Marsa Alam is the gateway to the exciting Southern Red Sea and its myriad pristine reefs. Once the sole preserve of liveaboard boats, this area is now accessible directly from the shore. Diving is a combination of shore dives along the 100km of coastal reef, reached by jeep and truck, or boat day trips to the legendary Elphinstone Reef and Sha'ab Samadai, otherwise known as "Dolphin House". This is virgin diving away from the crowds at its very best. The coastline of the region around Marsa Alam offers a number of sheltered bays and some incredibly scenic fringing reefs. It is possible to learn to dive in Marsa Alam and the shore diving on offer is often particularly suited to novice divers. However, to take full advantage of the stunning dives available here it is recommended to be an advanced or intermediate diver with some experience. Diving in Marsa Alam is truly world-class diving that combines the best aspects of shore and boat diving. The coastal reefs are stunning with impressive hard and soft corals, elaborate topography and an amazing abundance and variety of colourful fish. Shore divers make something of a pilgrimage to Marsa Abu Dabbab, wishing to catch a glimpse of the resident Dugong that feeds on the sea grass found in the middle of the bay. Even without seeing "Dennis", there is enough here to satisfy most divers wanting a relaxing shore dive with plenty to see. The reefs are beautiful and packed with marine life, whilst this site is also well known for its regular sightings of guitar sharks, turtles and eels. To take advantage of the best this area has to offer, day trips are organised to outer sites. The dramatic walls and drop-offs of Elphinstone Reef are a spectacular dive. The sheer walls of this great finger-like reef plunge steeply into the blue, richly decorated with soft corals, sponges, gorgonians and fans. Sharks often swim by the spot to feed on the abundant reef fish population. The northern plateau is home to schooling hammerheads with frequent sightings of oceanic white tip sharks. A trip to Sha'ab Samadai or "Dolphin House" is another absolute must. A large, horseshoe-shaped reef creates a shallow, turquoise lagoon that is frequented visited by around 60 spinner dolphins. The diving here typically takes place between 10-15 metres on the southwest tip of the main reef. There is a fantastic network of caves and tunnels and a carpet of seagrass that hides moray eels, leopard groupers, goatfish, lionfish, masked butterflyfish and more.
Water temperature of 21ºC in winter and 27ºC in summer.
In the winter complete wet suit and in the summer wet suit with shorts.
Visibility between 10 and 15 meters.
Climate is hot and dry, with summer temperatures of 42ºC and 21ºC in winter.
You have a lots of ways to get to Marsa Alam. The fastest and most comfortable is the airplane but can also take car and bus.
Other activities that can perform in Marsa Alam are the walks where you can see the beautiful landscapes and historical monuments. If you prefer water sports, you can take advantage of the numerous beaches, lakes and rivers.
Where are located the best diving sites to dive in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt? Below, you will find a map of all scuba diving sites in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt in which you can dive and snorkel.
Which diving sites are located in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt? Below, you will find a list of all scuba diving sites in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt in which you can dive and snorkel.
Which diving sites in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt have underwater photos? Below, you will find the list of scuba diving sites in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt and a list of underwater photos for each diving site.
Which marine species can I observe in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt? Below, you will find the list of marine species and the photos for each species.
Which photographers have taken underwater photos in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt? Below, you will find the list of underwater photographers and their photos in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt.
Which scuba diving centers can I dive with in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt? Below, you can see the list of scuba diving centers in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt. Click on “more info” to find out more about each scuba diving center.
Which liveaboard can I dive with in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt? Below, you can see the list of liveaboard in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt. Click on “more info” to find out more about each liveaboard.
Which accommodation can I rest after my dive in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt? Below, you can see the list of accommodation in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt. Click on “more info” to find out more about each accommodation.