Marsa Alam’s deep blue waters are world-famous for diving. This tranquil Red Sea town offers some of the best diving in Marsa Alam – colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, rays, and even dolphins. Sola Travel runs scuba tours here so that beginners and experts alike can explore safely.

Our diving in Marsa Alam packages include certified instructors, top-quality gear, and boat trips to prime sites. Imagine descending alongside coral gardens teeming with fish, or drifting over a dramatic drop-off. After a day of dives, you can relax on deck with lunch and stories of underwater wonders.

Why Dive in Marsa Alam?

Marsa Alam is a diver’s paradise. The waters are warm, clear, and packed with marine life. In fact, Marsa Alam is one of Egypt’s top spots for seeing dugongs (also called sea cows) and other rare creatures. PADI notes that this small, peaceful resort town is famous for its snorkeling and scuba diving – even hosting an excellent shark-diving site at Elphinstone Reef.

The town has fewer crowds than Hurghada or Sharm, so you get more untouched reefs. Even on land, the eastern desert and mangroves add to the adventure. Diving in Marsa Alam means sharing the ocean with dolphins, turtles, reef sharks, and schools of fish in a serene setting.

Marsa Alam at a Glance

Marsa Alam (Arabic for “Anchorage Mountain”) is a laid-back town on Egypt’s southeastern Red Sea coast. It’s not overdeveloped, so the night skies are dark and the vibe is relaxed. Think simple seaside hotels, a marina at Port Ghalib, and plenty of local eateries.

The Red Sea here is famously clear and warm – even winter water temperatures stay around 22–25°C (72–77°F). Marsa Alam’s beaches are sandy or rocky, perfect for winding down after dives. English is widely spoken, and the name “Marsa” literally means “harbor” or “anchorage,” hinting at its seafaring heritage.

Top Dive Sites and Marine Life

Marsa Alam boasts dozens of dive sites, making diving in Marsa Alam an unforgettable experience. Popular locations include Elphinstone Reef (shark hotspot), Dolphin House (Shaab Samadai, famous for spinner dolphins), Marsa Mubarak and Marsa Shoona (colorful reef lagoons suitable for all skill levels), and Abu Dabbab (green turtle haven).

Sola Travel provides a Marsa Alam dive sites map to help you make the most of diving in Marsa Alam. We organize guided tours to ensure you explore the very best spots.

• Elphinstone Reef: deep walls with chances to see reef sharks and hammerheads, best for advanced divers.
• Dolphin House (Shaab Samadai): shallow reef where wild dolphins gather. A thrilling snorkel or dive for all ages.
• Marsa Mubarak & Shoona: gentle coral gardens ideal for beginners. Turtles and vibrant fish are common sights.
• Abu Dabbab Bay: famous for its resident dugongs and sea turtles; entry fee applies.
• Wrecks and Walls: like the SS Hamada shipwreck or Shaab Abu Ghusun, dotted with marine life.

Our guides know each site’s highlights. With scuba diving in Marsa Alam, you’ll float through gardens of fan corals and schools of butterflyfish.

Keep your eyes open for clownfish, rays, octopus, and even eagle rays gliding overhead. The sheer variety is what makes diving here so special.

Dive Centers and Tours

Marsa Alam has many dive centers, but Sola Travel works only with the best diving centers in Marsa Alam. These are PADI-certified shops with multilingual instructors and modern gear. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, they provide everything you need. We also arrange diving in Marsa Alam Egypt tours, including boat dives with equipment and lunch.

Some tours combine diving and snorkeling on the same day. Dive packages often include 2–3 dives per day. For example, local dive centers charge around €50 for a one-day (two-dive) package.

Equipment rental is additional (about €20 per day). Sola Travel makes booking easy: tell us your level and interests, and we’ll match you with the right program. We also help with advanced courses if you want to earn a PADI certification while in Egypt.

When to Dive Marsa Alam

You can enjoy diving in Marsa Alam year-round, but the best times are typically spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November). These seasons offer warm waters (around 25–28°C) and excellent visibility. Expert guides agree that autumn is particularly outstanding, making it the peak season for diving in Marsa Alam and throughout the Red Sea.

Water temperatures in summer can reach 29–30°C, which is very comfortable but can make the surface hot, and winter dips to ~22°C. During cooler months (Dec–Feb), you might wear a 5mm wetsuit.

Sola Travel can advise you on the optimal time based on marine life: for example, dugongs are often spotted in spring, while fall is great for schooling fish and possible whale sharks in some years.

Getting There

Marsa Alam is about 1.5 hours by road from Hurghada, and it even has its own airport (RMF). Flights from Cairo take roughly 1.3 hours. Many European charters fly direct in peak season too. When you arrive, Sola Travel can arrange transfers to your hotel or the dive harbor. Because we handle all logistics, your main job is just to enjoy the dive.

FAQ about Diving in Marsa Alam​

What is Marsa Alam like for tourists?

Marsa Alam is a quiet Red Sea resort town known for its natural beauty and relaxation. It has a peaceful desert backdrop and clear turquoise waters. Unlike busier resorts, it feels more intimate. You’ll find a small marina at Port Ghalib, some beachfront cafes, and friendly locals. Overall, it’s a tranquil spot to unwind and dive. The name “Marsa Alam” actually means “Anchorage Mountain”, hinting at its seaside character.

What does Marsa Alam offer for divers?

Marsa Alam is famous for diving and snorkeling. It boasts many coral reefs and marine species. Divers come to see dolphins at Dolphin House, turtles at Abu Dabbab, and sharks at Elphinstone Reef. There are dive sites for every level. Sola Travel arranges both boat dives and shore dives, ensuring you explore the best spots safely.

How do Marsa Alam diving prices compare?

Diving in Marsa Alam is quite affordable. A typical two-dive day trip (including tanks and weights) costs around €50(~$55). Equipment rental and special site fees (like €50 for Dolphin House) are extra. Sola Travel can give you package deals if you plan multiple dives – we often negotiate group discounts.

Diving in Marsa Alam is an unforgettable experience – crystal-clear waters, abundant coral and marine life, and a laid-back vibe ashore. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned diver, Sola Travel has the perfect dive tour for you. Our experts will guide you to the best diving spots in Marsa Alam and ensure you see the highlights safely.

From the colorful shallows of Marsa Mubarak to the dramatic Elphinstone drop-off, the underwater world here will amaze you. Book your Marsa Alam diving adventure with Sola Travel and get ready to make memories beneath the waves of the Red Sea.