Marsa Alam, a tranquil paradise located 275 kilometers south of Hurghada, captivates visitors with its pristine beaches and fascinating coral reefs in the Red Sea. This region is a true mecca for divers and beach enthusiasts.
But Marsa Alam offers so much more: The picturesque Qulaan Islands, a natural wonder in the Red Sea, invite you to unforgettable excursions, while the nearby town of Port Ghalib provides relaxation with its cafés and shops. For those seeking adventure, exciting desert safaris and the discovery of Sataya Dolphin Reef await.
In this article, we’ll show you the best activities and attractions in Marsa Alam that you absolutely shouldn’t miss during your visit.
Can’t decide between Hurghada and Marsa Alam? Read our ultimate comparison here.
Table of contents
Snorkelling in Marsa Mubarak: An Underwater Paradise
Your Marsa Alam adventure naturally begins with the underwater world! The protected bay of Marsa Mubarak offers not only crystal-clear water but also impressive marine biodiversity that delights every snorkelling enthusiast.The colorful coral reefs are home to numerous tropical fish, turtles, and sometimes even dolphins frolicking in the gentle waves. As you glide through the water, you can observe exotic fish species such as clownfish, surgeonfish, and parrotfish living here in breathtaking colors.
Other great snorkelling spots include the Hamata Islands, also known as the “3 Islands“
Diving at Elphinstone Reef: Sharks, Mantas, and Rays
Diving at Elphinstone Reef is THE attraction for divers in Marsa Alam! This world-famous diving site attracts water sports enthusiasts from all over the world every year. The steep walls are covered with colorful corals and host rich underwater life. If you’re lucky, you’ll encounter fascinating large fish such as sharks, mantas, and rays while diving. Here you’ll find the best diving areas in Egypt.
For whom? The reef impresses with its biodiversity and is suitable for both beginners and experienced snorkellers.
Diving in Abu Dabbab Bay: Encounters with Turtles
A true paradise for divers and snorkellers awaits you in Abu Dabbab Bay. The calm waters and easy access make this spot perfect for beginners and professionals alike. If it’s your first time here, look forward to unforgettable encounters with majestic sea turtles gliding leisurely through the seagrass.
And if you’re lucky enough to encounter a dugong (manatee), your dive will truly be unique. These gentle giants are fascinating creatures, and merely glimpsing one is an unforgettable experience. Abu Dabbab Bay attracts many underwater enthusiasts for good reason – the diversity of marine fauna and flora is simply overwhelming.
Tip: On a sunny morning, the light underwater is particularly impressive and offers the best visibility.
Wadi el-Gemal National Park: Safari Adventures in the Wilderness
Wadi-el-Gemal National Park is named after the valley, which translates to “Camel Valley.” With its impressive 7500 square kilometers, it is a jewel of Egypt. Here you’ll encounter a fascinating mix of desert dunes and vibrant coral reefs.
The wildlife is breathtaking: from wild monkeys to colorful bird species, dugongs, and sea turtles – the park is a paradise for nature lovers who appreciate both desert and sea.
A highlight is the ancient emerald mines and the impressive Isis temple carved into the rock. These historic sites tell the story of the region in a unique way.
Good to know: A visit is only possible with a ranger. Motorized vehicles are prohibited to protect nature, so prepare for an authentic safari experience on foot.
Whale Watching: Majestic Giants of the Seas
In Marsa Alam, you have the perfect opportunity to observe the majestic whales of the Red Sea. Take a trip to Sataya Dolphin Reef or the Qulaan Islands, where chances are high to encounter these impressive marine inhabitants directly in the wild. You’ll also meet dolphins and other sea creatures there.
Best Hotel for Snorkelling in Marsa Alam: TUI BLUE Samaya
After a short transfer from Marsa Alam airport, you’ll reach the all-inclusive TUI BLUE Samaya hotel in Coraya Bay. Here you can snorkel and dive directly from the jetty at the excellent house reef. The aqua park and beautiful pool area make the stay particularly special for families. The warm atmosphere and excellent service at this 5-star hotel immediately create a feeling of home. You’ll still be raving about the all-inclusive offer and the 6 restaurants long after your holiday!
You can get active with the BLUEf!t® concept, which offers fitness and wellness activities. From tennis to beach volleyball to the fitness room – sports enthusiasts will be fully satisfied. And after sports? Relax in the wellness area with a sauna or treat yourself to a soothing massage.
Tip: Through the BLUE App, you can plan your holiday before arrival and check the hotel’s daily program for activities and excursions, and even book them.
Swimming with Dolphins: A Unique Experience
An unforgettable adventure awaits you in Marsa Alam: swimming with dolphins in the wild! Your inner child will be jumping for joy at this extraordinary encounter!
To do this, you need to book a guided snorkelling trip to Sataya Dolphin Reef or Samatai Reef. The guides there know the best spots to encounter dolphins. The tours start early in the morning, as that’s when you have the best chances of seeing dolphins.
