Things to Do at Marsa Alam

Welcome to Marsa Alam, a destination where the sea glows with coral, the desert hums with history, and every traveler finds space to breathe, explore, and rediscover peace.

Whether you’re a diving enthusiast, a desert dreamer, or a chill-by-the-beach kind of soul, there are endless things to do at Marsa Alam that combine nature, adventure, and cultural richness.

Unlike Egypt’s more commercial coastlines, Marsa Alam is raw, unspoiled, and whisper-quiet. It’s perfect for those who love pristine reefs, starlit skies, and sandy paths less traveled.

Explore Marsa Alam’s Coral Reefs

Among the top things to do at Marsa Alam is exploring its underwater paradise. The region’s coral reefs are among the healthiest in the Red Sea, bursting with colors and teeming with life.

Best Snorkeling Spots:

House reefs just offshore from resorts
Abu Dabbab Bay – famous for sea turtles
Sataya Reef (Dolphin House) – ideal for casual snorkelers

Tips:

Bring or rent a good-quality mask
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Go early morning for the clearest water and calmest sea

Scuba Dive with Sharks and Dolphins

Marsa Alam is a diver’s dream. The Elphinstone Reef, located 30 km off the coast, is world-renowned for its:

Hammerhead sharks
Oceanic white tips
Massive coral walls

Many certified dive centers offer full-day tours, liveaboard trips, and PADI courses.

If diving with sharks isn’t your thing, head to Sha’ab Samadai (Dolphin House) to swim with wild dolphins in a protected marine zone.

Visit Abu Dabbab Bay

Things to Do at Marsa Alam

If you’re asking, “What are the must-do experiences here?”—this bay is always at the top.

Highlights:

Swim with green sea turtles
Spot dugongs grazing on sea grass
Snorkel in calm, clear waters

There are beachfront facilities, shaded seating, and eco-guides who promote marine conservation.

Relax on Sharm El Luli Beach

Sharm El Luli Egypt

Often dubbed Egypt’s most beautiful beach, Sharm El Luli is a postcard come to life. No hotels. No shops. Just soft white sand, turquoise waters, and serenity.

Bring your own snacks, snorkel gear, and leave nothing but footprints.

Go Island Hopping to Hamata Islands

Referred to as the “Egyptian Maldives,” the Hamata Islands offer:

Crystal-clear lagoons
Vibrant coral gardens
Endless tranquility

Day trips often include kayaking, snorkeling, and barefoot beach picnics.

Take a Desert Safari

Craving adrenaline? Swap your fins for 4 wheels and head into the Eastern Desert.

Safari Options:

Jeep safaris to ancient quarries
ATV rides over sand dunes
Camel treks at sunset
Stargazing camps with Bedouin tea

The silence of the desert is profound. The sky, infinite.

Camp at Wadi El-Gemal National Park

This massive natural reserve is perfect for hiking, camping, and nature walks.

You’ll encounter:

Gazelles, desert foxes, and ibex
Coastal mangroves and turtles
Ancient Roman gold mines and petroglyphs

Eco-lodges and guided safaris are available in sustainable travel packages.

Discover Qulaan Mangroves

Located inside Wadi El-Gemal, the Qulaan mangroves are a birdwatcher’s paradise and a sanctuary for coastal wildlife.

Walk the boardwalks or kayak through peaceful waterways.

Catch a Red Sea Sunrise or Sunset

Few places match the poetic glow of Marsa Alam at dawn and dusk. Top places to watch:

Beachfront resorts
Sharm El Luli’s eastern edge
Desert ridgelines on a camel ride

Sail to Dolphin House (Sha’ab Samadai)

Another unforgettable highlight among the top things to do at Marsa Alam is visiting Dolphin House Reef, a crescent-shaped coral atoll that shelters wild spinner dolphins.

This protected site offers:

Ethical dolphin encounters
Guided snorkeling in lagoons
Marine briefings on dolphin behavior

Eco-friendly operators follow a strict code to minimize disturbance. You’ll float in crystal-clear water, often surrounded by playful dolphins, making eye contact in their natural habitat — it’s surreal.

Go Kite Surfing or Paddleboarding

For adventure on the water’s surface, kite surfing and paddleboarding are popular in the breezy bays near Marsa Alam. Several resorts and water sports centers offer:

Equipment rentals
Private lessons
Group activities for all levels

Ideal spots include Marsa Mubarak and the coast south of Port Ghalib.

Enjoy Star Gazing in the Eastern Desert

Far from city lights, the desert around Marsa Alam offers pitch-black skies perfect for stargazing. Join a guided astronomy tour to:

Use telescopes
Learn Bedouin star stories
Spot the Milky Way and constellations in rare clarity

Pair it with a desert BBQ or tea ceremony, and you’ve got a magical night.

