Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam, situated in the southern region of Egypt's Red Sea, stands as a scuba diver's paradise, offering unparalleled underwater experiences. Known for its pristine reefs, prolific marine life, and thriving coral ecosystems, Marsa Alam distinguishes itself as one of the premier scuba diving destinations in the Red Sea and Egypt as a whole. Diving enthusiasts are treated to encounters with a diverse array of marine species, including dolphins, sea turtles, dugongs, sharks (such as Silvertip Sharks and Grey Reef Sharks), tuna, barracuda, and more. Marsa Alam is especially renowned for its seasonal appearances of Whale Sharks and Manta Rays. The area features several exceptional dive sites, including Elphinstone Reef, Dolphin House, Abu Dabbab, Fury Shoals, and the captivating Hamada shipwreck.

Sea Life

Marsa Alam's underwater realm teems with captivating sea life. Divers have the chance to interact with Bottle Nose Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, Sea Turtles, Dugongs (a rare and endangered species), Silvertip Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Tuna, Barracuda, and an assortment of colorful reef fish. The area is celebrated for its pelagic fish encounters, and it's during specific seasons that divers may be fortunate enough to spot the elusive Whale Sharks and majestic Manta Rays.

When to Go

Diving in Marsa Alam is an option year-round, thanks to the Red Sea's relatively mild climate. Water temperatures range from 24°C in January to a balmy 30°C in the summer months. For dedicated enthusiasts, certain periods offer exceptional highlights. Whale Sharks make appearances in May and June, while Manta Rays grace the waters from May through August. Hammerhead Sharks and Oceanic Whitetip Sharks are frequently sighted in Elphinstone Reef between May and October. The renowned Oceanic Whitetip Shark season in Elphinstone Reef runs from October to December.

Marine Conservation

Marsa Alam takes its marine conservation seriously. The region boasts several protected marine areas and reefs, underlining the importance of sustainable and responsible diving practices. Divers are encouraged to uphold high standards of environmental awareness and conservation to preserve these delicate ecosystems.

Climate

The Red Sea region experiences mild winters from November to April and hot summers from May to September. Marsa Alam tends to have slightly higher temperatures compared to its northern counterparts, with water temperatures fluctuating between 22°C in winter and 28°C in summer. Strong winds can be prevalent from November to February, potentially affecting some dive sites and leading to choppier seas.

Popular Dives

• Elphinstone Reef: Regarded as one of the world's premier dive sites, Elphinstone Reef enchants divers with its stunning wall drift diving, vibrant coral, and remarkable marine life. The site is renowned for regular encounters with schooling Hammerhead Sharks and the potential to spot the elusive Oceanic Whitetip Shark. Elphinstone Reef is recommended for experienced divers.
• Dolphin House (Sha'ab Samadai): This exceptional reef forms a protective lagoon known for its excellent visibility. Besides offering superb scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities, the highlight here is the resident spinner dolphin pod. It's often possible to swim or dive with these intelligent creatures, resulting in an unforgettable experience.
• Abu Dabbab: One of the area's most popular dive sites, Abu Dabbab is unique for its potential to dive with the exceedingly rare and endangered Dugongs. This shallow bay also hosts a significant population of large Green Sea Turtles. The guitar shark, another rarity, can occasionally be encountered here, making it an excellent spot for underwater photography.
• Fury Shoals: Renowned for its untouched reefs boasting magnificent hard and soft coral formations, Fury Shoals is a haven for divers seeking pristine underwater landscapes.
• Hamada Wreck: While Marsa Alam doesn't offer many compelling wreck dives, the Hamada wreck provides an accessible and spectacular shore dive. This former 65-meter-long ship, which sank in 1993, is a magnet for underwater photographers.

Getting There

Marsa Alam is easily accessible through Marsa Alam International Airport, with direct flights available from numerous European cities. Travelers can also opt to fly into Hurghada or Cairo and then proceed via domestic flights or a three-hour drive to Marsa Alam. Liveaboard options are available for those keen on exploring remote dive sites, such as the Brother Islands, Daedalus Reef, and more. The area offers a blend of accessibility to shore dives and convenient day trips to renowned dive sites.