The white sand at Sharm el Luli meets crystal-clear turquoise water that barely reaches your waist. It's one of those spots where you wonder if the photos are real - then you step in and the water is warm and calm. If you're looking for things to do in Marsa Alam, this beach alone is worth the trip. The coastline here stays quiet compared to Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh, with miles of reef and sand that feel almost private. Marsa Alam is a diver's dream, with waters full of colorful fish and coral gardens you can reach from the shore.
- Best time
- October to April for comfortable temperatures and good visibility. Summer is hot but quiet with lower prices.
- Where to stay
- Port Ghalib area for marina access and restaurants, or beach resorts along the coast near Abu Dabab and Marsa Mubarak.
- Perfect for
- Divers, snorkelers, families, and anyone looking for uncrowded Red Sea beaches.
- Don't miss
- Snorkeling at Sharm el Luli - the water is shallow, warm, and full of fish.
Things I'd Tell a Friend
A few things I'd share with someone heading to Marsa Alam for the first time.
Best beaches to visit
Sharm el Luli has powdery sand and calm, shallow water - it's often called Egypt's Maldives. Abu Dabab Bay is your best bet for seeing sea turtles and dugongs right from the shore. Both are a short drive from the main resorts.
Source · Checked this myself
Dolphin reefs and how to see them
Shaab Samadai, also called Dolphin House, is a protected horseshoe reef 11 km from Marsa Alam. You need a boat tour to get in. Spinner dolphins rest here year-round. The more remote Sataya Reef is also excellent but requires a longer trip from Hamata Jetty.
Source · Local knowledge
Desert safaris and Bedouin culture
A jeep safari into Wadi El Gemal National Park lets you see desert landscapes, ancient emerald mines, and maybe ibex or gazelles. Finish with Bedouin tea under a tent - the local Al Ababda tribe serves it with fresh dates and coffee.
Source · Done it myself
Sharm el Luli
This beach is often the first thing locals recommend. Powdery white sand, water so clear you can see your toes at waist depth, and hardly anyone around.
- Powdery white sand and turquoise lagoon
- Shallow warm water perfect for families
- Snorkel among butterfly fish, clownfish, sea turtles
- Often deserted outside high season
Sharm el Luli, also called Ras Hankorab, has been called one of the world's most beautiful shores - and for good reason. The sand is soft, the water is a brilliant blue, and the reef starts just a few steps from the beach. You can wade out for a long way before it gets deep. Locals set up a makeshift tent where you can buy tea and small souvenirs made by women from the area - camel leather and bead trinkets. Outside the peak tourist months, you might get the whole place to yourself. The beach is off the beaten path and miles from any resort, so you'll need a taxi or tour to get there.
No facilities on site
There are no shops or restaurants at the beach. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection. A small tent sells tea and handmade crafts.
How to get to Sharm el Luli
The beach is about 30 minutes south of Marsa Alam by car. You can book a taxi or join a snorkeling tour that includes it.
Free entry, no fees
There's no entrance fee to the beach. It's open to everyone. Parking is informal and free.
Come before the first tour bus, that's how you beat the crowd.
Abu Dabab Bay
If you want to see a dugong without getting on a boat, this is the place. Abu Dabab is known worldwide for its resident sea cows and green turtles.
- Shallow bay with seagrass meadows
- Frequent sightings of green turtles and dugongs
- Crystal clear warm water year-round
- Extra speedboat trip at 2pm for better dugong chances
Abu Dabab Bay, sometimes spelled Abo Dabab, is a beach snorkeling site with coral sides full of colored fish. The sandy beach drops into seagrass where green turtles graze. The endangered dugong - a shy sea cow - occasionally visits this sheltered bay to feed. If you want a better chance to see it, there's an extra speedboat trip from the beach that starts at 2pm and lasts about an hour and a half. The water is shallow and wind-protected, making it a safe spot even for beginner snorkelers. The bay is a national park, so the reef stays healthy.
Entry and timing
The beach is open during daylight hours. There's no formal ticket, but extra boat trips cost extra. The standard snorkel trip from Marsa Alam costs around €48 per person with lunch included.