Sandboarding in the Desert: Pure Adrenaline
Imagine gliding down the golden dunes of the desert – sandboarding near Marsa Alam is the perfect adventure for adrenaline junkies! The desert provides a spectacular backdrop for this experience. Many hotels organize desert safaris where you can explore Bedouin lands and go sandboarding. These full-day safaris often include visits to Bedouin villages, giving you insight into traditional Egypt. A camel ride is a must for many visitors. If you enjoy action, you can roar through the desert on a quad bike.
My tip: At sunset, the light transforms the desert into a magical place. Plan your tour to take place in the afternoon.
Boat Tours on the Red Sea: Relaxed Coastal Exploration
Aside from the many diving and snorkelling tours, there are also swimming tours, sunset tours, party boats, culinary boat tours… the selection is so vast that you wouldn’t be able to experience all the boat tours even during a week-long holiday, even if you did nothing else in Marsa Alam!
Tip for couples: If you want to surprise your sweetheart, a romantic culinary boat tour at sunset is your first choice!
The Best Beaches in Marsa Alam
Actually, all beaches around Marsa Alam are attractions thanks to the clear water. Hotels have sandy sections that are not publicly accessible. Nevertheless, beach-hopping is possible.
Among the best beaches is Marsa Mubarak/Port Ghalib, about 60 kilometers north of Marsa Alam. Here you’ll find a beautiful, crescent-shaped bay with light sand and turquoise water. There are both exclusive beach sections and freely accessible areas, so something for every taste.
Sharm El Luli in Wadi El Gemal National Park is a real dream for nature lovers. The beach offers powder-sugar white sand and clear, turquoise water – perfect for snorkellers and anyone who loves nature.
Marsa Murena is known for its beautiful scenery of soft sand and clear water. Here you can see dugongs, flute fish, butterflyfish, and sea turtles.
And finally, there’s Marsa Alam Beach in the town itself, which is popular with locals, giving you a chance to experience a beach that isn’t solely filled with tourists.
Sample the Local Cuisine: A Taste of Marsa Alam
If your hotel doesn’t offer Egyptian cuisine, you should change hotels or definitely eat at one of the local restaurants! Fish and seafood in Marsa Alam are as fresh as nowhere else, and overall, Egyptian cuisine leaves a more diverse impression than expected:
- Ful, a bean paste traditionally eaten for breakfast
- Taameya, the Egyptian version of falafel made from fava beans
- Koshari, often called “peasant food” – a delicious combination of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas and spicy tomato sauce – sounds unusual but is absolutely worth trying
- Various types of kebab
- Desserts – ranging from gloriously sweet to elegantly flavoured with rose water and oriental spices
At TUI BLUE Samaya, you get the opportunity to try authentic Egyptian specialties. it got awarded the Traveler’s choice award 2024!
Day Trip to Ancient Egypt
A day trip from Marsa Alam to the famous Horus temples of Edfu & Kom Ombo involves quite a lengthy coach journey before you reach these ancient Egyptian treasures. The Edfu Temple in particular, regarded as one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples, is absolutely magnificent. A Nile cruise offers a more relaxed option, allowing you to discover numerous other impressive temples and landmarks along your journey.
Marsa Alam: Is It Worth It?
Whilst some might suggest Marsa Alam is less exciting than Hurghada, many visitors come precisely for this reason: to enjoy the unspoilt nature and tranquillity. Fewer hotels means fewer crowds, better preserved reefs and a more authentic atmosphere. A week’s holiday balancing beach relaxation with exploring the local sights provides the perfect Egyptian getaway!
Book your Marsa Alam holiday now!
Common Questions about Marsa Alam
When is the best time to visit Marsa Alam?
The ideal periods for visiting Marsa Alam are March to May and September to November. During these months, you’ll enjoy pleasantly warm temperatures and perfect conditions for outdoor activities like snorkelling, diving or desert excursions. Summer months can be scorching hot, making outdoor activities rather challenging. That said, if you’re particularly keen on water activities, the warm Red Sea in summer certainly has its appeal.
When is Marsa Alam most affordable?
The most budget-friendly times are December before Christmas and January after the 6th, once the Christmas holidays have finished. While the sea isn’t quite as warm then, the temperature is still adequate for short snorkelling sessions of 10 to 15 minutes. It can be a bit breezy, but the sun typically shines most days and temperatures above 20 degrees are standard. I’ve visited the Red Sea twice during the week before Christmas, and the value for money was brilliant!
Can you go shopping in Marsa Alam?
The Marsa Alam souk offers typical Egyptian souvenirs including jewellery, spices, handcrafted items, leather goods and textiles. At Port Ghalib Marina, you’ll find fashion and tourist items alongside numerous street cafés. You won’t find the large shopping centres that Hurghada boasts, however.
How far is Marsa Alam from the pyramids?
Marsa Alam lies approximately 650 to 700 kilometres south of Cairo, where you’ll find the famous Pyramids of Giza. By car, the journey typically takes between 8 and 10 hours, depending on traffic and route. Given the considerable distance, many visitors opt for a domestic flight to Cairo or choose a Nile cruise to experience Ancient Egypt.