Is a turtle and dugong snorkeling excursion worth it in Marsa Alam, Egypt?

One traveler noted it's only about a 20-minute ride from the Marsa Alam hotel to the spot where turtles and dugongs are found. The hotel beach itself has sand and a pontoon leading to a reef.

The same traveler was very happy with choosing Marsa Alam, calling it a great pick for something different while still staying in Egypt.

Another reviewer said turtles were spotted almost every day during their trip, while dugongs were much rarer. They also praised the service level in Marsa Alam, noting the crowd was mostly European tourists.

The same review warns there's basically no nightlife in Marsa Alam — just desert behind the hotel, and the animation/entertainment team is weak. It suits travelers looking for a quiet beach trip rather than nightlife.