Aswan 1-Day Trip: Philae Island Temple, High Dam & Obelisk
Tour Overview
Discover the timeless beauty of Aswan and Nubia on a private day tour from Marsa Alam. Travel 4 hours across the picturesque desert road to the Nile. Take a motorboat across the sparkling reservoir to Agilkia Island to explore the breathtaking Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Visit the modern engineering marvel of the Aswan High Dam, inspect the colossal Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient granite quarries, and enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch overlooking the Nile.
Key Highlights
- Motorboat cruise across the Nile to the romantic Island of Philae Temple
- Visit the monumental Aswan High Dam holding back Lake Nasser
- Inspect the giant ancient granite Unfinished Obelisk
- Private air-conditioned car and dedicated licensed Egyptologist guide
Program & Itinerary Timeline
07:30 – 08:30 · Hotel Lobby Pickup
Prompt pickup directly from your hotel reception in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle. Transfer to the departure marina (Port Ghalib, Hamata, or desert safari station).
09:15 · Safety Briefing & Equipment Fit
Meet your professional guide, receive safety instructions, and fit sanitized snorkeling/diving equipment or quad helmets.
10:00 – 12:30 · Morning Adventure & Guided Session
Explore the primary site (swimming alongside dolphins, diving vibrant coral walls, or riding quad tracks through desert canyons).
13:00 · Fresh Chef-Prepared Lunch & Drinks
Enjoy a hearty freshly prepared open buffet with grilled chicken, fish, Egyptian rice, fresh salads, seasonal fruit, and complimentary soft drinks and mineral water.
14:15 · Second Exploration & Relaxation
Second snorkeling or exploration stop, sunbathing on the top deck, or authentic Bedouin herbal tea in a shaded tent.
16:30 – 17:30 · Return Transfer to Your Resort
Cruise back to the marina and relax in your air-conditioned shuttle back to your hotel lobby in time for dinner.
What's Included & Excluded
Included with this tour
- Private door-to-door hotel transfers in modern air-conditioned vehicle
- Motorboat transfer to and from Philae Island
- All official entrance fees (Philae Temple, High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk)
- Private licensed Egyptologist tour guide
- Full lunch at a restaurant on the Nile
- Bottled mineral water during transfers
- Dedicated professional multi-lingual guide (EN, DE, IT, PL, CS, RU, NL)
- Sanitized equipment, safety briefing & lifejackets
Excluded / Optional
- Drinks at lunch, gratuities
- Personal souvenirs & onboard photographer photo CD
Important Operational Details & Fees
Egyptian Marine National Park Fee ($5 - $10)
For environmental conservation in protected reserves (Sataya Dolphin Reef, Sha'ab Samadai, and Hamata Islands), the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency requires an entry ticket. This fee ($5 to $10 per person) is paid separately in cash directly on the boat.
Hotel Pickup & Distance Policies
Hotel pickup and drop-off is 100% Free from all resorts located in Port Ghalib and Central Marsa Alam. For distant hotels located in northern El Quseir or southern Hamata, a small supplementary distance transfer (€5 to €10 per person) will apply upon pickup.
What to Bring With You
Towels from your hotel, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, photocopy of your passport (mandated by the coast guard for boat trips), and small cash for personal expenses.
Verified Guest Reviews
Based on 92 verified excursion bookings
"Unforgettable day! The crew was super attentive, equipment was spotless, and we got to snorkel right next to wild dolphins. Booking with zero prepayment and paying cash on the boat made it totally stress-free."
"Driver picked us up on time from our Port Ghalib resort. Lunch was fresh and delicious. Highly recommend All Ways Egypt for anyone looking for authentic local trips without the high hotel desk prices."
"Super profesjonalna organizacja. Wszystko zgodnie z opisem, brak jakichkolwiek ukrytych opłat. Następnym razem na pewno znowu wybierzemy tę stronę!"
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 100% Pay on Arrival guarantee work?↓
You reserve your spot online without entering credit card numbers. Your official booking voucher is immediately confirmed and sent to your email. You pay cash (EUR, USD, GBP, or EGP) directly on the day of the trip to your driver or guide.
What happens if the trip is canceled due to bad weather?↓
Safety is our highest priority. If the coast guard restricts boat navigation due to high wind, you can reschedule for free to another day of your holiday or cancel completely with zero fee.
Is snorkeling equipment provided or should I bring my own?↓
High quality masks, snorkels, fins, and lifejackets in all sizes are provided free of charge. If you have your own personal prescription mask or favorite gear, you are welcome to bring it.
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