Egypt 4.-10.10.2026
When the weather starts to cool in autumn, we’ll head to Egypt for a mermaid holiday!
The main purpose of this trip is to experience the world-renowned underwater beauty of the Marsa Alam region firsthand. Sea turtles, vibrant coral reefs, dugongs, and dolphins make diving in the Red Sea an unforgettable experience – one that will stay with you for a lifetime.
This is not a typical dive trip or a tightly scheduled retreat. Instead, it’s a carefully curated holiday that combines amazing underwater experiences with the freedom to relax and enjoy your time at your own pace. Group size is intentionally kept small, giving everyone a better chance to have meaningful encounters with marine life.
All you need to do is arrive in Egypt. From the moment you step out of the airport, we’ll take care of everything else.
This trip is for you if you dream about...
- 🐢 meeting different marine animals
- ☀️ sun, warmth and clear waters
- 📸 underwater photoshoots and learning how to pose
- 💙 a holiday with mermaid friends
- ✈️ not having to worry about planning the logistics of your holiday
This is where we are going
Marsa Alam is located on the southern coast of Egypt along the Red Sea. Rather than being a typical touristy beach town, it’s a small and rustic, and it attracts people who love nature, tranquility, and the ocean. The real excitement lies beneath the surface.
Most Red Sea holidays focus either on relaxing at a resort with the occasional day trip or on a dedicated liveaboard diving safari. This Mer-Divers experience combines the very best of both worlds.
We’ll spend a week where the desert meets the sea. From Sunday until Thursday morning, we’ll stay at the Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort with all-inclusive accommodation. The resort is located about 30 minutes from Marsa Alam town and approximately three hours from Hurghada International Airport.
Just in front of the resort lies Abu Dabbab Bay, one of Egypt’s most famous habitats for sea turtles. The area is also home to dugongs, bluespotted stingrays, lionfish, pufferfish, and countless other iconic Red Sea species.
The highlight of the trip is a two-night liveaboard adventure to the legendary Satayah Dolphin Reef. We’ll spend two unforgettable days at sea snorkeling, mermaiding, relaxing, and exploring remote sites that are not so easily accessible on day trips.
Before heading home, we’ll return to Abu Dabbab for a farewell dinner served right on the beach. Since most flights back to Europe depart late at night, we’ll have time to enjoy one last sunset and the warm Red Sea breeze with our toes in the sand before our transfer to Hurghada International Airport.
Trip highlights:
- 🐢 Daily diving on our resort’s house reef with sea turtles
- 🦭 A speedboat trip to search for dugongs
- 📸 Underwater photoshoot and personal posing guidance
- 🐬 A two-night liveaboard safari with a possibility to swim with dolphins
- ✨ Other surprise activities in a good company
Please note: We dive and snorkel with wild marine animals, so encounters can never be guaranteed. However, we’ll be visiting areas that offer some of the best opportunities in the Red Sea to see the species mentioned above in their natural habitat.
Who is this trip for?
This trip is a unique adventure holiday designed especially for Mer-Divers students, as well as their friends, partners, and family members. You’re welcome to join the experience either as a mermaid or as a snorkeler.
The Red Sea is so extraordinary that we’ve created plenty of opportunities to experience it in different ways. That said, this is your holiday, not a challenge to complete. Join as many of the shared activities as you’d like, or simply relax with a good book and a cold drink whenever you feel like it.
Joining as a mermaid: To participate in the mermaid activities, you’ll need a PADI Advanced Mermaid certification (or an equivalent qualification). This ensures that everyone has the skills and confidence to enjoy open-water conditions safely and comfortably. The dive sites have been carefully selected to be suitable even for newly certified Advanced Mermaids.
If you already hold a PADI Mermaid certification, you can complete your Advanced Mermaid course at the beginning of the trip. If needed, the PADI Mermaid course can be completed in Finland before departure.
Joining as a snorkeler: No previous snorkeling experience is required. Basic swimming skills are enough. Children are welcome to participate in age-appropriate activities under the supervision of a parent or guardian.
What's included:
- Round-trip airport transfers between Hurghada International Airport and the resort
- All-inclusive accommodation from 4–8 October 2026
- Daily guided diving and mermaid activities
- Unlimited self-guided diving/snorkeling at the Hilton house reef from morning until evening
- Two underwater photoshoots, including five professionally edited photos
- A two-night liveaboard safari to Satayah Dolphin Reef (8–10 October 2026) with full board
- A farewell dinner on the beach
- Support from the trip hosts throughout the journey, including outside the scheduled group activities
- National park fees for the Satayah liveaboard safari
What's NOT included:
- Flights to Hurghada (you may also fly directly to Marsa Alam if you find suitable flights)
- Tips for the liveaboard crew (optional, though 30€ per person is the recommended amount)
- PADI courses (sold separately)
- Scuba diving
- Equipment rental (excluding dive weights, which are included)
- Any additional edited photos beyond the five included in the photography package
Meet the people behind this trip:
Anna Tomppo / Mer-divers
I’m a PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer, and I’ll be leading the guided mermaid activities and underwater photography throughout the trip. I’ve been diving in Egypt since 2012, and Marsa Alam has completely stolen my heart. I’ve visited the area five times so far. I’m so excited to finally share this incredible place with you!
