REVIEW · DUBAI
From Dubai: Fujairah Snorkeling with Turtles, Transfer & BBQ
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Reef Oasis Diving Center · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Turtles are easier to see than you think. This Dubai-to-Fujairah day trip pairs guided snorkeling with a boat cruise and Khorfakkan sightseeing.
I love how the crew keeps it beginner-friendly, with masks/snorkels/fins ready on arrival and life vests available if you want surface support. I also love the instruction quality, including patient, hands-on help from guides like Yulia and Ulina.
One drawback: it’s a long day with a long drive from Dubai, and the BBQ may be served a bit cool depending on timing.
In This Review
- Key things that make this day trip worth your time
- From Dubai to Fujairah: what this trip feels like
- Snoopy Island and Sharm Rocks: your snorkeling time and what you’re likely to see
- What if you don’t feel confident in the water?
- The boat setup: comfort that actually helps during a long day
- Fujairah lunch and the BBQ reality check
- Khorfakkan Waterfall, Amphitheatre, and Al Bidya Mosque stops
- Guide support is the difference-maker here
- What’s included (and what you must bring)
- Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)
- Price and value from Dubai: is $135 fair?
- Tips to make your day easier (especially if it’s your first time)
- Should you book this Fujairah turtle snorkeling trip?
- FAQ
- How long is the full trip from Dubai?
- How many snorkeling stops do I get?
- What equipment is included for snorkeling?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- What is included in the lunch?
- Are there age or pregnancy restrictions?
- What should I bring with me?
Key things that make this day trip worth your time
- Two snorkeling stops, picked by weather so you’re not locked into one spot if conditions change
- Turtle spotting is the main event, and the guide helps you move through the water with purpose
- A well-equipped 42-foot boat with shade, sunbeds, a shower, and an onboard toilet
- Khorfakkan sightseeing beyond just photos (waterfall and amphitheatre, plus a mosque stop)
- BBQ lunch included right after you’re back, so the day has a clean rhythm
From Dubai to Fujairah: what this trip feels like
This is a proper full-day excursion. You’re leaving Dubai for Fujairah, getting on a boat for snorkeling, then stacking in a few worthwhile sights on the way back. It’s not a rushed “quick swim and out” kind of trip.
The thing that stands out is how the day balances two priorities: easy, safe snorkeling and simple sightseeing that doesn’t eat your whole afternoon. That matters because the drive time is real, and you’ll want the day to feel like it earned your time.
You can also read our reviews of more snorkeling tours in Dubai
Snoopy Island and Sharm Rocks: your snorkeling time and what you’re likely to see
You get two snorkeling sessions, each planned around the day’s sea conditions. The first stop is Snoopy Island for marine-life viewing and snorkeling (about 1.5 hours), and the second stop is Sharm Rocks for another 1.5 hours.
What you’re looking for isn’t vague. This trip is built for close-up encounters with the animals that make Fujairah special—especially turtles. If you’re lucky, you may also spot rays and sharks, along with corals, schools of fish, and other reef residents.
A practical note: water clarity can vary by spot and time of day. Guides on this tour are chosen specifically for finding the best place to snorkel that day, so you’re not just dropping in and hoping for the best. On top of that, the guide can work with you depending on your comfort level—important if you’re new to snorkeling.
What if you don’t feel confident in the water?
You’re not required to be a strong swimmer. Life jackets are available, and the equipment is provided when you arrive. The guide’s job is to help you find the sites while you’re looking down and moving slowly—not sprinting around like it’s a race.
If you’re nervous at the start, I’d treat the first snorkeling session as your warm-up. After that, you can relax into the rhythm: mask on, breathe steady, float, and watch where the guide points.
The boat setup: comfort that actually helps during a long day
This isn’t a tiny open-boat situation. You’re cruising on a 42-foot boat with sunbeds, plus both indoor seating and an outdoor dining area. That means you can choose shade when the sun is high and cool off when you need it.
Onboard basics are covered in a way that makes the whole day smoother: an onboard toilet and a freshwater shower. There’s also plenty of water and drinks, plus an onboard sound system (so the boat doesn’t feel like a silent waiting room).
Between snorkeling sessions, the boat is where you’ll reset. If you get sea-sick easily, plan to spend more time inside or in shaded areas. If you’re more comfortable outside, you can still grab a sunbed and let the day slow down.
Fujairah lunch and the BBQ reality check
Lunch is included at Fujairah (about 40 minutes). The tour description promises a BBQ lunch, and the on-the-ground experience generally matches that: grilled food, sides, and a proper stop where you’re not just eating standing up with salty wind in your mouth.
That said, a fair consideration: BBQ temperature can be inconsistent depending on timing. One reason is simple—after snorkeling, everyone eats at the same time, and if the schedule shifts, food can sit. If you’re picky about hot food, you might want to adjust expectations and focus on that you’re getting a filling meal after time in the water.
Practical tip: bring water. Even with drinks on the boat, you’ll feel the salt and sun. Hydration helps you snorkel longer with better comfort.
Khorfakkan Waterfall, Amphitheatre, and Al Bidya Mosque stops
The sightseeing portion is short but thoughtfully chosen. After snorkeling, you start heading back toward Dubai with two planned stops around Khorfakkan.
