Wadi el Gemal: national park, snorkelling at Hamata and safari from Marsa Alam
Wadi el Gemal National Park is a vast protected area on the Red Sea's southern coast, about 50 km south of Marsa Alam: reefs, mangroves, green turtles, dugongs, desert and wadis. Entry is reported at 10 dollars paid on site in snorkelling offers (one source says free, not confirmed). Two trips dominate: the snorkelling cruise to the Hamata islands and the mangrove, and the jeep safari with Bedouin dinner (about 224 to 232 dollars, 7 hours, 8 people maximum, seen in October 2026). It is not a day trip from Hurghada: plan a stay in Marsa Alam.
Highlights
The coast and the mangrove
The sand and mangrove coast shelters birds and dugongs; boat trips go up to the mangrove island for a second snorkel.
The desert and the wadis
Inland, the park alternates mountains and wadis; the jeep safari passes a viewpoint, an acacia, a spring and Bedouin tea, with dinner in the desert.
Practical info
Tips
- To sort the options: the Hamata snorkelling cruise (lunch and drinks included, about 45 minutes by boat to the islands) suits those who mainly want to see turtles and fish; the jeep safari is expensive but not on a boat, so it is a good plan for an evening without the sea. Snorkelling gear costs about 6 dollars extra according to one offer. For easy snorkelling with turtles, compare Abu Dabbab, closer to the airport. To sleep near the park, see where to stay in Marsa Alam.
How to get there
From Hurghada, allow about 350 km south (4.5 hours or more, approximate); it is better to fly to Marsa Alam and take a transfer. The visitor centre is about 50 km south of the town, see Marsa Alam from Hurghada.
Opening hours
Nearby
See on the map →
Comments
No comments yet.