Outside the diving world, I’m a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery and a certified first aid instructor. Safety and respect for the marine environment are at the heart of everything we do during the trip, creating an experience that’s both responsible and enjoyable for everyone.
During the underwater photo sessions, I’ll make sure you come home with beautiful memories of yourself exploring the tropical waters – whether you’re wearing a mermaid tail or enjoying the Red Sea as a snorkeler.
Sayed Moustafa / Scubadream
Sayed is a highly experienced scuba diving and water safety professional. Over the years, he has worked at dive centers and aboard liveaboard vessels in Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. The Red Sea is practically his second home. Having logged more than 3,000 dives there, he knows its dive sites, conditions, and marine life inside and out.
Today, Sayed teaches scuba diving in Finland. He is also a certified lifeguard, first aid instructor, and mermaid diver.
Throughout the trip, Sayed will support the underwater photography sessions as the dedicated safety diver, helping ensure that every shoot is both safe and enjoyable.
Blue Ocean
Our local partner in Egypt is Blue Ocean, a professional dive center and liveaboard operator that will handle all of the local logistics.
Blue Ocean is a Green Fins certified dive center, demonstrating its commitment to environmentally responsible diving practices both above and below the surface. This certification reflects ongoing efforts to help protect fragile marine ecosystems for future generations.
The video here offers a glimpse aboard the Lady M liveaboard, where we’ll spend the final two nights of our journey. Throughout the safari, you’ll be guided by Blue Ocean’s experienced dive professionals, who will work alongside Anna and Sayed to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience.
Glimpses of the holiday
Morning at Abu Dabbab
Yesterday, we slept in and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. Today, we woke with the sunrise and made our way down to the resort’s beach. The warm sand feels wonderful beneath our bare feet. Most resort guests are still asleep, so for a moment, Abu Dabbab Bay feels almost entirely ours.
The sea is perfectly calm, and the water is unbelievably clear. Here and there, sea turtles glide through the shallows, searching for breakfast just offshore. We slip into the water, whether in a mermaid tail or with fins, and begin following the reef as it sparkles in the morning light. One of these magical mornings is also reserved for our underwater photo session.
Life on a safari boat
The daily routine on a liveboard is wonderfully simple: eat, sleep, dive, repeat. Consider yourself warned: it’s a lifestyle that’s easy to fall in love with.
You’ve just returned from exploring a coral-covered shipwreck. After lunch, you stretch out on the sun deck while the sea breeze cools your face. Suddenly, a whistle breaks the silence, followed by an excited shout:
”Dolphins!”
Everyone rushes to the rail. A pod of dolphins leaps alongside the boat before moving to the bow, where they surf the waves and race alongside us. With a little luck, we’ll meet them again later in the water, watching them play, socialize, and teach their calves in their natural environment.
Evening at Marsa Alam Nubian Resort
In October, the sun sets shortly after five o’clock. Here in the Nordics, this is the season when you’d probably curl up on the sofa, but in Egypt, the warm evening is only just beginning.
We often gather for dinner or meet at the beach bar to share the day’s best stories and unforgettable wildlife encounters. If you’d rather enjoy some quiet time, there’s plenty of space for that too. Sometimes the perfect ending to the day is simply sitting beneath a sky full of stars, listening to the gentle sounds of the sea and the distant rhythm of local life.
Pricing:
- Shared room (2 people): €2,190 per person
- Single room: €2,550 per person
- Family accommodation: Please contact us for availability.
You can secure your place by paying a 25% deposit of the total trip price. The remaining balance is due 4 October 2026.
If you’re travelling alone but would like to share a room, let us know on the registration form. Many people join these trips solo, so finding a roommate is often possible.
We’ll do our best to match everyone who wishes to share a room before confirming the booking. If we aren’t able to find a suitable roommate, you’ll be accommodated in a single room at the single room rate. If a roommate is found later before the trip starts, we’ll automatically adjust the final invoice accordingly.
FAQ
What flights should I book?
You can book your flights to Hurghada (HRG). Airlines such as Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines operate flights from Finland via Istanbul. We recommend booking a flight that arrives during the night between 3 and 4 October. Your driver will meet you at the airport, and from there it’s about a 3-hour drive to our hotel. Your room will be ready upon arrival, so you can settle in and get some rest.
On the final day of the trip, our liveaboard returns to the marina on Saturday, 10 October, at approximately 3:00 pm. The transfer from the marina to Hurghada Airport takes around 5 hours. On the way, we’ll make one final stop at Abu Dabbab for our farewell beach dinner, so be sure to book a flight that departs late in the evening or after midnight.
