About Marsa Alaam
Marsa Alam
Egypt's Diving Paradise
About Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is a popular coastal destination in Egypt, located approximately 270 km south of Hurghada. Once a quiet fishing village, it has developed into a modern resort area while remaining less developed than some of Egypt's larger resort destinations.
Thanks to its exceptionally clear waters and rich marine life, Marsa Alam is considered one of Egypt's leading diving destinations. The Red Sea's vibrant underwater world, with its colorful corals and diverse marine species, attracts divers and snorkelers from around the world.
The area is known for its coral reefs and rich marine life. The most famous dive sites include Abu Dabbab, Marsa Assalaya, Dolphin House (Shaab Samadai), Wadi El Gemal, and Elphinstone Reef.
Accommodation mainly consists of hotels and resorts located along the Red Sea coast. While staying here, you can join safari tours or spend your days exploring the underwater world.
Beaches in Marsa Alam
The entrance to the sea can include sandy, pebbly, or rocky areas, so water shoes are recommended at some beaches.
Sandy Beaches
Soft golden sands along the Red Sea coast, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing.
Water Shoes
Recommended for swimming and walking near coral reefs and rocky formations.
Piers & Access
Many hotels provide piers with stairs or ladders for access to deeper water.
Diving in Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam has a desert climate with warm temperatures throughout most of the year. What makes this area truly unique is its combination of pristine coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and several notable dive sites and marine habitats.
It remains one of the most exciting and less-crowded diving regions in the Red Sea — suitable for divers with different levels of experience, depending on the dive site.
Pristine Corals
Unspoiled coral reefs with vibrant colors and rich marine life.
Shipwrecks
Shipwrecks that have become habitats for marine species.
Crystal Clear Water
Exceptional visibility reaching over 30 meters in ideal conditions.
The Most Picturesque Dive Sites
Discover the Red Sea's most iconic underwater destinations
Elphinstone Reef
Located about 12 km from Abu Dabbab, with an average depth of 20 meters. Accessible by boat, and snorkeling is possible.
Brothers Islands
One of the most beautiful dive sites in the Red Sea. Suitable for advanced and experienced divers. Especially during certain seasons, the area is known for its diverse marine life, including large pelagic species.
Abu Dabbab
Located north of Marsa Alam, Abu Dabbab is known for its coral reefs and marine life. The coral reefs here have a distinctive horseshoe shape and are famous for their large sea turtles and dugongs (sea cows).
Daedalus Reef
About 96 km from Marsa Alam, with an average depth of 25 meters. Marked by a lighthouse for ships, it is known for its rich marine life and coral formations.
Sataya (Dolphin Reef)
Sataya is known for its dolphin encounters and is a popular destination for marine-life excursions.
Abu Galawa
The shipwrecks here have become a thriving home for local marine fauna and flora.
Zabargad Island
An island surrounded by corals and several old shipwrecks, known for its unique geology and history.
Shaab Samadai
Shaab Samadai is a reef formation with sheltered lagoons known for dolphin sightings.
Shaab Sharm
A site where you can encounter several species of sharks.
Other notable dive sites include Rocky Island, Shaab Marsa Mubarak, and Marsa Shuna.
Port Ghalib
Modern Coastal Destination
Port Ghalib is a modern tourist destination with modern hotels and excellent conditions for water sports. It is home to a major yacht marina on the Red Sea coast.
El Quseir
Located approximately 70 km north of Marsa Alam, El Quseir is a historic coastal town. It features a historic Arab old town and a historic Ottoman-era fort, which houses a museum.
El Quseir is a destination known for its historic character, beaches, diving, and snorkeling.
Visitors can explore coral reefs and marine habitats and may encounter a variety of fish and other marine species. With clear waters on one side and rugged mountains on the other, El Quseir offers some of the region's notable coral reefs.
Best Time to Visit
Average daytime temperatures in Marsa Alam
Recommended Months to Visit
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Comfortable temperatures between approximately 27°C and 32°C — suitable for diving, snorkeling, and beach activities.