Has an image come to your mind showing an area with the view of a desert and the sea side by side, where the desert has picturesque golden sand and on the other side the Red Sea has stunning treasures beneath its surface? If yes, then the place has to be Marsa Alam Town: a location on the rise in popularity as a tourist destination in Egypt, owing to the fact that it provides its visitors the opportunity to seek adventure as well as relaxation. Marsa Alam has evolved from a quiet fishing village to a diving, snorkelling, and desert adventure hub, with every type of desert safari available and an array of unexplored beaches, after an abundance of temples in Luxor. Your grievance will be to try and catch the friendly dolphins.
NileHoliday provides a Marsa Alam travel guide with complete information on the best diving spots and safaris in the area, the best time to visit, along with other day trips. It is truly the best guide to help one appreciate the desert along with the unspoilt beauty beneath the surface.
Town Overview
Marsa Alam Town sits on the coast of the Red Sea about 270 km south of the city of Hurghada. Its balance between an adventure hub and a calm retreat makes it truly unique. Compared to the extremely busy Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam has managed to stay peaceful and almost untouched. It is also home to excellent diving spots, a teeming Red Sea and desert wilderness, and great desert scenery. The region has also experienced a boom in the construction of new hotels and resorts, increasing accessibility.
An Introduction to Marsa Alam Town
Marsa Alam Town lies on the southeastern coast of Egypt, roughly 270 kilometres to the south of Hurghada, bordering the Red Sea. What sets the town apart is how well it combines the two characteristics of having a peaceful retreat, while at the same time being an adventure centre. Unlike the always crowded Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam still manages to retain its charm in being a serene and almost untouched location. On the other hand, it still boasts some of the best diving the Red Sea has to offer, an abundance of wildlife, and a stunning desert backdrop. In recent years, the area has seen a considerable amount of investment in the development of new hotels, resorts, and other infrastructure, making the area even more easy to access.
Things to do in Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam offers several activities that range from exciting to relaxing. Visitors who enjoy marine activities can go diving and snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs full of tropical fish, dolphins, and even turtles. People who enjoy more extreme activities can zoom across sand dunes on quad bikes or ride a camel to discover the Bedouin lifestyle. Those interested in history can take a day trip to Luxor, where they can see many of Egypt’s wonders. All this, and they can just relax on the soft sandy beaches where they can also enjoy the turquoise water and peaceful atmosphere. This makes Marsa Alam a great place for solo journeys, families, or couples.
Marsa Alam Desert Safari Adventures
A Marsa Alam desert safari is transporting. The endless seas of sand and rolling rocky outcroppings make for a picture-perfect adventure. Morning safaris allow for a taste of the refreshing desert stillness, while evening safaris treat one to a sky full of stars and the typical Bedouin dinner cooked over an open campfire. Popular activities include quad biking, dune bashing, camel riding, and even stopovers at Bedouin settlements to observe their simplistic and interesting lifestyle. The desert is not desolate countryside but rather alive with history, and alive with an echoing beauty that can only be heard in solitude.
Most Outstanding Diving Spots in Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is known across the globe for the best diving locations in the Red Sea. Elphinstone Reef is the stuff of legends; its soft corals and steep walls are enough to ensnare people, and the frequent sightings of hammerhead and oceanic whitetip sharks don’t hurt either. Shaab Samadai, or Dolphin House, has dives for everyone and is well-known for its resident pods of dolphins. Abu Dabbab Bay is a perfect spot for viewing the ever-elusive dugong, which is referred to as the ‘sea cow’, as well as sea turtles. With such a unique array of dives, Marsa Alam continues to be a diver’s dream.
Red Sea Snorkelling in Marsa Alam – Suspension of disbelief – Snorkelling
For those who find diving too much of a challenge, feathering in some Red Sea snorkelling in Marsa Alam will not only satisfy but thrill you in equal measure! The exotic reefs, teeming with a variety of life, sit shallow, almost on the shoreline. Gentle and beginners are even able to spot the butterflyfish, clownfish, and rays, not to mention the inquisitive dolphins. Abu Dabbab Beach and Sharm El Luli are among the most favoured destinations due to their safe swimming. To float over coral along with their gardens feels like drifting over a rainbow, so not only peaceful but also colourful and endless fascination.
Marsa Alam Beaches You Can’t Miss
Marsa Alam is known for its unparalleled coastal sanctuaries. Sharm El Luli Changing Paradise Beach is as inviting as a tropical postcard. Its exquisite and glossy sands, amalgamating with some of the clearest waters, lie effortless under the blistering sun, embodying a serene paradise. Equally photogenic and interesting, the eye-shaped natural rock shelter of Marsa Nayzak resembles a mysterious eye, a perfect formation for celestial photography believed to have been carved out of a meteor and is enjoyable for a delightful swim. The underwater paradise of Abu Dabbab Beach, with its famed Seagrass beds, is not only known for its dugongs and turtles but is also admired for its rich biodiversity, teeming with life. Aside from sunbathing, these exquisite beaches serve as gateways to the underwater paradise of Marsa Alam.
