Marsa Alam

A charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant marine life, Marsa Alam is a top destination for snorkeling, diving, and relaxation along the Red Sea.

About the Destination

Marsa Alam is the quiet, wild side of the Red Sea: long empty bays, pristine reefs and desert mountains, far from the big resort towns.

What Marsa Alam is known for

Snorkelling with sea turtles and, with luck, dugongs at Abu Dabbab; dolphins at Samadai Reef (Dolphin House); and world-class diving at Elphinstone and the southern reefs. Wadi El Gemal National Park protects mangroves, desert and Bedouin heritage.

Best time to visit

All year; spring and autumn are best, and summer has the warmest water.

How long to stay

A week or more for diving and snorkelling.

Tips

Book licensed trips to protected sites (Samadai has limited visitor numbers), and never chase or touch turtles and dugongs.

Gallery

Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam Weather

Getting there

Marsa Alam is served by Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF), which has direct flights from major cities in Europe and the Middle East. The town is also accessible by bus or car from Hurghada and Luxor

Attractions

Abu Dabbab Bay

Cairo and Giza Day Trip from Marsa Alam

Dolphin House (Sha'ab Samadai)

Elphinstone Reef

Luxor Day Trip from Marsa Alam

Activties

Plan your Journey

Popular Attractions

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with the local heritage, our list of popular attractions will help guide your journey and ensure you don't miss the must-see locations

Abu Dabbab Bay

Abu Dabbab Bay, north of Marsa Alam, is famous for snorkelling with green sea turtles that graze on the seagrass in its shallow, sandy bay.

Cairo and Giza Day Trip from Marsa Alam

A long day trip (or a short flight) from the Red Sea to Cairo, covering the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Dolphin House (Sha'ab Samadai)

Sha'ab Samadai, known as Dolphin House, is a horseshoe-shaped reef south of Marsa Alam where a large group of spinner dolphins rests in the lagoon.

Elphinstone Reef

Elphinstone Reef, offshore from Marsa Alam, is one of the Red Sea's most celebrated dive sites, a long reef with sheer walls covered in soft corals.

Luxor Day Trip from Marsa Alam

Luxor, often referred to as the "world's greatest open-air museum," is home to many ancient monuments, including Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, showcasing the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Accommodation

Marsa Alam's hotels are spread along the coast, from eco-lodges and dive camps to all-inclusive resorts with house reefs.

Famous Hotels

Choose a hotel with a good house reef, or an eco-lodge close to Wadi El Gemal.

Food Experience

Most meals are in the hotels, with fresh fish and Bedouin-style dinners in the desert.

Favorite Cuisines

Join a Bedouin dinner under the stars for traditional bread and slow-cooked dishes.

Grilled Fish and Seafood

Red Sea fish and shrimp, grilled simply.

Bedouin Bread

Flatbread baked on hot coals or a metal dome over the fire.

Zarb

Meat and vegetables slow-cooked underground in a sand pit, Bedouin style.

Bedouin Tea

Sweet black tea brewed with desert herbs over the fire.

Transportation & More

Marsa Alam is spread along the coast, so you will mostly travel by taxi, hotel shuttle or boat.

Transportation Options

Agree on taxi fares before the ride, and book diving and snorkelling trips with pick-up included.

Taxis

Easy to find at hotels and in town; agree the fare first.

Hotel Shuttles

Many resorts run shuttles to the town centre, marinas and the airport.

Boats

Day boats leave from the marinas for reefs and islands.

Airport Transfers

Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF) is 30 to 90 minutes from most hotels; Hurghada (HRG) is about three hours north.

Popular Activties

From thrilling adventures to cultural immersions, each city offers unique experiences that cater to every traveler’s interests.

Over Day Tour From Marsa Alam to Luxor

Full-day journey from Marsa Alam to Luxor, the timeless heart of ancient Egyptian civilization. This carefully designed excursion combines comfort, expert guidance, and seamless organization to let you experience the treasures of Upper…

From $107

Over day Tour to Luxor From Marsa Alam

This full-day Luxor tour from Marsa Alam is more than just a sightseeing trip — it’s a carefully crafted journey led by passionate local guides who bring Egypt’s ancient stories vividly to life. Traveling in a small, comfortable group

From $200

Full Day Private Tour to Luxor from Marsa Alam

Discover ancient Egypt on a private full-day tour from Marsa Alam to Luxor. Travel through the Eastern Desert in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and explore the highlights of Luxor with a professional guide. Visit the Valley of the

From $180

Luxor Private Day Tour from Marsa Alam included (Medinat Habu)

Luxor Private Day Tour from Marsa Alam Discover the timeless wonders of Luxor on a private day tour from Marsa Alam. Travel comfortably in a private air-conditioned vehicle and explore the Valley of the Kings, the impressive Temple of…

From $105

Day Trip To Giza Pyramids by Flight From Marsa Alam

Discover Marsa Alam Pyramid Trips to see a different side of Egypt. Visit the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, and Islamic Cairo all in one day with shopping at Cairo’s famous bazaar, Khan al Khal

