Marsa Alam is a young resort area on Egypt's southern Red Sea coast, where desert hills drop to a shoreline of clear water and coral reefs. Development began in the mid-1990s, and the town is sometimes called the Egyptian Maldives for its pale sand and turquoise shallows. The main reason to come is the sea: reefs reach right up to many beaches, and the shallow bays are home to green turtles and, with luck, dugongs. Divers and snorkellers are drawn by sheltered house reefs, offshore reefs and a calm, uncrowded feel compared with the northern resorts.
The coast is long and thinly built up, so where you stay shapes your holiday. Port Ghalib, a planned resort with a marina, is close to the airport and has the most shops and restaurants. Resorts clustered around Abu Dabbab Bay put you next to the best-known snorkelling spot, while Marsa Alam town itself is small and practical, with the bus station and local cafés. Most hotels are self-contained, with their own beach and house reef, and excursions are usually arranged through them.
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A shallow bay with seagrass beds where green turtles feed and dugongs are sometimes seen. It is one of the best-known snorkelling spots on this coast. Keep a respectful distance, never touch or chase the animals, and avoid standing on the seabed.
A sheltered inlet beside Port Ghalib, popular with snorkellers for its calm shallow water and the chance of seeing turtles. The bay suits families and beginners, but the sun is strong and there is little shade, so bring cover.

A narrow reef standing alone in deep water about 30 kilometres north of the town, famous with divers for its steep walls and soft corals. Currents can be strong and the water is deep, so it is a site for experienced divers with a licensed guide, with snorkellers staying close to the boat crew.
A protected area south of the town where a dry desert valley meets the sea, with mangroves, seagrass and sandy bays. Visits are organised through hotels and tour operators, and the track is best driven with a local guide.
A long-established diving base on a sheltered bay north of the town, with a house reef that attracts experienced snorkellers and divers. It is a simple, nature-focused alternative to the larger resorts.
The marina at Port Ghalib is the best place on this stretch of coast for a relaxed evening stroll, with shops and restaurants around the harbour. Boats leave from here for reef trips, so it is also a useful starting point for excursions.
The small town has the bus station, local cafés and shops, and it is a practical base for visitors who want contact with everyday Egyptian life. The beaches are modest, so most people stay at a resort on the coast instead.
A planned resort town with a marina, a promenade, restaurants and shops, close to the airport. It suits families and first-time visitors who value amenities and evening options, although the southern sights are a long drive away.
A cluster of resorts around the bay that is famous for turtles and dugongs. It suits snorkellers who want to be at the best spot early, before the day-trip boats arrive.
October to April is the most comfortable period, with warm days, mild evenings and good visibility under water. Summers are extremely hot, although sea breezes and the warm water keep the beaches pleasant, and prices drop. In winter the sea can feel cool enough that a thin wetsuit is welcome for long snorkels. Marsa Alam lies further south than Hurghada, so it tends to be a little warmer in winter. Turtles are seen at Abu Dabbab all year round, while dugong sightings are never guaranteed.
Marsa Alam is spread out along the coast, and most resorts are some way from the town, so guests rely on hotel transfers, taxis and organised excursions. There is little public transport. Marsa Alam International Airport is about 60 kilometres north of the town, so transfer times range from a short hop to well over an hour depending on the resort. Self-driving is possible, but distances between fuel stops are long, so carry water and avoid driving after dark.
Most visitors eat at their resort, where buffets mix Egyptian and international dishes. In town and at local cafés, look for koshari, a hearty mix of rice, lentils and pasta with tomato sauce, as well as ful medames, stewed fava beans, and ta'ameya, the Egyptian version of falafel. Freshly grilled fish, calamari and shrimp are good choices on the coast. Finish with sweet tea, often brewed strong in Bedouin style, or a glass of chilled hibiscus infusion, and try basbousa, a semolina cake soaked in syrup.
Port Ghalib is best for amenities and closeness to the airport, while Abu Dabbab is best for snorkelling. Marsa Alam town suits travellers who want a more local feel and are comfortable arranging excursions.
Yes, reefs lie close to the shore and many hotels have their own house reef. Do not stand on or touch coral, keep away from turtles and dugongs, and wear a rash vest against the strong sun.
The airport is about 60 kilometres north of Marsa Alam town. Port Ghalib is very close, while hotels south of the town can be well over an hour away, so check the transfer time before booking.
Turtles are regularly seen at Abu Dabbab Bay, and dugongs are seen from time to time but never guaranteed. Always keep your distance and follow your guide's instructions.
It is a site for experienced divers, because of deep water and strong currents, and it should only be dived with a licensed operator. Beginners and snorkellers are better suited to the sheltered bays.