Marsa Alam
the quiet end of the coast.
Far fewer hotels, emptier beaches and some of the healthiest reefs in Egypt. Marsa Alam is the Red Sea for people who want space.
What it is
really like.
Marsa Alam lies about 270 km south of Hurghada. Until recently it was little more than a small fishing port; today there is a scattering of resorts and eco-lodges along a long, open coast backed by desert mountains. It is much quieter than Hurghada or Sharm.
The reefs are the draw. Abu Dabbab bay is known for green sea turtles that feed on the seagrass in shallow water. Elphinstone and Samadai reefs, offshore, are famous among divers. Inland, Wadi El Gemal National Park protects desert valleys, mangroves and wildlife.
Marsa Alam is a good finish after Luxor, which is roughly three and a half to four hours away by road. It also has its own international airport, though most travellers from Africa connect through Cairo.
The best of
Marsa Alam.
The places we build days around. Not a list to tick off: most people choose three or four and leave time between them.
Abu Dabbab
A sandy bay where sea turtles graze in shallow water close to the beach.
Samadai reef
A horseshoe reef with a protected lagoon where spinner dolphins often rest.
Wadi El Gemal National Park
Desert valleys, mangroves and Bedouin culture inland from the coast.
Diving
Offshore reefs with sharks, walls and clear water for experienced divers.
Eco-lodges
Low-rise, simple places right on the sea for a quiet stay.
Stargazing
Very little light pollution, and some of the clearest night skies in Egypt.
Marsa Alam,
answered.
Is Marsa Alam better than Hurghada?
Neither is better; they are different. Marsa Alam is quieter with fewer hotels and wilder reefs; Hurghada has more choice, shops and restaurants.
Will we see turtles at Abu Dabbab?
Often, but never guaranteed. They feed in the bay most of the year, and early mornings are best.
How far is Marsa Alam from Luxor?
About three and a half to four hours by private car.
Ways to fit Marsa Alam
into a trip.
Nile Honeymoon, Red Sea Finish
Cairo, Aswan, a three-night Nile cruise and a dawn balloon flight over Luxor, then two nights in a quiet Red Sea hotel.
See this journey →
Ancient Egypt, Open Water
Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, then three days on the Red Sea at Hurghada.
See this journey →
Nile, Slowly
Two nights in Aswan, four on the river past Kom Ombo and Edfu, and Luxor at the end. For travellers who want the Nile itself to be the holiday.
See this journey →Tell us how long
you have.
Send your dates and who is travelling. We will suggest how many nights Marsa Alam deserves and what fits around it.