Hotels in Marsa Alam City

Marsa Alam: Red Sea Diving on Egypt's Southern Coast

Marsa Alam sits on Egypt's Red Sea coast, roughly 220 km south of Hurghada and 650 km southeast of Cairo. The town grew around a small fishing port before Marsa Alam International Airport opened in 2003, linking it to European charter routes. That airport expansion transformed the area into a dedicated diving and snorkeling destination, drawing visitors specifically for its relatively uncrowded reefs compared to the northern Red Sea.

The waters off Marsa Alam host dugongs, spinner dolphins, and hawksbill turtles year-round. Marsa Mubarak bay, a 10-minute drive north, is one of the most reliable spots in Egypt to snorkel alongside sea turtles feeding on seagrass. The Elphinstone Reef, accessible by day boat, consistently ranks among the top dive sites in the Red Sea for oceanic whitetip shark sightings. Inland, the Eastern Desert begins immediately west of town, and several operators run half-day trips to Wadi El Gemal National Park, established in 2003 across 7,450 sq km.

Practical Tips

• Best diving months: March–May and September–November offer warm water and good visibility.
• Getting there: Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF) receives direct charter and scheduled flights from European hubs; Cairo connections add roughly 2 hours.
• Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP); USD accepted at most dive centers and resort hotels.
• Accommodation: Hotels concentrate in the El Quseir road corridor north of town and the Port Ghalib marina development 20 km south.