Recommended flights from Helsinki:
Outbound
Depart Helsinki: Saturday, 3 October at 3:45 pm (Pegasus Airlines)
Arrive Hurghada (HRG): 12:30 am on 4 October
Return
Depart Hurghada: Sunday, 11 October at 1:35 am (Pegasus Airlines)
Arrive Helsinki: 2:40 pm
If you’re flying with Pegasus, waiting for your connection at Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) in Istanbul is much more comfortable in the airport lounge. You can access it at a discounted rate through the Smart Traveller app.
If you’re flying in from elsewhere in Europe, you may be able to find convenient flights to Marsa Alam International Airport, which is an excellent option if available.
Do I ned a visa?
Citizens of EU countries can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at the airport when entering Egypt. The current fee is USD 30 for a single-entry tourist visa. Alternatively, you can apply for your visa online in advance through Egypt’s official eVisa portal.
If you choose to apply online, we recommend submitting your application at least one week before departure to allow enough time for processing.
Can I cancel my trip if I get sick?
Your place on the trip is confirmed by paying a 25% deposit of the total trip price. Once the deposit has been paid, your booking becomes binding.
Please note that this trip is non-refundable, and there is no right of cancellation. We therefore strongly recommend that all participants purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, interruptions, and medical expenses.
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 4 October 2026, even if you are unable to travel or are unable to participate in part or all of the programme for any reason.
We also highly recommend purchasing diving accident insurance through DAN Europe for additional peace of mind during the trip.
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your place to another person. Please notify Mer-Divers and Blue Ocean no later than one week before departure and provide the new participant’s details.
Is Egypt a safe country?
Egypt is a popular travel destinations, and the Red Sea coast, including Marsa Alam, has welcomed international visitors for decades.
The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs advises travellers to exercise normal caution, as it does for many destinations around the world. The main tourist areas and resorts are generally peaceful and benefit from a well-established tourism infrastructure.
Throughout the trip, we’ll be staying in a private resort and taking part in activities as a group.
As in any destination, it’s preferred to respect local customs and cultural traditions, when visiting areas outside the resort.
How should I dress on the trip?
October is one of the best times to visit Egypt. Daytime temperatures typically reach around 30°C, while evenings and nights are pleasantly warm at 20-24°C. Sunshine is abundant, so a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are essential.
At the resort and on the liveaboard, you can wear normal holiday clothing and swimwear. When visiting areas outside the resort, we recommend lightweight, breathable clothing that covers at least your shoulders and knees. This not only shows respect for local customs but also provides excellent protection from the sun.
When snorkeling, a more covering swimsuit or rash guard can reduce the need for sunscreen, making it a great choice for anyone who burns easily while also helping to protect the Red Sea’s fragile marine environment. Mermaids are welcome to wear full mermaid costumes, provided that no parts of the costume or makeup can come loose in the water.
The Red Sea is wonderfully warm in October, with water temperatures of around 27-28°C . If you tend to get cold, you may appreciate a thin wetsuit or neoprene top, especially during the liveaboard portion of the trip. Evenings at sea can feel cooler, so it’s a good idea to pack a sweater or other long-sleeved clothing.
Do I need a diving certification?
Participation in the mermaid activities requires a PADI Advanced Mermaid certification (or an equivalent qualification). This ensures that everyone has the skills and confidence to enjoy open water safely and comfortably, while also allowing you to make the most of your diving holiday. All of the sites on this trip have been carefully selected to be suitable for newly certified Advanced Mermaids as well as more experienced participants.
If you already hold a PADI Mermaid certification, you can complete your Advanced Mermaid course at the beginning of the trip. The course fee is €285.
If you’re new to mermaiding, you can complete the PADI Mermaid course in Finland before departure. The course fee is €415.
Can I scuba dive during the trip?
Yes! If you’re a certified scuba diver, you’re welcome to join the scuba dives organised by Blue Ocean. You can book individual dives or a dive package directly through the dive centre.
If you don’t have a scuba certification yet, you can still experience breathing underwater by joining a PADI Discover Scuba Diving session with Sayed.
Please note that, for safety reasons, you cannot participate in mermaiding or freediving after scuba diving on the same day. This is a standard diving safety practice designed to reduce the risk of decompression sickness. However, the reverse is perfectly fine: you may go mermaiding or freediving first and then scuba dive later the same day.
How do I sign up and pay?
Sign up here. Once you’ve submitted the form, you’ll receive an email with instructions for paying the deposit.
Your place on the trip is confirmed once you’ve paid the 25% deposit. At that point, your booking becomes binding. The deposit is paid to Blue Ocean by bank transfer.
The remaining balance is due 4 October 2026. You can either pay it in advance by bank transfer or settle it at the destination directly to Blue Ocean by credit card or cash (euros).
I'm traveling solo, but want to share a room. What to do?
If you’re travelling on your own and would like to share a room, let us know on the registration form. We’ll do our best to match everyone who requests a roommate before the trip.
Please pay the deposit based on the single room rate. If we’re able to match you with a roommate, your final balance will automatically be adjusted to the shared room rate. If no suitable roommate is found, you’ll stay in a single room at the single room price.