Best time for dugongs
Late afternoon is the most reliable time. March to May offer the best conditions for seeing dugongs, according to local guides.
Located south of town
Abu Dabab Bay is about 30 km south of Marsa Alam. Most visitors take a taxi or join a boat tour from Port Ghalib.
Go on the afternoon speedboat trip - you'll spot the dugong far more often.
Marsa Mubarak
A protected bay with some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the Red Sea - and a chance to see the elusive dugong.
- Protected bay with calm, clear water
- Excellent coral reefs and marine life
- Sea turtles and dugong sightings
- Starts from Port Ghalib by boat
Marsa Mubarak, also known as Marsa Moubark, is a national park and one of the most beautiful snorkel and dive sites in the area. The bay shelters a magnificent underwater landscape with coral reefs and a great variety of flora and fauna. The crystal-clear warm water makes it easy to spot rainbow-colored fish, and if you're lucky, the endangered dugong may swim by to graze on seagrass. It's a popular spot, though sources note it sometimes gets crowded and the noise can scare animals away. Boat trips usually depart from Port Ghalib marina. Marsa Mubarak is also a prime location for spotting sea turtles. The bay's horseshoe shape provides shelter for dolphins as well.
Combine with a Port Ghalib trip
Many tours combine Marsa Mubarak with a stop at Port Ghalib marina. You can snorkel in the morning and walk the marina in the afternoon.
Can get busy
Marsa Mubarak is popular and can draw crowds, especially in high season. This sometimes scares away the dugongs. Choose a weekday if you can.
Boat trip from Port Ghalib
Almost all trips to Marsa Mubarak start from Port Ghalib marina. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes. Tours typically include lunch and snorkeling gear.
Get there early in the morning - that's when the water is calmest and the animals are still around.
Resorts around Port Ghalib and the coastal strip are within easy reach of this bay.
Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort
- 4 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Beachfront
- Free parking
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Good Breakfast
Malikia Resort Abu Dabbab
- 3 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Beachfront
- Spa and wellness center
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Wonderful Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Shaab Samadai (Dolphin House)
A horseshoe-shaped reef that spinner dolphins call home. This protected marine park is one of the best places in Egypt to swim with wild dolphins.
- Protected national park - entrance by boat only
- Resident pod of spinner dolphins year-round
- Horseshoe reef offers calm, clear water
- 11 km from Marsa Alam
Shaab Samadai, commonly known as the Dolphin House, is a horseshoe-shaped reef that provides perfect shelter for a resident pod of spinner dolphins. The calm lagoon allows them to rest and play away from rough seas. Snorkeling here is a magical experience - the dolphins often swim right alongside visitors. Because it's a protected area, the number of boats allowed is regulated, so you'll need to book a tour. The reef itself is full of coral and fish. A similar but more remote spot is Sataya Reef (Dolphin Reef), which is about 100 km south and accessed from Hamata Jetty. Sataya tends to be less crowded, so there's less competition to get close to the dolphins. Both offer unforgettable dolphin encounters.
Tour prices and duration
A full-day snorkeling trip to Shaab Samadai costs around €55-€69 per person including lunch, transfers, and snorkel gear. Trips usually last 8 hours.
Regulated access
Because it's a protected park, independent access is not allowed. You must join a licensed boat tour. Book ahead in high season.
From Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib
Most tours depart from Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib. The reef is only 11 km away, so the boat ride is short.
The morning trip gives you the best light and the dolphins are most active then.
Wadi El Gemal National Park
This is where the desert meets the sea. Ancient ruins, emerald mines, mangrove forests, and untouched beaches all within one protected area.
