Egyptian Maldives (Qulaan Islands)

The Qulaan Islands (Hamata) are known as the Egyptian Maldives for a reason. The breathtaking view with crystal clear waters shimmering in shades of turquoise and white sand makes this place a popular destination for tourists.

We sail from the port for about 30-40 minutes to our first stop by the island. Those who like snorkeling can swim to the island with a guide, admiring the beautiful reef. Others can sail to the island by zodiac boat. The island is virgin. There are no deck chairs, mats, umbrellas, toilets. It delights with its naturalness. You can listen to the invading seagulls, watch the crabs running on the sand. We are on the island for about 30minutes.

Then we return to the ship and go snorkeling at the reefs. A second stop is followed by lunch on the ship. After lunch, we have one more snorkeling at the reefs in the program.

Included in the price are transfer from the hotel, soft drinks on the ship, lunch, snorkeling equipment.

Hamata Port

For a cruise to the Egyptian Maldives we sail from the port of Hamata, which is located about 250km south of El Quseir, 170km south of Port Ghalib and about 110km south of Marsa Alam. So from hotels located closer to the airport, you have to expect a rather long drive to the port. During the transfer we have one stop in Marsa Alam at a store to buy something to drink or snack on and to use the restroom. The stop lasts about 10 minutes. For sea trips from Marsa Alam you always need to bring a photocopy of your passports with you.

If you are accommodated in a hotel north of Marsa Alam city it is worth preparing for a longer trip and stocking up on breakfast boxes and water. It’s also a good idea to take something from dinner (bananas, sweet rolls, whatever you like). For the transfer, you can take a travel pillow for the bus or something to cover you, because if you fall asleep under the air conditioning you can get cold.

There are a lot of poor Egyptian children in the port of Hamata, who approach tourists getting off the buses asking for food and drink. If you would like to help them it is worth being prepared to do so.