Marsa Alam: Nefertari Sunset Turtle Bay Cruise with Dinner

A tomb that floats on the Red Sea. This Marsa Alam cruise turns Queen Nefertari into a real-world photo set, with a floating replica of her tomb plus a submarine-level viewing deck for sea life before you even get in the water. I especially like the Egypt-themed touches, like the costume break where you can dress as an ancient Egyptian king or queen.

The second thing I really like is the pacing, you get a proper look underwater twice, first from panoramic windows and then with up to 45 minutes of guided snorkelling. One possible drawback: snorkeling gear is not included (about €5 per piece), and the quality of what you see under the surface can depend on conditions.

Key takeaways before you go

• Queen Nefertari themed ship that makes photos easy and fun
• Submarine-level observation deck so you can watch without fully snorkeling
• Up to 45 minutes guided snorkelling with fully qualified guides
• Costume + throne photo moments that feel like a themed experience, not a gimmick
• 3-course dinner with seafood, plus chicken and dietary options
• Photo and shopping add-ons can feel pushy, so decide in advance what you want

Entering the floating Queen Nefertari tomb

The highlight is the ship itself. You are not just boarding a boat to snorkel. You’re stepping onto a floating replica inspired by Queen Nefertari’s tomb, with richly decorated interiors and Egypt-style details that make the whole ride feel like a show. The upper deck is ringed with temple-column copies and topped by a star-like roof, so even the “just waiting” time feels photogenic.

On the inside, the salon is dressed to resemble the inside of the tomb, with replicas of treasures connected to Tutankhamun. You’ll feel the theme the moment you arrive, and it matters because it changes the mood of a sunset cruise. Instead of a plain transfer from your hotel to the water, you get a themed experience from the start.

If you care about atmosphere, this ship delivers. If you mainly want hardcore snorkeling, the decoration is a bonus, not the reason you’re there.

Port Ghalib to Marsa Mubarak, the 5-hour flow

This trip runs about 5 hours, starting around 2:30 pm and finishing around 7:30 pm. The rhythm is simple and you can plan your own expectations around it.

First, you depart from Port Ghalib marina, then cruise for about 15 minutes to Marsa Mubarak, often called Turtles Bay. After that short ride, you head to the submarine-level observation area for about 45 minutes. This is your first look at the Red Sea from inside an air-conditioned space with panoramic windows.

Then comes the snorkelling segment. You’ll cruise to a good snorkeling spot for a stop around 45 minutes, guided by the crew. After the water time, you return for the meal, then you get about 45 minutes back at the marina to walk around and browse shops before the drive back to your hotel.

Why this pacing works: the viewing deck gives you sea-life highlights without exhausting you right away. Then the snorkelling is your closer look, supported by guides. It is a good plan if you are not sure you want to be in the water for a full half day.

The submarine-level viewing deck, worth it even if you skip snorkelling

The most practical “wow” moment for me is the submarine level. The lower deck is an air-conditioned viewing platform roughly three meters below the surface, with panoramic windows that let you watch without getting wet. You can sit, stay comfortable, and still feel like you’re watching something special.

From the windows, you’re looking at the coral-reef ecosystem and spotting different marine animals and fish. The ship description specifically mentions turtles, dolphins, rays, and the possibility of seeing a sea cow (manatee). You should treat that as “may be possible,” not a promise, but the whole point is that you have a comfortable way to see life even if water time is shorter than you hoped.

This is also where you’ll notice how the crew manages the experience. When you’re not trying to wrangle fins and keep your balance, it’s easier to focus on what you’re actually seeing. For many people, this is the easiest path to enjoying the Red Sea.

One caution: the underwater experience can look different depending on conditions. If the sea is calm, everything looks clearer. If visibility drops, you might still enjoy it, but don’t expect museum-level clarity all the time.

Guided snorkelling and the costume photo moment

After the submarine viewing, you get your real water time: a snorkelling stop with fully qualified guides, up to about 45 minutes. This is not the “fly solo, good luck” kind of snorkel. The guides are there to help you stay oriented and safe, and they manage the group as you get in and out.

You’ll want to plan for what you’re doing practically. Snorkelling gear is not included, it’s listed as an extra €5 per piece. If you are traveling light, you may prefer to just rent. If you already have your own mask and snorkel, bring it.

Now for the fun part that you might not expect on a snorkelling cruise. You can dress up as an ancient Egyptian king or queen, and you can take photos in costume, including time seated on a throne with the ship’s Egypt-themed set. This is one of the most consistently loved aspects of the experience because it turns the cruise into something memorable for families, couples, and anyone who likes a themed day.

The downside is that costume moments can lead to extra photo offers and upsells. One review even mentioned a photographer being very persistent and a waiter getting unpleasant if people did not order extra items. That doesn’t mean it will happen to you, but it is smart to go in knowing that you may be asked to buy additional photos.

My advice: decide your photo budget before you sit down for pictures. If you like the photos, negotiate politely and keep it firm. If not, be clear early.

