Introduction
Reefs form right out from the shoreline, and the Eastern Desert stretches down to the water's edge. Resorts line the south-coast Red Sea with generous spacing, meaning life moves at a more relaxed pace than in Hurghada city or Sharm. Travelers choose Marsa Alam for watersports and desert views over late-night bar-hopping.
This guide prioritizes the places. First, the main Marsa Alam attractions, describing what and how to visit each area; then bringing it all together into suggested day plans. To put it into wider perspective, our Red Sea in Egypt guide is a helpful starting point.
Ready to see the Marsa Alam attractions for yourself? Browse our Egypt travel packages to fit the Red Sea coast into a wider route, or look at our multi country tours if you want to pair the coast with other destinations. Reach out to our Egypt travel experts if you need help with transfers or excursions.
Table of content:
Which Places to Visit in Marsa Alam Should Top Your List?
Most of the interesting sites are either on or under the water, or out in the protected desert. Every attraction is a short walk or boat ride from the main resort zones, so you can string up a sightseeing circuit of two or three without much backtracking.
Abu Dabbab Bay
The bay is shallow and sandy, covered in seagrass that makes a perfect meal for sea turtles. Snorkelers and swimmers can walk straight into the sea from the shore, making a good starter experience if open-water swimming is a new thing. Dugongs occasionally swim through the bay, but there are no guarantees.
Wadi el Gemal National Park
South of the main resort strip, this park blends the coast and the desert into one. Within hours, views shift from mangroves at the shoreline into a parched, rocky valley. Most visitors stick with a guide and pack sun cream and a camera: there is plenty to walk and take photos of.
Samadai Reef
Samadai, also known as Dolphin House, is a horseshoe reef where spinner dolphins gather in great numbers. Trips are only possible with a guide, and there are special regulations to protect the reef and the dolphins. Follow your guides' instructions on approaching the animals.
Elphinstone Reef
Elphinstone is something else. This offshore reef has strong currents, making it a spot for advanced divers exploring with a good guide. Diving ranges from shallow inshore reefs to offshore pinnacles.
Port Ghalib
Port Ghalib offers beachy surroundings, a good choice for a quiet day at the shore between reef excursions.
What Are the Best Marsa Alam Attractions for Each Kind of Day?
Match an attraction to the day's mood. The bays are the mellow days out for swimming and snorkeling, and the offshore reefs provide more of a challenge for diving days. Boat trips are the best way to see if dugongs, turtles and dolphins put in an appearance, and can combine with short excursions into nature reserves and across the desert.
Here is what usually attracts people:
-
Snorkeling from the beach in protected bays
-
Diving ranging from shallow inshore reefs to offshore pinnacles
-
Boat trips with possible dugong, turtle and dolphin sightings
-
Short excursions to nature reserves and desert landscapes
-
Resorts spaced along the coast keep the shoreline unhurried
If you prefer to stay in a Red Sea coastal town with a marina, lagoons and kitesurfing beaches, our El Gouna travel guide explores that side of the coast.
How Can You Plan a Day Around These Places?
Snorkeling and diving dominate the Marsa Alam attractions, but the list of places to visit in Marsa Alam is not limited to the water. Boat rides, lazy days in the bay, and long lunches on the beach take up a large part of a holiday. Guided trips into the Eastern Desert provide a change of scenery.
Some habits keep days flowing smoothly:
-
Head out to the offshore reefs early and leave the bays for the afternoon
-
Group day trips to reduce travelling time
-
Alternate days on water with days on land
Because the Marsa Alam attractions trail along the coast, a loose plan is better than a tight one.
What Makes the Red Sea Coast Special?
The Red Sea coast scores points for a mix of clear turquoise waters, lively coral reefs, and desert landscapes. The warm, usually calm waters make for great snorkeling and diving, with a variety of brightly colored fish and other marine life. Aside from the underwater sights, the Egyptian Red Sea has the bonus of being a more laid-back corner of the country, with long stretches of sandy beaches, hidden bays, and desert vistas. The mix makes the Red Sea dramatically different from Egypt's more historic Nile Valley destinations.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Red Sea?
The Red Sea coast is great to visit all year round, but the best times to visit depend on what kind of holiday you are looking for. Spring and autumn have great temperatures for combining beach relaxation with excursions. Winter has cooler temperatures inland, but is still good for many water sports. Summer days are hot, but the Red Sea stays warm for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. If you plan to take boat trips or longer excursions, it is worth checking seasonal weather conditions for the kind of holiday that suits you best.
FAQs
Which Marsa Alam attractions require a guide?
The Samadai Reef can only be visited with a guide, as there are regulations to protect the reef and dolphins. Most tourists also visit Wadi el Gemal National Park with a guide, and Elphinstone Reef requires an experienced guide due to the tricky currents.
Which places to visit in Marsa Alam are good for experienced divers?
Elphinstone Reef is best for experienced divers as it's found offshore and has unpredictable currents, meaning that it's a good idea to hire a professional guide. Divers can expect a variety of dives from inshore reefs to offshore pinnacles.
What should I pack for a day out on the Red Sea coast?
A straw hat and sun protection cream are essential as the sun can be very strong. It's also worth bringing water for when you're out on the boat and a camera for the Wadi el Gemal, and some reef-safe sunscreen for the coral.
Can I combine a trip to Marsa Alam with a Nile Valley tour?
Yes, as there's a desert road crossing the Eastern Desert to Edfu on the Nile, so the coast can be included in a greater Nile Valley tour, with stops such as the Luxor Temple and the Aswan High Dam. To see the whole of the Nile Valley, you could also consider a Nile River cruises between Luxor and Aswan.
What is the best way to plan a sightseeing day?
Aim to visit offshore reefs in the morning and save the more sheltered bays for the afternoon. You'll also want to leave as few days on the road as possible by visiting multiple attractions on the same day and to balance days out at sea with days exploring inland.