Try a Desert BBQ Dinner with Bedouins

A cultural experience not to be missed. Local Bedouins host desert dinners featuring:

Grilled meats and flatbreads
Mint tea brewed in sand
Traditional songs and dances

It’s more than food — it’s a window into a way of life that’s been preserved for generations.

Visit the Emerald Mines of Marsa Alam

Explore the ancient Cleopatra Mines, where emeralds were once extracted for Egyptian royalty. These Roman-era sites now stand in ruins, offering:

Archaeological tours
Desert hiking
Photography of rock-hewn shafts and inscriptions

Combine this with a desert tour for a full day of adventure and history.

Plan a Day Trip to Luxor or Aswan

One of the most incredible things to do at Marsa Alam is to pair your coastal relaxation with a day trip to ancient Egypt’s heart.

Options include:

Luxor: Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple
Aswan: Philae Temple, Nubian villages, the Aswan High Dam

Tours typically involve early morning departures, with options for overnight stays. The contrast between ancient temples and Red Sea serenity is unforgettable.

Watch Sea Turtle Nesting (Seasonal)

Between May and August, you might witness female turtles digging nests and laying eggs along Marsa Alam’s quieter beaches like Abu Dabbab and Sharm El Luli.

Conservation teams offer guided night walks, educating guests on turtle behavior and protecting hatchling sites.

Relax in Luxury Beach Resorts

Want to do absolutely nothing? Marsa Alam offers that in abundance.

Top resorts include:

Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort
Jaz Grand Marsa
Three Corners Equinox Beach Resort

Expect palm-shaded pools, private beaches, and open-air spa treatments — perfect for honeymooners or anyone craving complete peace.

Join a Yoga or Wellness Retreat

Several eco-lodges and resorts now offer holistic retreats that include:

Morning yoga by the beach
Desert meditation
Spa treatments using Red Sea minerals and herbs

It’s one of the most rejuvenating things to do at Marsa Alam — where wellness meets wilderness.

Visit a Local Marsa Alam Market

Head into town and visit Marsa Alam’s local souks and markets. Pick up:

Handmade Bedouin scarves and jewelry
Spices, incense, and herbal teas
Papyrus art and leather sandals

Support small vendors and take a piece of Egypt home that’s crafted with love.

Taste Bedouin Tea and Egyptian Cuisine

Between snorkeling and desert safaris, refuel with:

Koshary (Egypt’s national comfort food)
Grilled seafood fresh from the Red Sea
Stuffed grape leaves, falafel, and molokhia

Don’t miss Bedouin-style tea made with desert herbs — served hot, strong, and slightly sweet.

Underwater Photography Tours

Capture the magic of Marsa Alam’s reefs with guided photography tours. Whether you’re using a GoPro or DSLR, expert divers will:

Help you find rare marine life
Teach underwater lighting techniques
Guide you through reefs like Sataya and Elphinstone

It’s the ultimate souvenir — your own art.

Birdwatching at Coastal Lagoons

Things to do at Marsa Alam aren’t limited to the sea. Visit Qulaan Mangroves or Wadi El-Gemal’s wetlands to spot:

Flamingos, herons, and kingfishers
Migratory species during spring and autumn

Bring binoculars and a quiet sense of awe.

Ride a Felucca on the Coastline

While feluccas are more common in Luxor and Aswan, some sailing packages offer traditional rides along Marsa Alam’s less-explored coastline. Perfect at sunset.

Explore Marsa Alam by Quad Bike

A high-adrenaline way to see the desert dunes. Quad bike tours offer:

Sandboarding stops
Desert cave visits
Panoramic viewpoints

Sunset rides are especially stunning.

Enjoy a Night Cruise or Dinner by the Sea

End your day with:

A moonlit boat cruise
A seafood dinner by torchlight
Or just a walk on the beach under the stars

Sometimes, the simplest things to do at Marsa Alam are the most powerful.

Volunteer with Marine Conservation Projects

Want to give back? Join a marine conservation project and support:

Coral reef restoration
Sea turtle monitoring
Beach cleanups

Your trip becomes part of the solution.

FAQs

Is Marsa Alam good for snorkeling?
Yes! It’s one of the best snorkeling destinations in Egypt, with calm lagoons and vibrant coral.

What wildlife can you see there?
Sea turtles, dolphins, dugongs, reef sharks, desert foxes, migratory birds, and more.

Can I visit on a budget?
Absolutely. Budget tours, guesthouses, and shared transfers make Marsa Alam accessible to everyone.

What’s the best time to go?
October to April offers ideal weather and underwater visibility, but it’s a year-round destination.

Are tours available locally?
Yes. Most resorts and dive centers offer daily excursions, often with local guides and eco-certification.

How’s the nightlife?
Marsa Alam is more about stars and serenity than clubs and DJs. Think quiet beach dinners and campfires.

Things to Do at Marsa Alam