About Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is a tourist town in south-eastern Egypt, located on the western shore of the Red Sea. It is described as a "popular" tourist destination. Marsa Alam is a relatively recently built town; its development began in 1995 through the investments of the Kuwaiti Al-Kharafi Group, which established the town and its initial facilities, resorts and infrastructure. Its growth was accelerated by the opening of Marsa Alam International Airport in 2003. Due to its crystal clear water and its white sandy beaches, it is also known as the "Egyptian Maldives."
Places to visit in Marsa Alam
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Abu Dabbab Bay
BeachA sandy bay north of Marsa Alam where sea turtles graze on seagrass close to shore. Snorkel quietly and keep your distance from the turtles.
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Elphinstone Reef
Nature · 17 mi from centreA famous offshore reef with steep walls, colorful soft corals, and frequent sightings of oceanic whitetip sharks. It suits experienced divers because of strong currents, so check conditions with your dive center.
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Wadi El Gemal National Park
Park · 50 mi from centreA protected area of desert valleys, mangroves, and coral reefs south of Marsa Alam. Join a guided jeep tour to see gazelles and Bedouin camps.
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Samadai Reef
NatureA horseshoe-shaped reef known as Dolphin House, where spinner dolphins rest in a protected lagoon. Daily visitor numbers are limited, so book with a licensed operator and never chase the dolphins.
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Port Ghalib
NeighborhoodA marina development north of Marsa Alam with restaurants, shops, and a waterfront promenade, close to the airport. Walk along the marina in the evening, when liveaboard dive boats return and the cafes fill up.
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Sharm El Luli
BeachA beach with powdery white sand and turquoise water in Wadi El Gemal National Park. Bring your own shade and water, as facilities are basic.
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Mons Smaragdus
Historic · 50 mi from centreAncient emerald mines and stone ruins hidden in the desert mountains of Wadi Sikait, worked since Roman times. Visit on a guided jeep tour, since the area is remote and the tracks are rough.
Things to do in Marsa Alam by type
11 tours, tickets and experiences across 2 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Outdoor activities & Adventure 7 experiences Quad Biking In Marsa Alam Desert -
Day Trips & Excursions 2 experiences From Marsa Alam: Full Solar Eclipse of the century with Luxor Highlights - Full-Day Tour
- Flexible 1
- Over 6 hours 1
Top experiences in Marsa Alam
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 11 available.
Snorkelling in Abou Dabab - Half-Day Tour
From $85 per adult
Luxor: the Ancient capital of Thebes - Full-Day Tour
From $157 per adult
Sea Scope - Semi-Submarine Cruise
From $72 per adult
Visit to the Camel Market in Shalateen and Wadi El Qulaan
From $72 per adult
Quad Biking In Marsa Alam Desert
From $72 per adult
Super Desert Safari in a Quad Bike - Full-Day Tour
From $79 per adult
Snorkling in the Red Sea
From $85 per adult
Snorkel in Hamata Island - Full-Day Tour
From $85 per adult
Swim with Dolphins in Sataya Reef - Snorkeling Sea Trip
From $103 per adult
Travel Internet eSIM Data Card - Egypt
From $16 per adult
Where to stay in Marsa Alam
Popular hotels in Marsa Alam, out of 92 properties you can book.
Bliss Nada Beach Resort
From $55 per night
MG Alexander The Great Hotel Marsa Alam
From $403 per night
The Three Corners Equinox Beach Resort
From $145 per night
Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort
From $151 per night
JAZ Neo Dar El Madina
From $198 per night
Novotel Marsa Alam Beach Resort
From $73 per night
Concorde Moreen Beach Resort & Spa
From $206 per night
Jaz Lamaya
From $259 per night
Steigenberger Coraya Beach
From $330 per night
Amarina Jannah Resort & Aqua Park
From $89 per night
The Oasis
From $155 per night
Marsa Shagra Village
From $152 per night
Best time to visit Marsa Alam
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Marsa Alam is November to March, when average daytime highs are around 74–82°F and rain falls on about 1 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Marsa Alam weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 82° 76° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 83° 76° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 86° 77° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 85° 77° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 87° 76° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 87° 73° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Egyptian pound (EGP)1 US dollar ≈ £53.9
- Language
- Arabic
- Calling code
- +20
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Africa/CairoUTC+3
- Capital
- Cairo
Upcoming public holidays in Egypt
- Christmas Day (Orthodox)عيد الميلاد المجيد
- Revolution Day 2011 / National Police Dayعيد الثورة 25 يناير
- Sinai Liberation Dayعيد تحرير سيناء
- Labour Dayعيد العمال
- Easter MondaySham El-Nessim
- Islamic New Year
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Marsa Alam
These are the airports closest to central Marsa Alam. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- RMF Marsa Alam International Airport39 mi (63 km) from the city centre
Getting around Marsa Alam
Due to the town's small size, almost everything can be reached on foot.
Marsa Alam travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Marsa Alam?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Marsa Alam is November to March, when average daytime highs are around 74–82°F and rain falls on about 1 days a month.
What is the weather like in Marsa Alam?
August is usually the warmest month in Marsa Alam, with average highs of 99°F (37°C). February is the coolest, with average lows of 61°F (16°C). The wettest month is typically December, with about 9 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Marsa Alam?
Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF) is the closest airport, about 39 miles (63 km) from the centre of Marsa Alam.
What currency is used in Marsa Alam?
Marsa Alam uses the Egyptian pound (EGP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ £53.9.
What time zone is Marsa Alam in?
Marsa Alam uses the Africa/Cairo time zone (currently UTC+3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Marsa Alam?
Due to the town's small size, almost everything can be reached on foot.
What are the best places to visit in Marsa Alam?
Top sights in Marsa Alam include Abu Dabbab Bay, Elphinstone Reef, Wadi El Gemal National Park and Samadai Reef. A sandy bay north of Marsa Alam where sea turtles graze on seagrass close to shore. Snorkel quietly and keep your distance from the turtles.
What are the top things to do in Marsa Alam?
Popular experiences you can book in Marsa Alam include Snorkelling in Abou Dabab - Half-Day Tour, Luxor: the Ancient capital of Thebes - Full-Day Tour and Sea Scope - Semi-Submarine Cruise. Destina Holidays offers 11 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Marsa Alam?
The most popular types of experiences in Marsa Alam are outdoor activities & adventure (7), day trips & excursions (2), travel services (1) and city tours (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Marsa Alam?
Popular areas for hotels in Marsa Alam include Marsa Alam and Al Quseir. Well-reviewed options include Bliss Nada Beach Resort and MG Alexander The Great Hotel Marsa Alam.
How many hotels can I book in Marsa Alam?
Destina Holidays currently lists 92 properties in and around Marsa Alam, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
