⛱️ Diving in Marsa Alam: Elphinstone reef, dolphins and quiet beaches

Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh draw crowds to their beaches. But the Red Sea is not limited to them. Marsa Alam is considered the southernmost resort in Egypt, and people come here for calm water and reefs right off the shore.

Direct flights land here from 32 cities in Europe and the Middle East (as of 09/2026, airport's official website). There are fewer hotels here than in Hurghada, the city center has not taken shape yet, and the main entertainment is underwater.

People choose Marsa Alam for the sea and quiet, not for nightlife. There are dives here for both beginners and experienced divers.

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Where you're going: Marsa Alam on the Red Sea

💡 In short:

Marsa Alam, the southernmost resort in Egypt, sits on the Red Sea coast and has its own international airport (RMF).
It offers uncrowded beaches, corals right off the shore, and strong diving: Elphinstone Reef and Shaab Samadai.

The resort stretches along the Red Sea coast south of Hurghada. Its closest neighbor and de facto center of activity is Port Ghalib, with a promenade, restaurants, and shops.

Air traffic control tower and terminal of Marsa Alam Airport in the desert

Who Marsa Alam is for

People choose Marsa Alam for uncrowded beaches and calm water. The resort is made for those who want to observe corals and marine life without fighting for a sunbed.

The city center has not formed yet, so life is concentrated within hotel grounds. In the evening, you will most likely stay at your hotel rather than go into town.

Active entertainment takes a back seat to diving and snorkeling. Marsa Alam is not a good fit for fans of loud parties and big promenades.

Who it's for: couples, divers, and families who value quiet and new hotels.
Not for: those who need clubs, shopping, and city bustle.

Beaches and corals near the shore

Almost every hotel in Marsa Alam has its own stretch of beach. Wide sandy strips alternate with rocky coves, and almost everywhere there is a dedicated water entry point.

Sea turtle over the sandy bottom of Abu Dabbab Bay

Coral reefs here come right up to the shore. To enter the sea, you will need special footwear, otherwise it is easy to cut yourself on coral.

At many hotels, the water entry is set up with a pontoon. You descend by stairs directly into deep water, so you don't have to walk through the shallows.

A mask and snorkel work even close to the shore: fish stay right by the reef. Look at the bottom, but do not stand on the corals or touch them with your hands.

Diving: Elphinstone and Shaab Samadai

The untouched coral coastline remains the region's main asset. Clear water and rich underwater fauna put Marsa Alam on par with Sharm El Sheikh, but without the crowds at the dive sites.

A beginner does their first dives near the hotel and at the calm Shaab Samadai. An experienced diver goes on a boat trip to Elphinstone Reef.

Elphinstone Reef

Elphinstone Reef sits out in the open, about 11 km from the shore, and is considered the best dive site in the southern Red Sea. The reef walls drop deeper than 70 meters (as of 09/2026, Elphinstone Reef description). Divers drift along the walls, and on the plateau at the top they encounter reef sharks, groupers, and barracudas.

Waves breaking on a reef in the open sea

The current here is strong. The dive is suitable only for experienced divers who have completed several dozen dives.

Shaab Samadai and dolphins

Shaab Samadai, also known as Dolphin House, lies about 9 km from the shore. It is a horseshoe-shaped reef with a lagoon inside, where a resident pod of dolphins rests during the day (as of 09/2026, HEPCA reef protection).

Access to the reef is managed by HEPCA under a three-zone system. The inner zone is closed as a dolphin sanctuary, snorkeling is allowed by permit, and the outer side of the reef is open to divers (as of 09/2026, dive guide dive-marsaalam.com). Stay within the designated zone and do not approach the animals closely.

There is a swim-through cave in the southern wall of the reef. Large groupers often hide in it during the day.

Planning to dive? Dive tours from Marsa Alam on GetYourGuide run by boat with equipment and a guide.

What to see nearby

Beyond the sea, Marsa Alam has plenty to see on land. The closest point of interest is Port Ghalib. It has a beautiful promenade, small restaurants, and plenty of shops.

Port Ghalib Marina promenade with a yellow submarine

Wadi El Gemal National Park, also known as the Valley of the Camels, starts right outside the resort. The park protects desert mountains, mangroves, seagrass, and coral reefs (as of 09/2026, national-parks.org).

For those who enjoy excursions, trips to the Abu Simbel temple complex and Luxor are available. These are long journeys, often with an early start or an overnight transfer, so plan them as a separate day.

Excursions to Abu Simbel and Luxor are best booked in advance: spots on long-distance trips sell out first.

How to get there and when to go

Marsa Alam has its own international airport (RMF). Direct flights from Europe and the Middle East land here, with carriers including Eurowings, Neos, Air Cairo, and SmartWings (as of 09/2026, Marsa Alam airport).

If there is no direct flight from your city, take the second option: fly into Hurghada and transfer along the coast. The drive takes several hours, so book a car in advance rather than looking for one on arrival.

Marsa Alam International Airport terminal

Want to know the cost of your trip in advance? The form below will match you with an airport transfer to your hotel.

Tours and tickets in Marsa Alam

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Do I need a connection to fly to Marsa Alam?

Direct flights from Europe to Marsa Alam are available (as of 09/2026, RMF flight page). A layover in Cairo is not necessary. If there is no direct flight from your city, look at options via Hurghada and then take a transfer along the coast.

Is special footwear required for entering the sea?

Yes, almost everywhere. Coral reefs come right up to the shore, and it is easy to cut yourself barefoot. Bring reef shoes or water sandals. At many hotels, entry is via a ladder from a pontoon straight into deep water, but at wild beaches footwear is definitely required.

Can a beginner dive at Elphinstone?

No. Elphinstone has strong currents and great depth, so the reef is left to divers with dozens of dives behind them (as of 09/2026, Elphinstone dive guide). Beginners will do well with the coastal reefs near hotels and the calm Shaab Samadai.

Do you need a permit to see the dolphins?

Yes. Shaab Samadai reef is protected by HEPCA, and access is divided into zones (as of 09/2026, Shaab Samadai protection). The inner part is closed as a dolphin sanctuary, and snorkeling is by permit. Stay in the designated zone, and the dolphins will remain in the lagoon.

When is the best time to go to Marsa Alam?

The most comfortable months are March to May and October to November (as of 09/2026, Marsa Alam airport website). In summer the heat is intense; in winter it is warm during the day, but the evenings are cool. For diving and snorkeling, autumn and spring are the most convenient.

In short: what to book

Heading to Marsa Alam? Then decide three things in advance: hotel, transfer, and dive program. That way you will not lose your first day on the ground.

If you are going for diving, put a boat trip to Shaab Samadai in your plan, and leave Elphinstone for the second half of the trip. If you are going with family, choose a hotel with a pontoon and its own beach, so you do not have to look for a sea entry point every day.

For the hotel: hotels in Marsa Alam on Trip.com
For the transfer: the form above will find the price from the airport to the hotel
For diving: boat trips at hotels

Choose a hotel with a pontoon, and plan your dives for the morning, while the water is calm.

Marsa Alam: quiet Red Sea diving instead of crowded Sharm el-Sheikh