Marsa Alam Egypt is a tropical paradise boasting a rich blue sea with coral reef barriers, and beaches that are, well paradise. It is popular with windsurfers, scuba divers, snorkelers and sun worshipers a like. For diving enthusiasts, Marsa Alam’s diving sites are considered to be a wonderful treasure waiting to be discovered, brimming with coral reefs and an abundance of magnificently colored sea life where spinner dolphins and sea turtles swim freely.
Adventure seekers have plenty of attractions to discover in the deserts near Marsa Alam. Visitors can go on quad bikes or jeep safaris off-road into the desert, and combine it with a visit to a Bedouin village, marking an unforgettable and adventurous experience. A mouthwatering barbecue dinner and a camel ride cannot be missed while visiting a Bedouin village.
If you are a history buff, then this is the right city. It is believed that the Pharaohs mined brilliant green emeralds in the mountainous areas of the Eastern Desert southwest of Marsa Alam. The Cleopatra Mines or Mons Smaragdus became the most famous mining complex in the ancient world, and at various times the mines at Wadi Gemal , Wadi Nuqrus and Gebel Zabara were in use during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. If you are interested in tracing back the Roman glory, the Roman Settlement of Myos Hormos is not far from Marsa Alam.
Being a relatively remote location that enjoys a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, Marsa Alam is considered the ideal destination for honeymooners. As the night falls, the stars light up the sky and Marsa Alam is transformed into a romantic getaway. With crystal blue waters, tranquil sandy beaches, and the mysterious touch of the desert, Marsa Alam is the ideal gateway from a mundane life and conventional vacation spots. Come visit beautiful Marsa Alam Egypt.
Marsa Alam Weather (When to Visit)
The Weather is sunny and dry all year round. There is a lot of wind especially from November to February. Air temperature varies depending on the season. You can expect 75°F on average from October to March. Air temperature is much higher in Summer from April to September and is usually around 95°F. The best times to visit Marsa Alam goes from mid-March to mid-April, and from mid-October to mid-November: in these periods you can enjoy a warm or hot (but not too much) weather, and the sun shines but it’s not at the zenith. In summer the heat can be too intense, although typically the wind blows, and being the sea very warm you can escape in the water for long periods, maybe for snorkeling. But you must be prepared to periods of extreme heat, in which even lying under beach umbrella can be tiring. In winter, it can sometimes get a little cool for beach life, especially for those who are sensitive to cold, although in the central hours of the day you may well sunbathe.
Best Marsa Alam Beaches
Marsa Mobarak
Marsa MobarakA site that has become famous in the area for the huge Green Sea Turtles and Dugong visiting it’s seagrass area right next to the beach. Turtles can be found in as little as 1 meter depth. Many types of beautiful reef fish can be seen on the reef, and with luck you will swim with the Dugong when it is present at the site feeding on the seagrass.
Sharm El Luli Beach
It’s a pristine fine as talc white sandy beach that puts the Maldives in the shade. At low tide (and the tidal range here is limited) it’s a perfect lagoon and it’s easy to wade in thanks to the gentle gradient of the sea bottom which eventually leads out to deeper waters with a maximum depth of 20 meters to the shore side of the reefs. There is an impressive diversity of fish, as well as many different types of colorful coral.
Hamata Islands
The four Hamata Islands are located off the remote and wild southern Red Sea Riviera of Egypt, about 130 km south of Marsa Alam and 45 km north of the small settlement of Berenice. The islands are fringed with some of the most beautifully colorful coral reefs you can find anywhere in the world, sandy beaches so white that the archipelago is sometimes referred to as “the Egyptian Maldives” and tranquil lagoons where you can snorkel and admire the abundant and diverse sea life.
Gorgonia Beach
Gorgonia BeachClose to the well-tended natural reserves of the Valley of the Camels, Gorgonia Beach is a little way out of Marsa Alam. Still it’s ideal for those looking for a more structured way to spend your time by the sea. Beach umbrellas and inviting, comfortable loungers lace the sands here, while amenities, food and drink are all at hand.
