The 12 Best Things to Do in Marsa Alam (2026 Guide)
Lena FischerTravel Writer & Trip PlannerUpdated 9 min read
From swimming with wild dolphins at Sataya to quad biking the Eastern Desert, here are the twelve experiences that make Marsa Alam special — chosen by local guides.
Marsa Alam has quietly become one of the Red Sea’s most rewarding destinations. It has the reefs and desert of its busier northern neighbours, but with a fraction of the crowds. Whether you’re here to dive, to swim with dolphins, or simply to watch the sun set over the dunes, here are the twelve experiences we recommend to every guest.
1. Swim with wild dolphins at Sataya Reef
Sataya — one of the two reefs called Dolphin House — is a horseshoe reef in the far south where a resident pod of spinner dolphins rests by day. The other, Samadai Reef, is much closer to town: ask us about a Samadai trip. A responsible full-day boat trip is the highlight of many holidays here. Sightings are frequent, but the reef itself, all healthy coral and clear water, is reason enough to go.
2. Snorkel with sea turtles at Abu Dabbab
If you’d rather stay close to shore, Abu Dabbab Bay is the easiest place on the coast to snorkel with green sea turtles. The water is shallow, calm and entered straight from the beach — perfect for families and first-timers. For every reef worth visiting, see our full guide to snorkeling in Marsa Alam.
3. Ride the Eastern Desert on a safari
A desert safari trades the beach for silence and horizon. Quad bikes, camel rides, a Bedouin village and dinner under the stars make for an unforgettable evening. It’s our most popular land excursion for good reason — our Marsa Alam desert safari guide explains how the evening runs and which trip to choose, and first-time riders will find age rules and riding tips in our guide to quad biking in Marsa Alam.
Local tip
Do your desert safari in the afternoon so you catch the sunset from the dunes — and bring a warm layer, because the temperature drops fast after dark.
4. Dive Elphinstone and the house reefs
Marsa Alam is a world-class dive destination. Beginners can take their first breaths on calm house reefs — our guide to diving in Marsa Alam for beginners explains how — while experienced divers make for the drop-offs of Elphinstone, where currents bring big pelagics and, in season, oceanic whitetip sharks. Experienced divers can also ask us about a dedicated Elphinstone Reef trip.
5. Take a day trip to Luxor
You’re only about four hours from Luxor, the greatest open-air museum on Earth. The Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Hatshepsut’s temple are all doable in a long but extraordinary day trip with an Egyptologist guide. Our Luxor day trip from Marsa Alam guide walks through the timings, the sites and what to bring.
6. Cruise the Hamata Islands
The protected Hamata (Qulaan) Islands are the Red Sea at its most pristine — mangrove sandbars, empty beaches and reefs humming with life. It’s a longer journey south, and the reward is a corner of Egypt that still feels wild.
Beyond these, don’t miss a sunset camel ride, a felucca sail on a day trip to Aswan, snorkeling at Marsa Mubarak, birdwatching in Wadi El Gemal, an evening at Port Ghalib marina, and simply enjoying a lazy day on one of the region’s uncrowded beaches. For a beach day in a national park, Sharm El Luli is about an hour south.
Frequently asked questions
Marsa Alam is best known for its pristine coral reefs, dolphin and turtle snorkeling, world-class diving and easy access to the Eastern Desert for safaris — all with far fewer crowds than Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.
A week lets you combine a desert safari, a couple of sea excursions and a day trip to Luxor or Aswan at a relaxed pace. Even in 3–4 days you can fit the highlights.
Yes. Calm bays like Abu Dabbab, gentle camel rides and family-friendly safaris make it an excellent destination for children.
Lena Fischer
Travel Writer & Trip Planner
Lena is a German travel writer who relocated to the Red Sea coast in 2016. She specialises in practical, honest travel guides for European visitors and has snorkeled, dived and safaried nearly every route Marsa Alam offers.