From $545

Marsa Alam Half Day Hike: Remote Wadi Naeba Desert Trek

Remote & Off-the-Beaten-Path Guests leave the crowds behind and explore a part of the Red Sea desert that few travelers ever see. It’s truly secluded, peaceful, and untouched. Dramatic Desert Landscapes Hike past rugged rock formations,

From $67

Luxor Day trip from Marsa Alam to Luxor ( private)

See the funerary temples and tombs on the Nile’s West Bank. Visit the Valley of the Kings, valley of the queens, the Colossi of Memnon and Hatshepsut Temple, dedicated to the most famous powerful queen of Egypt Queen Hatshepsut and end…

From $149

2 Day trip to Aswan and Abu simble from Marsa Alam

Enjoy Aswan Tours from Marsa Alam, Discover the most famous attractions of Aswan with our selection of guided visits and things to do, Visit the High Dam, which protects Egypt from flooding from the Nile. Then, visit the Unfinished Obelisk

From $569

Day Trip To Valley of the Kings From Marsa Alam

A unique opportunity in this day trip from MarsaAlam to Luxor by road to visit the most famous ancient sites of Luxor ( The old capital of Thebes), Visiting the largest Temple at Karnak on the East Bank and on to the West Bank for the most…

From $273

Dive Elphinstone Reef in Marsa Alam

Elphinstone Reef is not just another dive site — it’s a bucket-list experience for serious divers. What sets our trip apart is the balance of safety, expertise, and adventure. We limit group sizes for a more personal and professional

From $91

3 days private Trip to Abu simbel and Aswan from Marsa alam

Egypt Cruise Era guide will escort you from Marsa alam to Aswan and Abu Simbel where you will ‎enjoy the massive two temples of King Ramses II ‎and Queen Nefertari and the highlights of aswan .

From $690

Private Egypt Limousine Service in Marsa Alam with Trip Support

Complete comfort, absolute safety, delivery to any location in Egypt, and follow-up with the customer throughout the journey in Egypt.

From $45

Desert Star Gazing Tour with Camel Ride and Dinner in Marsa Alam

Discover the timeless magic of the Marsa Alam desert on this unforgettable sunset safari, with convenient hotel pickup. Your journey begins at an authentic Bedouin camp, where you’ll enjoy a peaceful camel ride through the desert…

From $55

Jeep Desert Super Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Star Watching & Bedouin Dinner

Enjoy a desert adventure safari trip by jeep 4*4 from Marsa Alam to discover the story about Bedouins life and traditions and relish tasting a Bedouin tea and smoke water pipe, Also you will have a chance to drive the quad bike through the…

From $83

Marsa Alam: Snorkeling at Abu Dabab Beach

• Snorkel directly off Abu Dabab Beach, with easy access to the waters of the Red Sea • Look for giant sea turtles and dugongs ("sea cows") in Turtles Bay • Marvel at the well-preserved corals of the coral gardens

From $57

Private Cairo Tour from Marsa Alam – All Inclusive

This private Cairo tour from Marsa Alam is designed for travelers seeking comfort, quality, and a well-organized experience — away from the crowds. From the moment we pick you up, everything is arranged for a smooth, stress-free journey.

From $375

3 Day Trip Egypt Highlights from Marsa Alam

See Egypt Highlights in 3 days tour from Marsa Alam,Visit the Pyramids of Giza, The Sphinx, Cairo museum and the Old Bazaar Khan el Khalil, Fly To Aswan overnight in Basma Hotel with Nile view On the Second day Visit Abu Simbel…

From $739

luxor and Cairo two days Tours from Marsa Alam

See Ancient Egypt's most famous monuments in Luxor and Cairo in two days tour from Marsa Alam. Drive from Marsa Alam to Luxor visit the valley of Kings, Karnak temple, Queen Hatshepsut temple, overnight in Luxor Then Fly from Luxor to…

From $520

Private Day Tour from Marsa Alam to Luxor

Discover the ancient wonders of Luxor on a private day tour from Marsa Alam, where you have the freedom to explore at your leisure. Visit the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex, filled with towering columns and intricate hieroglyphics, and

From $142

Two Days Trip to Abu Simbel and Aswan from Marsa alam

We offer two days tour to Aswan and Abu Simbel from Marsa Alam or port Ghalib hotels. Visit Aswan Highlights, The High Dam, The Temple of Goddess Isis on Phiala island, the Unfinished Obelisk and sail on the Nile with Felucca and Visit Abu…

From $512

Horseback riding in Marsa Alam and Port Ghalib

Experience a unique horseback ride through the desert. It ends with a refreshing walk in the sea. Our finest-bred horses and experienced trainers guide you. They offer coaching before the ride and support throughout. This suits all skill

From $57

Marsa Alam: Private Guided Tour to Luxor & Transfer Rounded trip

Give the beach a rest for a day and head to the historic city of Luxor to explore Egypt’s open-air museum. Luxor Day Tour let you see the Luxor Temple, and Karnak Temple on the East Bank. Go to Hatshepsut Temple, the Valley of the Kings

From $226

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