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Abu Dabbab Beach
Abu Dabbab Bay has one of the best sandy beaches in the Marsa Alam region but is deservedly better known as being one of the few places in the world where you can sometimes dive and swim with the endangered dugong “sea cow.” Experience the marine life of the Red Sea up close snorkeling at Abu Dabab Beach. It is considered one of the prettiest bays of the Marsa Alam region where you can encounter native wildlife such as giant sea turtles and dugongs.
Best Marsa Alam Restaurants
Dolce e Salato $11 – 30
The best Italian food in Marsa Alam, prepared by Mara from Rome. Pizzas are shortcrust, made using extra virgin olive oil, and range from a simple Margherita to pepperoni, mozzarella and tomato. The pastas and salads are equally good, and there are burgers and sandwiches as well. Coffee is Italian-style, as are desserts, including homemade biscuits. Beach delivery available. Telephone: +39 0931 835225 Web: Dolce e Salato.
Al Sultan Restaurant $11 – 30
Al Sultan restaurant and lounge bar has been designed with a warm and oriental feel offering an unique panoramic view over Port Ghalib International Marina. The lounge bar offers a full range of drinks including a selection of Whisky, Brandy and Liqueurs, cocktails, soft drinks and beer and coffee. Special events and live music shows with professional musicians, dancers and singers delivers to customers an unique musical experience. Telephone: +20 101470 7776 Web: Al Sultan Restaurant.
Divino $11 – 30
Delight your sense with authentic Italian cuisine. Try their amazing menu and extensive beverage list, and if you are looking for a special night out, don’t miss their parties! Telephone: +20 1097 832888 Web: Divino.
Bicafe $11 – 30
Enjoy their exquisite sushi bar and cocktails with a dazzling view of the Marina! Try their specialty drinks or find a quiet corner to just chill and smoke your flavored shisha. Telephone: +20 1002 209225 Web: Bicafe.
Hakuna Matata $11 – 30
Hakuna Matata is a restaurant with an international à la carte menu. Every day they prepare fresh fish, seafood, various types of meats, salads, pastas, pizzas and much more. With a beautiful view of the marina why not start your day with breakfast at Hakuna Matata. Handmade croissants, fresh orange, mango juice, guava or coffee, delicious sandwiches will be a beautiful way to start the next day of your holiday. If you feel like lunch, they have a wide selection of soups, salads, pastas and pizzas for you. They also invite you to a unique selection of dishes for dinner: fish, seafood, lamb, steaks. Telephone: +20 122 594 4903 Web: Hakuna Matata.
Best Marsa Alam Bars
Wunder – Bar
Chill out and try their ice-cold beers, cocktails and sangria. Taste some of our most delicious menu options, like steaks, fresh fish and tapas.Listen to the cool beats from guest D.J. and watch live sport on HDTV. Telephone: +20 1024 955563 Web: Wunder – Bar.
Al Sultan Lounge Bar
The lounge bar offers a full range of drinks including a selection of Whisky, Brandy and Liqueurs, cocktails, soft drinks and beer and coffee. Special events and live music shows with professional musicians, dancers and singers delivers to customers an unique musical experience. Telephone: +20 101470 7776 Web: Al Sultan Lounge Bar.
La Plaj & Sailor’s Beach Bars
La Plaj and Sailor’s Beach Bars are the perfects places to enjoy a refreshing drink or cocktail in casual ambiance while enjoying the stunning view of the bay or a chat with friends. They are located in the Brayka Resort. Telephone: +20 106 663 9615 Web: Brayka Resorts.
Zuzu’s Bar
Located in the Steigenberger Coraya Beach Hotel. A pleasant billiards bar, where you can enjoy a game or two with friends over a drink. Telephone: +20 65 3750000 Web: Zuzu’s Bar.
Best Marsa Alam Hotels
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This is such a beautifully detailed overview of Marsa Alam. I had no idea the area offered such a mix of pristine Red Sea beaches, world-class snorkeling, desert adventures, and ancient history all in one place. The parts about swimming with sea turtles and dugongs really caught my attention, and the Cleopatra emerald mines sound fascinating. Would you recommend Marsa Alam more for adventure travelers or for people looking for a quiet, romantic escape?