Marsa Alam Day Trips
The town has a lot to offer, but there is also a lot to explore outside of town. Marsa Alam Day Trips take you to the Wadi El Gemal National Park, a breathtaking desert and sea reserve with mangroves, birds, and other wildlife, and archaeological wonders. You might also explore the mountains to see ancient emerald mines, or go on a boat to Sataya Reef, another place to see dolphins. Each trip captures a different aspect of Marsa Alam, ensuring there is no shortage of things to do.
Luxor Excursions from Marsa Alam
One of the main advantages of visiting Marsa Alam is its proximity to Luxor. For those who appreciate history, the Luxor excursions from Marsa Alam are a must. In just 4 to 5 hours, you can visit the Valley of the Kings, which includes the tomb of King Tut, the Luxor Temple, and the immense Karnak Temple. While you marvel at the ruins, it is easy to imagine the grandeur of the land and the Pharaohs. Many companies will offer you a day trip or an overnight stay, so you will never miss out on such a historic landmark.
Best Time to Visit Marsa Alam
If you enjoy warm weather, the best time to visit Marsa Alam is between October and the beginning of April. During this period, the temperature is suitable for long treks in the desert. The warm waters of the sea are ideal for swimming, diving, and snorkelling. The months of July and August are unbearable and can reach temperatures of 40° C. In spring and autumn, the breeze is a pleasant temperature and is perfect for all sorts of travellers.
Travelling to Marsa Alam with NileHoliday
While it’s true that planning a trip can get a little hectic when trying to enjoy all the activities that Marsa Alam has to offer, one idea can make it a lot easier. Which is why a Marsa Alam travel guide with NileHoliday makes so much sense. NileHoliday specialises in customizing safari packages for diving, snorkelling, even going to Luxor. With them, one does not need to think about transport, entry tickets or guides because they fulfil all these needs. NileHoliday is a perfect option for travellers looking for relaxed holidays with maximum holiday activities.
Local Culture and Food
While Marsa Alam is famous for the sea and the vast desert, its culture is equally as interesting. The local Bedouin culture is still alive, and visitors can partake in cultural evenings that include music, stories, and a lot of good food. And speaking of good food, if you like seafood, then you will enjoy the grilled fish and shrimp. Every Marsa grilled fish is a true culinary treasure, infused with a tantalising blend of Middle Eastern spices garnished with calamari. And of course, all traditional Egyptian food like koshari and falafel as well. All these different types of food can be found all over Marsa Alam, which can make it extra special.
Accommodation Options in Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam has grown to be able to offer a whole range of accommodation options. For those who seek the ultimate luxury experience, there is the option of all-inclusive with private beaches, pools, and dive centres. Eco-lodges have become quite the hit with travellers who are sustainability-conscious and nature lovers. In town, there are also budget hotels and friendly guesthouses that offer great service and basic facilities. Be it a luxury holiday or basic accommodation, Marsa Alam has it all.
Getting Around Marsa Alam
While Marsa Alam is small, getting around depends on your plans. Many hotels and resorts provide shuttle services to beaches and dive spots. Taxis are readily available, though it’s wise to agree on fares beforehand. If you’re planning day trips or longer excursions, booking through a tour operator is usually more convenient. For independent travelers, renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace, especially if you want to drive to Luxor or national parks.
Conclusion
Marsa Alam Town is a destination where contrasts meet where deserts tell stories of silence and the Red Sea bursts with life. From diving at Elphinstone Reef to snorkeling with turtles at Abu Dabbab, from camel rides in the desert to standing before ancient temples in Luxor, the experiences are unforgettable. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, seeking cultural depth, or just wanting to relax by turquoise waters, Marsa Alam has it all.
It may not yet be as famous as other Egyptian destinations, but perhaps that’s its charm. In Marsa Alam, you don’t just visit—you discover.
FAQs
1. What are the best things to do in Marsa Alam?
The highlights include diving, snorkeling, desert safaris, beach hopping, and day trips to Luxor and Wadi El Gemal National Park.
2. Is Marsa Alam good for beginners in diving?
Yes, Marsa Alam has beginner-friendly sites like Abu Dabbab Bay, where new divers can explore safely with instructors.
3. How far is Luxor from Marsa Alam?
Luxor is around 4–5 hours by car, making it ideal for a day trip or overnight excursion.
4. Can I swim with dolphins in Marsa Alam?
Yes, places like Shaab Samadai (Dolphin House Reef) and Sataya Reef are known for wild dolphin encounters.
5. When is the best time to visit Marsa Alam?
The best time is October to April, with cooler desert temperatures and perfect Red Sea conditions for snorkeling and diving.
