Marsa Alam has become a popular Red Sea diving destination since the opening of its international airport in 2001. The city, which is nestled between the sea and the desert, offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury comfort hotels with full Western amenities to Bedouin-inspired eco-lodges.
For experienced divers, the dive sites accessible from Marsa Alam are among the best in the Red Sea. It is known for its healthy coral reefs and diverse marine wildlife such as dugongs and dolphins. In-shore coral reefs are suitable for novice divers who want to spend hours observing marine life. With its luxury hotels, resorts, and berthing space for around 1000 yachts, the new Port Ghalib Marina in the city has elevated the place to a very exclusive status.
The newly constructed marina features gourmet restaurants and tantalizing Spas, as well as some of the finest relaxation and entertainment opportunities on the Red Sea coast. In addition, the resort is home to the International Convention Centre, the Red Sea’s only multipurpose state-of-the-art center of its size. The center has 1,950 square meters of meeting space that can accommodate anything from large conferences with 2,000 members to small informal meetings.
The city is also a well-known kitesurfing destination and a great place to launch safaris and wilderness explorations. The surrounding mountains were once used to mine gold and emeralds, and some of these ancient mines can still be visited today. It’s about 274 kilometers south of Hurghada.
Gebel Elba and Wadi al Gimal National Parks, both nearby, are home to a diverse range of birds and desert animals. Marsal Alam is also well-known for its medicinal properties. So if you want to visit the beach, the desert, the reefs, or a mix of sightseeing and activities, Marsa Alam is the place to go.
Tourism in Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam weather
The warm climate makes it a perfect holiday spot; winter temperatures have been known to hit 19 degrees Celsius, while summer temperatures range from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. In the spring, the temperature rises to around 25 degrees Celsius, and in the fall, it rises to around 27 degrees Celsius.
Top Attractions and things to do
Satayh Dolphin Reef National Park
Take a boat ride to the Satayh Dolphin Reef, a protected area where you can swim with dolphins and snorkel. When you take in the underwater marine environment, keep an eye out for 60-80 dolphins that will put on a display for you when you interact with them. You’ll be mesmerized by the different varieties of corals and fish in this area, which is home to many dolphins and sea mammals. The journey begins at Hamata Harbour, 120 kilometers south of the city.
Marsa Mubarak National Park
Take a boat ride to Marsa Mubarak, one of Marsa Alam’s most scenic snorkeling and diving spots. During this trip, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Marsa Mubarak’s protected bay, which features some of the Red Sea’s most spectacular coral reefs and breathtaking underwater scenery. This site’s crystal clear warm water supports a diverse flora and fauna. If you’re fortunate, you could even see an endangered Dugong “sea cow” grazing on the seagrass in this sheltered bay. Beginning in Port Ghalib, the journey begins.
Abu Dabab Bay Beach
In the region, Abo Dabab Bay is a beautiful snorkeling and diving spot. It has coral sides with plenty of colorful fish for snorkeling. The bay has a sand beach with seagrass and crystal clear, warm water that is home to a wide range of colorful fish, Green Turtles, and the endangered Dugong, which visits the sheltered bay to feed on the seagrass on occasion.
You have the option to participate in a special excursion ( look for the dugong with a speed boat from the beach). When it comes to seeing the Dugong, you have a better chance. This journey begins at 14:00 and lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Wadi El Gemal National Park
Wadi El Gemal National Park, also known as the “Valley of the Camels,” is a large region of desert and coastal water 45 kilometers south of the city. It is about a 2-hour drive from the city’s International Airport. Prehistoric rock art, as well as Ptolemaic and Roman ruins, can be found in the park, and small mining villages dating back to ancient Egypt can be found on the mountain “Mons Smaragdus.” The park contains a remarkable amount of wildlife and plants, as well as historic sites dating back to the pre-Roman period.
In Wadi El Gemal National Park, you can ride in a camel-drawn wagon through the wadis and sand dunes, stopping to see wildlife and sample local cuisines such as sand-baked bread and camel cheese.
Hamata Island
Enjoy a fantastic snorkeling experience on Hamata Island. Enjoy a trip to three Virgin Islands. You’ll explore the untouched nature of Hamata National Park and see corals and colorful fish that you won’t see anywhere else in the islands.
Porto Ghalib
Porto Ghalib, only 5 kilometers from the city’s International Airport, is a premier integrated resort city with a rare mix of bazaars and gift shops selling both Egyptian and imported goods. Egyptian cotton and various types of sculptures, as well as water pipes and jewelry, are the most common items seen there. On the other side, you’ll find a variety of cafes and food and beverage outlets, including Costa Coffee, Fusion, Baskin Robbins, and others, where you can unwind with a traditional shisha water pipe and a soft drink at the beach café.
Desert Safari
Enjoy a desert adventure safari trip by jeep 4*4 and learn about Bedouin life and customs while tasting Bedouin tea and smoking a water pipe. You will also have the opportunity to ride a quad bike through the mountains while enjoying a BBQ dinner and a Bedouin show.
Marsa Alam Hotels
Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort
This luxurious resort offers a private beach and an indoor pool and is only a short walk from Abu Dabbab North. It also has a children’s club, a beauty salon, and a children’s pool.
The Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort has recently been renovated and now provides babysitting/child facilities, bicycle rentals, and a 24-hour front desk. Additionally, the multilingual workers may provide local information. There is also a well-equipped gym at the resort.
Fantazia Resort Marsa Alam
This hotel is located on the beach, 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) from Marsa Alam Beach and 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) from Marsa Alam Mosque. Within 9 miles, you’ll find Abu Dabab Beach and Garden Bay Beach (15 km).
The Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort
The Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort is located by the sea, a 4-minute drive from Turtle Bay Beach and a 7-minute drive from Port Ghalib International Marina. A 24-hour front desk, multilingual employees, and luggage storage are among the hotel’s amenities. For a fee, a roundtrip airport shuttle is available (24 hours), and free self parking is available on site.
Also, Read:
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