Thank you so much, I’m glad you enjoyed it. That’s actually one of the things that makes Marsa Alam, Egypt so special. It truly works for both types of travelers. Adventure lovers can enjoy Red Sea diving, snorkeling coral reefs, desert safaris, and historic sites like the Cleopatra Mines and Myos Hormos. At the same time, the remote location, quiet beaches, and luxury seaside resorts make Marsa Alam perfect for honeymooners and couples seeking a peaceful, romantic getaway.
Who would think that Egypt would have such great beaches. Wow, Marsa Alam rivals anything in the Caribbean. It has everything that you want in a good beach vacation. According to the pictures, the skin diving and snorkeling must be great. A camel ride anyone? Great video!
Yes, a camel ride! I love camels anyway, so a camel ride along a beautiful beach and in Egypt….could not get better! And yes, Marsa Alam Egypt does rival anything in the Caribbean!
I never knew there was so many fun things to do in Egypt, as well as seeing beautiful beaches. I always thought of it as drab, Pyramids, windstorms, and sand that is immense and quite intense, such as is depicted in Disney’s Alladin animated film. Glad to learn about this. Would love to have a camel ride!
When visiting Marsa Alam Egypt, you have to do the camel ride! That is a definite must for sure. Along with visiting Sharm El Sheik. Glad you enjoyed reading and learning more about this wonderful beach destination. Thanks for stopping by!
I love Egypt, and have been twice to Sharm El Sheik but we only ventured out of that area once to go to the old market.
There is just so much to do there and the scuba diving, or even just snorkeling is not to be missed; coral reefs everywhere, and you can actually swim among the colourful tropical fish.
And the Bedouin camel ride is not to be missed, and was one of the best parts of the trip for me. You just have to be careful you agree a price before you go on a camel ride otherwise you will find that you end up paying a lot more than expected (this happened to us and the guy wouldn’t let us off the camel until we had paid up lol). It’s funny now 🙂
Anyway, can’t recommend Egypt enough as you get everything that you would normally get from a tropical holiday for a much cheaper price!
I would have to agree with you Stefanie 100%. This is just one of those places not to be missed. Not just for the beach lover, but it has so much more to offer, that is for sure. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave comments.
Hello there Leahrae, great post on Marsa Alam; I never knew that there were these many options here for scuba diving and snorkeling along with those ancient temples! The ones that caught my eye were the Hamata Islands, especially with our description and picture of the nice coral reefs and that catamaran over the water! Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed Evan! Marsa Alam Egypt is definitely a wonderful beach destination with so much more to offer! Thanks for reading.
beautiful..a lot of beautiful pictures and videos
Yes, I agree…..very beautiful 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I had never heard of Marsa Alam. It sounds like a beautiful place. I definitely would need 2 weeks to see everything that I want to check out!
Definitely two weeks for Marsa Alam for sure. So much to see and do, yet also to just relax and take in the sun and sand. Thanks for stopping by!
WOW you blew my mind with passport, to hotel and resort purchasing prices. I’m looking to check out more on the sataya reef it sounds like a definite yes. Blue vision diving hotel is only 6 minutes away from the beach and I know I have the best tv when comes time to start heading in, but that’s the east of my worries. Thank you,
Brandon
You are so welcome Brandon. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations and come back for more wonderful locations!
I love this! So much helpful information, always thought about going to egypt but never liked the unknown, this has definately helped with choosing a destination as your information looks solid, look forward to browsing more and finding that perfect place!
Thanks
Kevin
Glad you enjoyed reading about Marsa Alam Egypt. Wonderful beach destination and so much more. Please let me know if you have any questions.
I’ll bet not too many people have heard of Marsa Alam, Egypt in our hemisphere. The beaches look very nice. Very similar to some of our Caribbean island beaches. Lots of things to do here. I really enjoyed the video. Is it safe for americans to travel there? I hope so.
