This Marsa Alam travel guide covers the best things to do in Marsa Alam: dugongs and turtles at Abu Dabbab, dolphin reefs and Wadi El Gemal National Park. Below you will also find the best time to visit Marsa Alam, how to get there and around, and a choice of hotels in Marsa Alam.
In the early 1990s the area’s tourist potential was recognised. An international airport opened, along with a 220 km road linking Marsa Alam with the ancient Egyptian Temple of Horus at Edfu. Marsa Alam became a recommended destination, connected with the rest of the Red Sea, Cairo and several cities in Upper Egypt.
Weather
Marsa Alam has an exceptional climate with almost no rain. Warm winters draw visitors, and in summer the heat is tempered by the sea breeze. In winter the wind blows for a few days each month and can raise some dust, though nothing like the sandstorms of “Lawrence of Arabia”. In summer there are patchy clouds and the humidity rises.
Historical background
Wadi Hammmamat
The exact dating of the area is not clear. But, several rock carvings and paintings from the site dates to the early dynastic periods in Ancient Egypt. These inscriptions were discovered in the mid-way between El Quseir and Qena, at Wadi Hammamat (Valley of Baths). This route was used for trade purposes between the historical capital for Ancient Egypt, Luxor, and Red Sea.
Wadi El Gemal
During the reign of Ptolemy II, he ordered the construction of a road linking Marsa Alam with Edfu for the mining expedition near the Red Sea, and fares to the Nile for onward shipment. This route passed through the modern “Wadi el Gemal” (Valley of the Camels) National Park.
Roman continued mining semi-precious stones, copper, lead, gold and emeralds from the site. Far to the south, at Wadi El Gemal National Park several evidences were discovered belonging to Queen Cleopatra. Some coins from the reign of Emperor Nero (first century AD) were discovered near Marsa Alam. During this period, the city was a part of (Smaragdus Mons) The Emerald Mountains as recorded in the Roman documents.
El Quseir
Later, Muslims used this route and port for the Pilgrimage to Mecca. The Ottomans, during the 16th Century AD, particularly Sultan Selim I, built an impressive Fortress as a military stronghold to protect the city against invaders. In addition, the French and British colonialists used the city as a key port to control trade with the Arabian Peninsula. The Fort witnessed several battles between the British and the French armies, until in 1801 British General Baird, could dominate the city. The fort which is visited nowadays and includes several small exhibits of the area’s history, Bedouin life and traditions.
Tourist ideas
Divers find the city an ideal environment to practice their underwater hobbies, and enjoy the breathtaking underwater scenes. These include spinner dolphins, green turtles, hawksbill turtles, several species of shark are found along its coast as well as myriad varieties of colorful corals and fish.
Recommended Diving Sites
Summer of nearly 30 degrees is preferable to divers, while winter months have higher wind speeds and rougher seas. Marsa Alam is rich in diving sites, and the following table shows the best-recommended sites with details about each:
|
Name |
Diving depth |
Location |
Visibility |
Suitability |
Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Marsa Abu Dabab
|
up to 25 meters |
30km north of Marsa Alam |
5-20 meters |
for all diving levels. |
– the most popular sea turtles and the dugong – great photo opportunity |
|
Elphinstone Reef |
20 to 70 meters (60 – 200ft) |
50km north east of Marsa Alam and 10km from the shore.
|
20-30 meters.
|
for experienced divers only |
– shark encounters – an enormous variety of sea life including jacks, tuna, blue lunar fusiliers, and black snapper |
|
Samadai Reef |
10 to 15 meters (32 – 49 ft)
|
|
20km SE of Marsa Alam |
for all diving levels. |
– separate areas for spinner dolphins known as dolphin habitats -Visiting times are restricted to between 10am and 2pm -availability only for to 100 snorkelers and 100 divers daily. -Underwater caves and coral towers. |
|
Abu Dabab Reefs |
15 to 25 meters
|
few miles out to sea from Marsa Abu Dabab |
20 to 30 meters. |
|
-A beautiful coral garden and an underwater cave system. – Six Reefs |
|
Abu Ghoson Shipwreck
|
0m to 18m.
|
68km SSE of Marsa Alam |
15 to 30m. |
suitable for all diving levels |
– Many types of coral and marine life including Napoleons, Lion fish, Surgeon fish, Butterfly fish and Moray eel – Plenty or wrecks – Delicate harmony and balance between man and nature. |
Complete guide to Marsa Alam
About the city, its weather, the best time to visit and how to get there.
About Marsa Alam
- Arabic name
- مرسى علم
- Governorate
- Red Sea
- Region
- Red Sea
- Good for
- Diving, nature
- Destination type
- Seaside
- Travel region
- The Red Sea coast
What is the weather like in Marsa Alam?
- Jan
- Apr
- Jul
- Oct
Average daytime highs, °C. Reference: Hurghada and the Red Sea coast.
When is the best time to visit Marsa Alam?
- Best season
- Year-round
- Ideal stay
- 5–7 days
The sea stays warm enough for diving and snorkelling all year; winter evenings are cool and windy.
How do I get to Marsa Alam?
- Nearest airport
- Marsa Alam (RMF)
Direct domestic and international flights, and comfortable intercity buses from Cairo.
What to see in Marsa Alam
- Abu Dabbab dugongs and turtles
- dolphin reefs
- Wadi El Gemal
Things to do from Marsa Alam
Day trips with hotel pickup, run by a local operator. Book directly with them.
Where to eat in Marsa Alam
Port Ghalib Marina restaurants مطاعم مارينا بورت غالب
The main independent dining strip in the area, since most visitors eat at their all-inclusive resorts.
Last checked October 2026. Opening hours and menus change; check with the venue before you go.
Shopping in Marsa Alam
Port Ghalib Marina مارينا بورت غالب
Marina town with souvenir shops, bazaars and a pharmacy along the waterfront.
Last checked October 2026. Opening hours and menus change; check with the venue before you go.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Marsa Alam?
You can visit Marsa Alam year-round.
How do I get to Marsa Alam?
Direct domestic and international flights, and comfortable intercity buses from Cairo.
What is the nearest airport to Marsa Alam?
The nearest airport to Marsa Alam is Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF).
How many days should I spend in Marsa Alam?
Plan to spend 5–7 days in Marsa Alam.
What are the must-see places in Marsa Alam?
Abu Dabbab dugongs and turtles, dolphin reefs, Wadi El Gemal.
Where can I eat in Marsa Alam?
Popular choices include Port Ghalib Marina restaurants. See the dining section above for more.
Where can I go shopping in Marsa Alam?
For shopping in Marsa Alam, try Port Ghalib Marina. More options are listed in the shopping section of this page.