First, you’ll watch the Khorfakkan Waterfall. It’s a straightforward “see it from the viewpoints and take photos” stop, but it’s a nice break after time at sea. You also get Khorfakkan Amphitheatre views right after, which adds a sense of place beyond just beach scenery.
Then there’s Al Bidya Mosque (about 10 minutes). It’s brief, so you won’t get a long guided history lesson. But it’s still a strong taste of heritage, and it gives your day a cultural contrast to the snorkeling.
Why this matters: it stops the day from feeling one-note. You’re not only chasing turtles; you’re also getting a quick geographic and architectural snapshot of the region.
Guide support is the difference-maker here
The tour leans hard on professional guidance. You’re not just handed gear and sent off in a group. The guide helps you spot marine life and chooses the best snorkeling sites based on the day’s weather and sea conditions.
The names that come up often—Yulia and Ulina—are a good hint at the tour’s style. They’re described as patient, encouraging for first-timers, and focused on finding animals rather than simply going through motions.
Two practical ways the guide support pays off:
- You get better sightings because you’re moving with intention and not wandering randomly.
- You feel safer because you’re learning how to manage breathing, buoyancy, and pacing as a group.
If you’re going with kids or someone who’s anxious about water, this is where the tour earns its reputation. The goal isn’t just to snorkel; it’s to help you feel comfortable enough to enjoy what’s under you.
What’s included (and what you must bring)
Included items remove a lot of friction. You’ll get hotel pickup and drop-off from Dubai, access to locker/changing rooms at the snorkel center, and all snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, and fins. Life jackets are also included.
On the boat you get practical comforts: a toilet and freshwater shower, and water/drinks to stay hydrated. Lunch is included after your return.
What you must bring:
- Original passport
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Comfortable shoes
- Comfortable clothes for the drive and sightseeing
Also plan for sun. Sunscreen isn’t included, so pack it. And while towels are listed as not included, you do have locker access—so you’ll be able to rinse off and change comfortably.
Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)
This experience is family-friendly in the sense that it’s designed for beginners and mixed skill levels. It’s also a good fit if you want one clear, guided day focused on animals—not a complicated multi-activity trip.
It’s not suitable for children under 6 years, and it’s not suitable for pregnant women. Also, if you have a medical reason to avoid being in open water, use your own judgment and consider asking before you book.
If you’re an avid snorkeler, you’ll still enjoy the turtles and reef life—but your best value comes from the guide-led site selection and the simple, structured schedule.
Price and value from Dubai: is $135 fair?
At around $135 per person for an 8–10 hour day, this isn’t a “cheap and cheerful” outing. It’s paying for three things that add up fast on the ground:
1) Round-trip transportation from Dubai
2) Two snorkeling sessions with equipment provided and professional guidance
3) Boat comfort and included lunch
When you compare that to doing snorkeling more independently, the biggest savings isn’t money—it’s stress. You’re not coordinating gear, timing, and safety on your own. You also get a structured sightseeing add-on that turns the day into a fuller experience.
You’re basically buying convenience plus higher odds of good turtle sightings. If you want a relaxed day with real help in the water, this price feels reasonable.
Tips to make your day easier (especially if it’s your first time)
If you’re new to snorkeling, do these and you’ll enjoy the time more:
- Use the life jacket if you need it. No ego points earned by struggling.
- Take it slow between breaths. Slow breathing makes everything feel easier.
- Keep an eye on the guide’s pointing. The best animals are usually where you’re directed to look.
- Plan your towel and swimwear well. You’ll want to dry off after the shower and switch out clothes quickly.
For everyone: wear comfortable shoes for the stops on land. You’ll do short walks around viewpoints, and you don’t want to be fighting slippery sandals in heat and wind.
Also, think about the “long day” part. Bring an attitude that this is a full reset day—not a quick errand.
Should you book this Fujairah turtle snorkeling trip?
I think you should book it if your priorities are clear: turtles, guided snorkeling, and a well-supported day with boat comfort and a real meal included. The combination of two snorkeling sessions plus the Khorfakkan sights makes it feel like more than just a beach activity.
Skip it if you hate long drive days, want a lot of flexibility to stay longer at one spot, or you’re specifically looking for a very hot, perfectly timed BBQ every time. The tour is organized, but it’s still a day at sea and on the road—timing can affect food temperature.
If you’re okay with that trade-off, you’re in for a memorable day. The whole setup is built to help you see the reef life without turning the day into a stress test.
FAQ
How long is the full trip from Dubai?
The tour runs for about 8 to 10 hours, including pickup, snorkeling, lunch, sightseeing stops, and the return to Dubai.
How many snorkeling stops do I get?
You’ll snorkel at up to two sites during the day.
What equipment is included for snorkeling?
Mask, snorkel, and fins are provided, along with a life jacket. You also have access to a locker and changing room at the center.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubai are included.
What is included in the lunch?
A BBQ lunch is included after you return to land. Drinks and water are available onboard the boat.
Are there age or pregnancy restrictions?
Yes. Children under 6 years are not suitable, and pregnant women are not suitable.
What should I bring with me?
Bring your original passport, swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and comfortable clothes. Sunscreen is not included.
