Silence and tranquility, stunning beaches, and a sea that invites you to grab a surfboard or dive beneath its surface to discover the vibrant world hidden below. If this sums up your idea of a perfect vacation, then this place will undoubtedly find its way onto your list of favorite destinations.
Marsa Alam, also known as Marsa el Alam, is a former fishing village that has since transformed into a small tourist town. The same name also refers to the entire region in southeastern Egypt, “hugging” the shores of the Red Sea. The town of Marsa Alam is the perfect getaway for those who prefer to trade restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions for relaxation, peace, and above all, ideal conditions for active leisure.
An Egyptian paradise for divers
This town and its surroundings attract tourists from all over the world primarily for one reason. The coastline along which Marsa Alam is situated consistently wins awards as one of the best diving locations worldwide. This beautiful spot offers a rare opportunity to independently explore the secrets of the underwater world. The coral reefs are nearly pristine, and with a bit of luck, among the sea sponges and small fish, you can spot dolphins or turtles.
Why choose Marsa Alam over the much more popular tourist destination of Hurghada? After all, the reefs there are equally beautiful, surprising, and well-preserved. However, Hurghada’s curse lies in its popularity. The coral reefs are far more crowded, which takes away much of the charm of intimate underwater exploration.
Elphinstone Reef
Once you’ve decided on a serene snorkeling experience in Marsa Alam, the next step is choosing the right bay or reef to set the stage for your underwater adventure.
Elphinstone Reef is undoubtedly one of Egypt’s most famous dive spots. Its crystal-clear, blue waters beckon you to witness the underwater world teeming with colorful sponges, corals, and rich marine life. But this reef offers more than just a playful swim through schools of vibrant fish. It’s also one of the few places where you can encounter the oceanic whitetip shark and the hammerhead shark.
Shaab Samadai, also known as Dolphin House
Who hasn’t dreamed of swimming with dolphins? Especially when it’s in their natural habitat! Shaab Samadai, commonly known as Dolphin House, is a crescent-shaped coral reef whose shallow waters constantly attract bottlenose dolphins. These friendly marine mammals use the coast as a resting spot, and you can join them in this serene setting. This adventure is not to be missed by both beginner and experienced divers, especially since besides dolphins, you can also spot rays and seahorses in Shaab Samadai.
Abu Dabbab Bay
Abu Dabbab Bay is home to two impressive and exceptionally well-preserved coral reefs. Interestingly, the remarkable marine fauna and life along this stretch of the coast are visible even from the beach. Abu Dabbab is also known as Turtle Bay because these graceful creatures are the most fascinating residents of this reef. Just imagine an underwater stroll alongside these agile reptiles—an experience straight out of a fairytale!
Marsa Mubarak Bay
Marsa Mubarak is often referred to as a coral garden. You’ll easily lose yourself in its expanses of coral reefs and seagrass meadows. While you can often spot sea turtles and a variety of fish species here, the true star of this reef is the dugong, or sea cow, which occasionally graces the area with its presence. Although no one can guarantee an encounter with these rare animals, it’s worth keeping an eye out while underwater, as such an opportunity might not come again soon.
Active Recreation in Marsa Alam
If you can’t imagine a vacation without outdoor activities, don’t limit yourself to just diving. Marsa Alam offers excellent conditions for all kinds of water sports. The coast is ideal for yachting and motorboating, and if you’re more of a board enthusiast, you can try surfing, windsurfing, or kitesurfing. If you’re looking for a new experience, you might also want to try parasailing, where you’ll soar above the water using a special parachute towed by a motorboat.
Beaches of Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is undoubtedly a paradise for beach lovers. Many consider the beaches along this coast to be some of the most beautiful in all of Egypt. They all feature soft, light sand, gentle slopes into the water, and exceptionally clear seas. However, it’s worth noting that if you’re not staying in one of the exclusive hotels, the best beaches are at least a 30-minute drive from the town of Marsa Alam. But it’s worth it. The most stunning, paradise-like beaches in the area include Abu Dabbab, Sharm El Luli, and Hankorab Beach.
Turquoise Lake Al-Nayzak
Just 10 km from Marsa Alam, you’ll find the natural pool of Al-Nayzak, which comes with an intriguing story. Legend has it that this unique rock formation was created by a meteorite impact that struck the coast. This tale sparked curiosity among both tourists and locals. Eventually, the lake’s turquoise color and tranquil atmosphere won the hearts of all visitors. Though geologists have debunked the beloved meteorite myth, Nayzak remains one of the most fascinating swimming spots in the entire region.
Other Attractions in the Marsa Alam Region
If you’re wondering what else is worth seeing in Marsa Alam, here’s some insight. While the town itself doesn’t offer much in terms of sightseeing, the surrounding area is packed with interesting spots to explore during your trip.
Wadi El Gemal National Park
This is an Egyptian haven of natural wonders. Located 45 km south of Marsa Alam, this desert region is considered one of Egypt’s most beautiful national parks. The protected area covers over 4,000 km² of land and about 2,000 km² of coastal waters. Visitors are captivated by its fascinating geological formations, palm groves, and pristine, untouched beaches. Wadi El Gemal is also home to one of the world’s most famous emerald mines.
Another highlight of this park is the surprising diversity and richness of its flora and fauna, particularly for a desert environment. You’ll encounter gazelles, antelopes, and wild camels roaming the land. It’s also worth bringing a good pair of binoculars to observe the many species of birds that are difficult to find anywhere else in Egypt. The coastal reefs of Wadi El Gemal account for about 17% of the Red Sea’s marine life! It’s estimated that the coral reef here is composed of 450 species of corals and over 1,200 species of fish.
Desert Vibes
One of the unique tourist attractions in Marsa Alam is the chance to explore the Eastern Desert of Egypt. It’s a great idea for an excursion if you want to take a break from the beach but still aren’t tired of the sand. A thrilling option is a jeep or quad ride. The combination of breathtaking landscapes and a rush of adrenaline from speeding through the desert is sure to be a winning experience!
Other Coastal Towns
What are holidays without trips to traditional restaurants or bars? While the town of Marsa Alam itself might not offer many choices, you’ll certainly find a wide range of options in one of the nearby, slightly larger coastal towns. The closest one is Port Ghalib, which will satisfy your desires for beach relaxation and diving, but also offers dining out, parties, shopping, water parks, and spa visits.
If you’re drawn to more active sightseeing, just drive 60 km further north to reach El Quseir, one of the oldest cities in Egypt. In addition to many tourist amenities, it will charm you with its scattered historic remnants throughout the town. Those who love to feel the presence of history will surely enjoy the atmosphere of the spice trading port, the Shaykh Al-Farran mosque, and the 1571 Ottoman castle.
Wondering how best to see all these spots along Egypt’s eastern coast? One option is organized tours (which you can find, for example, on this website), or hiring a taxi, a popular means of transport in Egypt, even between somewhat distant cities. However, if you value independence and spontaneity, the most appealing option for you would be to rent a car at Marsa Alam airport, located near Port Ghalib. You can book a car in advance using platforms like RentalCars.
