A calm Red Sea resort town known for its pristine beaches and coral reefs. Popular for diving and snorkeling, with nearby ancient emerald mines.
Marsa Alam, a former fishing village on Egypt's Red Sea coast, has grown into a destination for travelers. You can snorkel among coral reefs, swim with sea turtles, or take a desert excursion to experience Bedouin culture. The area's warm climate persists year-round, and new resorts continue to appear. Compared to other Egyptian coastal towns, Marsa Alam has a calm atmosphere.
Red Sea Beaches and Marine Life
Marsa Alam's 50-kilometer coastline features white sandy beaches and clear waters. At Abu Dabbab Beach, you can often see sea turtles and occasionally spot dugongs. The calm, shallow waters make swimming and snorkeling comfortable for most visitors. If you prefer a quieter experience, head south to the beaches in Wadi el Gemal National Park. There, you'll find mangroves along the shore and typically calm waters.
Diving Spots
Marsa Alam attracts divers with its well-preserved reefs and variety of marine species. Elphinstone Reef, 20 km offshore, presents a 70-meter coral wall where you might see whitetip reef sharks and giant turtles. At Samadai Reef, known locally as "Dolphin House," you can observe spinner dolphins in their natural habitat. For a unique experience, visit Marsa Abu Dabbab. Here, you can dive in shallow waters and potentially encounter the rare dugong, also called a sea cow.
