Planning
What to Pack for a Marsa Alam Snorkeling Day Trip
May 14, 2026 · 6 min read
The three things you genuinely can't improvise
Swimsuit under your clothes, a light towel, and reef-safe sunscreen. All three of our trips — Dolphin House Samadai Reef, Dolphin House Sataya Reef, and the Dugong Bay & Turtle Reef trip — run 8 to 10 hours with most of that time outdoors on open water, so sun exposure adds up fast even on a cloudy-looking day.
- Swimsuit worn under your clothes (no changing rooms on board)
- A quick-dry towel
- Reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen — standard sunscreen is often restricted in protected reef areas
What's already provided, so you don't need to bring it
Every trip includes a full snorkel kit — mask, fins and life vest — plus a marine safety briefing, hotel pickup and drop-off, and lunch with drinks on board. If you wear prescription lenses, ask about a prescription mask in advance rather than on the morning of departure.
Small extras that make a real difference
A hat and sunglasses with a strap are worth the extra step — both regularly go overboard otherwise. Cash for tips, plus a dry bag or a simple ziplock for your phone. If you're at all prone to motion sickness, take a tablet before boarding — the ride out to Sataya Reef in particular runs longer (around 10 hours door to door) and can be choppier than the snorkeling itself.
- Hat and sunglasses (with a strap)
- Dry bag or ziplock for your phone
- Motion sickness tablets if you're prone to it
- Cash for tips and any extras
What to leave at the hotel
Skip the big camera gear unless it's fully waterproofed — most guests just use a phone in a dry bag or rent an underwater camera on board. Leave valuables at your hotel; there's no secure storage on a day boat beyond a dry bag.
Questions fréquentes
Is lunch actually included, or is it an extra cost?
Included on all three trips — a buffet lunch and drinks (water, tea, soft drinks) are served on board at no extra charge.
Can I rent an underwater camera on the boat?
Yes, camera rental is available on board but isn't included in the ticket price — bring cash if you want one.
Which trip has the longest day?
The Dolphin House Sataya Reef Cruise, at roughly 10 hours door to door with an early 5:30am pickup, since the reef sits further south.
Dolphin House Sataya Reef Snorkeling Cruise from Marsa Alam
From €63 / adult · Full day · ~10 hours