | 🤿 3 snorkeling stops | 🍽️ Lunch & soft drinks | Daily except Friday
Swim with wild dolphins in Marsa Alam
Experience unforgettable encounters with marine life
Snorkeling in crystal clear Red Sea water
Enjoy crystal-clear waters and stunning visibility
Dolphins swimming underwater in Marsa Alam
Snorkel in one of the most beautiful spots in the Red Sea
White sandy island beach in Hamata
Relax on untouched white sand islands
Comfortable boat deck on the Red Sea
Comfortable boat journey with amazing sea views
Snorkeling stop near Hamata islands
Discover the natural beauty of Hamata islands
Explore the remote Hamata Islands – a protected marine paradise
Three world‑class snorkeling stops at pristine coral reefs
Visit a unique mangrove lagoon (one of the few in the Red Sea)
Observe sea turtles, parrotfish, angelfish, and maybe dugongs
Professional snorkeling guide & all equipment
Buffet lunch, soft drinks, water, tea & coffee
Hotel pickup & drop‑off from Marsa Alam & Port Ghalib

🏝️ Escape to the unspoiled Hamata Islands, one of the Red Sea’s best‑kept secrets – a remote archipelago where coral reefs remain pristine and marine life thrives. Located south of Marsa Alam, Hamata’s islands are part of a protected national park. You’ll board a comfortable boat and cruise to three different islands, each with its own underwater treasures. Snorkel among untouched coral gardens teeming with angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and even sea turtles and rays. Between snorkels, visit a magical mangrove lagoon where green turtles feed in the shallows. This full‑day cruise is limited to small groups, ensuring a peaceful, uncrowded experience. Lunch, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, and hotel transfers are all included. This is a perfect day for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking tranquility away from crowded tourist spots.

$76 adult | $38 child (5‑11 years) | Free for children under 5
Duration: ~8‑9 hours | Pickup: 7:30‑8:00 AM | Return: ~4:30‑5:00 PM
Complimentary hotel pickup & drop‑off from Marsa Alam & Port Ghalib
National park entrance fee: $15 per person (payable cash on site, not included)
Snorkeling equipment included
Note: The Hamata Islands require a 2‑hour drive from Marsa Alam. The scenic coastal road offers beautiful views. The boat has shaded areas, a sun deck, and toilet facilities. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a camera.

🏝️ About the Hamata Islands – A Marine Sanctuary

The Hamata archipelago consists of several small islands located within the Wadi El Gemal National Park, a protected area known for its rich biodiversity. This remote region remains one of the few places in the Red Sea where corals are exceptionally healthy, and fish populations are abundant. Unlike the more visited Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, Hamata offers a truly wild and immersive experience. The islands include Kawal (Crow Island), Khamsaw (Five Island), and the mangrove islets of Wadi El Gemal. The area is home to the rare dugong, green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, and over 300 species of fish. The coral formations are among the most intact in the region, making this a premier destination for nature‑loving snorkelers.

📅 Detailed Itinerary – A Day in Paradise

7:30‑8:00 AM – Hotel Pickup
Your driver picks you up from your Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib hotel. The scenic drive to Hamata port takes approx 1.5‑2 hours.
9:30‑10:00 AM – Boat Departure
After paying the national park fee, board your boat, receive a briefing, and set sail toward the islands.
First Snorkeling Stop – Kawal Island (Coral Gardens)
Start at a vibrant reef with shallow and deeper sections. Swim among healthy table corals, gorgonian fans, and schools of anthias, parrotfish, and angelfish.
Mangrove Lagoon Stop
Visit a serene mangrove bay where crystal water flows around green mangrove trees. Here you can often spot sea turtles grazing on seagrass, and sometimes blue‑spotted rays.
Buffet Lunch on Board
Enjoy a fresh lunch (grilled chicken, kofta, rice, salads, fruit) and unlimited soft drinks, water, tea and coffee.
Second & Third Snorkeling Stops – Khamsaw and Small Islands
Two more stops at different reefs, each with unique underwater landscapes – wall corals, drop‑offs, and sandy patches where rays rest.
Return Cruise & Hotel Drop‑off
After the final snorkel, the boat returns to Hamata port, then you’re driven back to your hotel (arrival approx 4:30‑5:00 PM).
Insider Tips: The water is usually calm, but the open crossing can be slightly bumpy – if you’re prone to seasickness, take medication beforehand. The snorkeling sites are suitable for all levels; guides can provide flotation devices. Bring a rash guard or dive skin for sun protection and to avoid jellyfish (rare). The best time is April–October, but Hamata is warm all year.

✅ Included / ❌ Excluded

  • Hotel pickup & drop‑off (Marsa Alam / Port Ghalib)
  • Air‑conditioned vehicle transfers
  • Boat cruise to Hamata Islands (3 snorkeling stops)
  • Professional snorkeling guide & assistance
  • Snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, life jacket)
  • All snorkeling fees & buoyancy aids
  • Buffet lunch & unlimited soft drinks, water, tea, coffee
  • All taxes & service charges
  • Wadi El Gemal National Park entrance fee ($15 per person, payable cash)
  • Towels (not provided – bring your own)
  • Personal expenses & gratuities
  • Pickup from El Quseir, Abu Dabbab or remote areas (extra $5‑10 per person)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🏝️ How many snorkeling stops are there?
Three stops at different islands/reefs, each lasting 45‑60 minutes. Plus a short stop at the mangrove lagoon (wading).
🐢 Is it likely to see sea turtles?
Yes – green turtles are frequently seen in the seagrass beds around the mangrove lagoon. You may also encounter hawksbill turtles on the coral reefs.
🤿 Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
Life jackets are provided, and the guides are always in the water. If you’re not confident, you can stay near the boat or use a flotation device.
👧 Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes – children love the boat trip and snorkeling. Child rates apply for ages 5‑11. Children under 5 are free but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
🚐 Why is the pickup so early?
The drive from Marsa Alam to Hamata port takes about 1.5‑2 hours. Early pickup ensures you reach the islands by late morning, when the light is best for snorkeling, and you avoid the midday heat.
💵 How much is the park entrance fee?
The Wadi El Gemal National Park fee is $15 per person (or 300 EGP equivalent), payable in cash at the port. This fee contributes to marine conservation.
♿ Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Some boats have a ramp, but the transfer to the boat may be challenging. Please contact us in advance so we can try to arrange a suitable vessel.
Advance booking essential – Hamata Islands are a remote protected area with limited boat permits. Book at least 48 hours in advance. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
From $76 / adult
Adult (12+) $76 | Child (5‑11) $38 | Infant (0‑4) free
💰 Total: $152 USD

Free cancellation up to 24h prior | Instant confirmation via WhatsApp | Park fee $15 extra


Pristine
Reefs

Mangrove
Lagoon

3 Islands
Explored