Dinner on board, the set menu after you swim

Dinner is part of the package. You choose between seafood or chicken, and it’s a set menu. The menu is listed as:

• three kinds of salad
• sea food soup
• rice
• fish and calamari, or chicken and pasta

The overview also says vegan and gluten-free options are available. So if you have dietary needs, you have options, but I’d still confirm them with the operator before you arrive, so there are no surprises when you’re hungry after snorkelling.

In real-life terms, the food timing works because you’ve used up your appetite. You also are still on a themed ship, so it feels like a full evening program rather than a quick snack.

That said, food quality can vary. One negative comment called the meal mediocre. Another praised helpful staff and a great overall trip. So I treat dinner as a solid inclusion, not a fine-dining guarantee. You’re paying for the cruise plus the full experience, not just for a restaurant meal.

Value for about $100 per person

At around $100 per person, the big question is: are you paying for the boat and theme, or for the actual underwater experience?

Here’s what you get that supports the price:

• hotel pickup and drop-off by shared air-conditioned mini-bus
• dinner included (seafood or chicken set menu)
• the ship experience, including costumes for photos
• guided snorkelling (up to 45 minutes)
• a submarine-level observation deck included (about 45 minutes)

What costs extra:

• snorkeling gear, listed at about €5 per piece
• additional costs related to photography and shopping are not described as included, and that lines up with what some people dislike when sellers are too pushy

So the value equation depends on your priorities. If you want a comfortable Red Sea introduction with guided time in the water and a full meal afterward, the package makes sense. If you only care about snorkeling and already know exactly where you want to swim, you might find cheaper snorkeling-only options.

I’d book this if you want an evening outing that mixes “wow” visuals, a real themed ship, and actual guided water time.

What the reviews suggest, the good and the annoying parts

The high points line up with what the trip is designed to do. People seem to love the ship theme and the overall experience. One strong positive detail: when someone felt seekrank, staff responded quickly and provided something to help with nausea. That’s the kind of practical care that makes the trip feel well-run.

Another repeated strength: the transfer and staff contact often feel helpful, and people mentioned that photos were taken for them and that they could negotiate a fair price with the photographer. That’s useful because photo add-ons can be a pain on many tours.

The negative notes are important too. One account complained about little explanation, a less-than-impressive coral scene, and an experience that felt sales-heavy at the end, including counterfeit shop worries. Another described a pushy photographer and a chef or waiter who was rude if extra orders were not placed.

You should not assume those issues will happen to you. But you should also not assume the trip is drama-free. If you dislike sales pressure, treat the shopping and photography parts like optional extras. You do not have to buy.

Who this cruise suits best

This is a great fit for:

• families who want a themed experience with a clear schedule
• couples who want sunset views plus an easy Red Sea day
• travelers who want guided snorkelling time but also like the idea of viewing sea life from comfort first

It may be a weaker fit if:

• you are a snorkelling specialist hunting for specific reef conditions and don’t care about the onboard theme
• you hate any kind of photo or shopping upsell and want zero pressure

If you fall in the middle, you’re likely to enjoy it. The submarine deck gives you a lot of the payoff even if your water time is shorter than you expected.

Small practical tips that make the day easier

A few practical points based on what’s listed and what can go wrong on a boat trip:

Bring:

• a towel
• biodegradable sunscreen
• cash

Cash matters because the snorkeling gear rental is listed as extra, and photos or shop purchases likely come with costs that are not included. Also, if you want to rent gear, having cash ready avoids awkward delays.

If you get motion sick easily, plan for it. One review specifically praised staff help for nausea, so the crew seems prepared. Still, bring your own motion sickness strategy if you know you need it.

Finally, you’ll be dealing with a shared mini-bus for pickup. That’s normal, but it also means you might wait a bit. The cruise itself starts with a relaxed 15-minute hop to Marsa Mubarak, so arriving on time matters but you don’t need to sprint.

Should you book this Nefertari Sunset Turtle Bay Cruise with Dinner?

Book it if you want an evening program that feels special. You’re getting more than snorkelling: you’re getting a floating Queen Nefertari theme, a submarine-level viewing deck, guided time in the water, and a full set-menu dinner. For many people, that combination is the real value.

Skip it or think twice if your priority is pure snorkelling quality only, and you dislike photo-shopping pressure. Also, if you are hoping for guaranteed sea-cow sightings or perfect coral visibility, treat the marine life highlights as possibilities, not promises.

If you go with the right expectations, this cruise is one of those rare trips that feels like a themed event and a practical Red Sea experience at the same time.

FAQ

How long is the Nefertari Sunset Turtle Bay Cruise?

It lasts about 5 hours.

What are the departure times?

The sunset trip starts at 2:30 pm and runs until about 7:30 pm.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Port Ghalib marina.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included, using a shared air-conditioned mini-bus.

Is dinner included?

Yes. Dinner is included with a set menu. You can choose seafood or chicken.

What is included in the submarine-level viewing?

You get about 45 minutes at the air-conditioned submarine-level observation platform with panoramic windows to view marine life.

Do they provide snorkelling gear?

No. Snorkelling gear is not included, and it costs about €5 per piece.

How long is the guided snorkelling?

You get up to about 45 minutes of guided snorkelling.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a towel and biodegradable sunscreen, and it’s also recommended to have cash.

What languages are spoken by the instructor?

The instruction is available in English, Polish, and German.