Marsa Alam walking tour & city guide
Dugongs, dolphins and quiet reefs.
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Marsa Alam, in southern Egypt on the Red Sea, is a quieter alternative to Hurghada and Sharm, with pristine reefs and some of the best snorkeling in Egypt.
Marine life
Abu Dabbab Bay is famous for sea turtles and, if lucky, the rare dugong. Dolphin House reef, Samadai, is home to spinner dolphins. Elphinstone Reef attracts divers looking for sharks.
Coast and desert
The coast road runs between the sea and the Eastern Desert mountains, where Wadi el Gemal National Park protects gazelles and mangroves.
A day in Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is famous for snorkeling with sea turtles at Abu Dabbab bay, where dugongs are sometimes seen.
Boat trips go to Dolphin House reef, where spinner dolphins live, and to the Elphinstone reef for divers.
Good to know
Marsa Alam is quieter than Hurghada, with resorts spread along the coast. It has its own airport.
The desert behind the coast has old mining routes and Bedouin camps.
Why it is special
Marsa Alam sits on the southern Red Sea coast, far from the big resort towns, and its reefs are among the healthiest in Egypt. The water is clear, the coral comes right up to the shore, and encounters with turtles, dolphins and even oceanic whitetip sharks around offshore reefs draw divers from all over the world. Days here are slow: snorkeling in the morning, resting in the shade at midday, and watching the desert mountains turn red at sunset.
Top sights in Marsa Alam
- 1
Abu Dabbab Bay
Turtles and dugongs.
- 2
Samadai Reef
Dolphin House.
- 3
Elphinstone Reef
A famous dive site.
- 4
Wadi el Gemal
A national park.
- 5
Port Ghalib
A marina town.
Food markets & where to eat in Marsa Alam
Port Ghalib
Marina restaurants.
Resort beaches
Beachfront grills.
Marsa Alam village
Local eateries.
Food to try in Marsa Alam
Grilled fish
From the reef.
Ful medames
Egyptian bean stew.
Hibiscus tea
Served cold.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Marsa Alam
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in Marsa AlamCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Marsa Alam.
- eSIM for EgyptStay online from the moment you land.
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