- 45 km south of Marsa Alam, 2 hours from airport
- Prehistoric rock art and Roman ruins
- Rich wildlife: ibex, gazelles, migratory birds
- Best explored by 4x4 jeep safari
Wadi El Gemal, or 'Valley of the Camels', is a national park covering an extensive area of desert and coastal water. It lies 45 km south of Marsa Alam, about a two-hour drive from the airport. The park contains prehistoric rock art, Ptolemaic and Roman ruins, and the mountain Mons Smaragdus - site of small mining communities from ancient Egypt. The park is surprisingly rich in wildlife and vegetation, with ibex, gazelles, and rare birds. The best way to discover it is on a private Jeep 4x4 trip, which often includes a stop at Sharm el Luli for snorkeling and a visit to the mangrove beach of Wadi el Qulaan. You can also taste Bedouin coffee at a tent near the lake beach, and lunch is usually served in a tent at the entrance of El Qulaan.
Book as a group to share costs
Private jeep safaris are expensive alone. Joining a group tour from Marsa Alam costs around €25-€35 per person and includes lunch and snorkeling stops.
Prepare for a full day
The park is large. A typical safari lasts 8-10 hours. Bring water, sun protection, and a camera. The terrain is rough, so wear sturdy shoes.
Visit the mangrove beach
Inside the park, El Qulaan mangrove forest has a solitary tree in shallow water. It's a beautiful spot for photos and a calm swim in the extremely warm lake water, which locals say helps with rheumatic pains.
Take the private jeep tour - you can stop wherever you want and spend longer at the mangroves.
There are a few eco-lodges near the park entrance, but most visitors stay in Marsa Alam and drive in for the day.
Shams Alam Beach Resort
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Wifi
- Airport shuttle
- Beachfront
- Family rooms
- Spa and wellness center
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Very Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Port Ghalib
A modern marina town with restaurants, shops, and a lively waterfront. It's also the departure point for many boat trips and diving excursions.
- Luxury marina with hundreds of yachts
- Upscale restaurants and boutiques
- Sea Scope submarine for underwater views
- Evening stroll along the waterfront
Port Ghalib is a purpose-built resort town with a large marina, high-end hotels, spas, and gourmet restaurants. The waterfront is perfect for a relaxed afternoon walk, with ice cream shops, cafes, and boutiques selling local brands. Several restaurants serve excellent seafood and oriental cuisine - try Sultan Port Ghalib for cocktails and marina views, or Steigenberger Resort Alaya's Culinarium for fine dining with a terrace that lights up at night. The Nefertari boat, a Seascope built in Pharaonic style, offers air-conditioned underwater observation - great for kids and elderly. It does a sunset dinner cruise with seafood and beverages, followed by a free city tour of Port Ghalib marina. Port Ghalib is also the base for most diving and snorkeling trips to nearby reefs.
It's a resort town, not a historic port
Port Ghalib is modern and built for tourism. Don't expect an authentic fishing village. But it's clean, safe, and has good services for visitors.
Nefertari boat pricing
The sunset dinner cruise on the Nefertari Seascope costs around $95 per person and lasts about 8 hours, including an hour of snorkeling and dinner.
Easily reached from Marsa Alam
Port Ghalib is about 3 km from Marsa Alam town. Taxis are cheap and many resorts offer free shuttles to the marina.
Skip the buffet at your hotel one night and eat at the marina - the seafood is far better.
What is the best time to visit Marsa Alam?
October to April offers comfortable temperatures between 20°C and 29°C, with water still warm enough for diving. Summer (June to August) is very hot but less crowded and cheaper.
Can you swim with dolphins in Marsa Alam?
Yes, at Shaab Samadai (Dolphin House) and Sataya Reef. You need to join a boat tour. The dolphins are wild and not guaranteed, but sightings are very common year-round.
Is Marsa Alam good for beginners who don't dive?
Absolutely. Shallow bays like Sharm el Luli and Abu Dabab are perfect for snorkeling. You can see sea turtles, dugongs, and colorful fish just a few meters from the beach.
How far is Port Ghalib from Marsa Alam airport?
Port Ghalib is about 15 km from Marsa Alam International Airport. Most hotels offer transfer services, or you can book a private taxi for around €10-€15.
What should I pack for a trip to Marsa Alam?
Reef-safe sunscreen, a mask and snorkel (though rentals are available), water shoes for coral beaches, light clothing, and a hat. Bring cash for tips and small purchases - credit cards work at resorts but not everywhere.