Yes Mick, very safe to travel to Marsa Alam Egypt. No, not too many have heard of this wonderful beach destination. But, it is a wonderful place with beaches that are listed as the top beaches in the world. Paradise really! Thanks for stopping by and visiting Marsa Alam Egypt.
Great information. I have always wondered about other tropical resort places out side of the Caribbean. This article really opened my eyes to Egypt. Bookmarking this and subscribing.
Great Markeysha! There are really so many wonderful tropical paradises all over the world. I am glad you subscribed. You will learn about many of them thru my blog. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
I actually think of getting there with a bus. However I want to eat kebab there without breaking the bank. I know Hilton has it but I guess it would be really expensive there. Do you think Al Sultan Restaurant has a good variety of kebabs?
The Hilton is a GREAT hotel choice, and it is not going to break the bank for you. Some of the other Marsa Alam Egypt hotel choices I listed are a bit more expensive than the Hilton. I am not sure the extent of the kebab variety at the Al Sultan. I know that they do have them, and the food is wonderful. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Oh my goodness. Egypt! This place is amazing. I always pictured Egypt as one big dessert land. I had no idea how beautiful it is – especially the sea with its coral reefs. I bet the water is so clear, you can see far down into the water. I also thought that the temperature in Egypt is incredibly hot all year around, but I’m glad that’s not the case. More importantly, the weather is dry, not humid, like here in NYC. There’s so much rich history in Egypt. It would be magical to visit. I’d love to stay at the Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort in order to have a view of the Red Sea! I love the way you write about these travel destinations. You bring these places to life!
I am glad you enjoy reading my travel posts 🙂 Egypt really is a perfect destination, and you will truly enjoy it here. There is so much to see and do, that anybody, even the beach bum, will be happy visiting. Thanks for stopping by beach travel destinations.
Thanks for this very comprehensive view of Marsa Alam. When I think of Egypt, I think of deserts and pyramids. You have opened my eyes to a whole new world! Thank you!
Good Karin! There is certainly a lot more to Egypt than the desert and pyramids. Although, I am fascinated by it all and to be able to see the desert, the pyramids, the history, and beautiful beaches….well that is a perfect vacation to me! Thanks for stopping by!
To tell you the truth, I am impressed! Egypt is way much beautiful than I imagined. It’s a dream destination:) I have close family in Isreal, and in September we are invited to do Roch Achana with them. It’s the new year in Isreal:) I will definitely go for a week in Egypt after the holiday ( Roch Achana). Just a question if you don’t mind. What currency is used in Egypt?
Thank you for this excellent post!
What a wonderful vacation you are going to have visiting Israel and Greece. I consider that a dream to be able to do two wonderful destinations in one trip. Here you will be using the Egyptian pound for currency. Thanks for visiting Marsa Alam Egypt Daniella.
What a beautiful country. I love beaches, and I’d love to visit Egypt’s. Through your article, I have so many ideas and I see there are more options than I imagined. Thanks for this useful information!
Thank you Andrew for visiting beach travel destinations and learning about the wonderful beach destination Marsa Alam Egypt. They have some of the best beaches in the world, and the best part is that you can visit and find your spot without feeling all of the crowds that other beach travel locations tend to have.
WOW! Really great job with all the information about this destination! I’ve never been to Egypt but if I’m able to go one day, I will definitely be checking out this destination! Which of the hotels that you listed do you think would be the best to stay at? I mean price wise..
I have to tell you that the hotels in Marsa Alam are really actually quite reasonable and I would go with the Hilton as my pick for a good price and a great hotel. It is a wonderful beach destination in Greece that is absolutely beautiful. Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Marsa Alam Egypt sounds like a beautiful location to relax and unwind. I have dreamt about going to a place and discovering a mummy but mostly in my dreams. Something about a tradition which involves a sarcophagus and mummification is quite fascinating although I doubt I would find enough time to enjoy each of the beaches.
I think with Marsa Alam, a good two weeks would be the amount of time needed to see everything if you are a history buff, and to also enjoy being outside and going to the beautiful beaches. I think finding a mummy, or even seeing one would be pretty cool! Thanks for visiting Marsa Alam Egypt.