The best snorkeling spots in Marsa Alam

Miles of coral reefs, spectacular diving reefs and an underwater world that is compared to the Maldives and the Seychelles: We know the best diving spots and snorkeling spots in Marsa Alam.

The Red Sea has always been considered a paradise for divers and snorkelers. A new holiday hit in Egypt is now competing with Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh: the area around the small fishing village of Marsa Alam lures with golden beaches, paradisiacal reefs and gentle diving tourism.

It is not without reason that experts compare the diverse underwater world with the Maldives and the Seychelles. There are around 240 different types of coral and more than 100 species of fish in the region. We show you some of the best diving and snorkeling spots and hotels with their own house reefs in Marsa Alam:

Diving spots and snorkeling spots in Marsa Alam

Sha’b Marsa ‘Alam

In the immediate vicinity of Marsa Alam is the “house reef”, which is only three to four kilometers from the resort. The scenery may be less spectacular compared to the other reefs, but the holiday location is ideal.

Because while the journey to the other snorkeling and diving spots always has to be organized, the house reef is easier to reach due to its proximity to the site.

Abu Dabbab

Halfway between the airport and Marsa Alam is the Abu Dabbāb reef group. The bay has a square shape with a length and width of about 500 meters. There is a reef on each of the northern and southern sides.

There are several fringing and platform reefs that are also suitable for beginner divers as the current is usually low. With a bit of luck, you can also observe manatees in the bays, and there is also a large population of sea turtles, guitarfish and sometimes dolphins.

Samadai reef

The Samadai Reef is considered to be the most famous dive site near Marsa Alam. This is due to the animal residents: around a hundred trusting spinner dolphins are at home around the horseshoe-shaped reef and enjoy the company of snorkelers.

In Marsa Alam there are two important habitats for dolphins in the Red Sea: the more remote Sataya Reef and the Samadai Reef, also known as the “Dolphin House”. It is easy to get to as it is only eleven kilometers or six nautical miles southeast of the anchorage in Marsa Alam.

Elphinstone Reef

One of the most famous dive reefs in Marsa Alam is Elphinstone Reef. Here you can see white and black tip reef sharks, hammerheads, rays and even manta rays. A very special water dweller can also be seen at Elphinstone Reef: the dugong from the manatee family.

Caution: Elphinstone Reef is not suitable for snorkelers as the large fish and predators tend to attack snorkelers. To them, it looks like prey is floating on the surface.

Sharm el-Lūlī

A highlight of a holiday in Marsa Alam is a trip to the Wadi al Gimal nature reserve, one of three national parks in Egypt. This is where Sharm El Luli Beach (also known as Ras Hankorab Beach) is located, where you can go underwater on an offshore reef.

The golden beach is almost 60 kilometers from Marsa Alam and slopes gently into the sea. A section of the beach is suitable for diving and snorkeling. There is an intact reef with a species-rich fauna.

Daedalus Reef

One of the least visited reefs is located about 90 kilometers from Marsa Alam in the Red Sea. Daedalus Reef is an offshore coral formation 400 meters long and 100 meters wide. Because the location is so special, few divers come here.

It’s worth it for experienced divers, though: because the reef is so far from shore, the growth of several hundred species of soft and hard corals has been encouraged. At the dive site there are steep walls that drop deeply. Underwater you can see animals like hammerhead sharks, pelagic whitefin sharks and thresher sharks.

Hotels with their own house reef in Marsa Alam

Gorgonia Beach Resort

Gorgonia Beach Resort is located in the Wadi al Gimal Conservation Area with two protected coral reefs. With a little luck you can see rays, turtles and rare manatees here.

The resort scores with its cooperation with the Ababda Bedouin tribe. The long-established inhabitants of the wadi are happy to show holidaymakers their traditions and ways of life. The idea of ​​this cooperation is to promote ecologically compatible tourism in the national park and to involve the locals in the development.

The Oasis Marsa Alam

A very special facility is that of The Oasis Marsa Alam: the hotel was built around a natural wadi in the style of a Nubian village made of coral rock. A total of 50 charming chalets are connected by small alleys and stairs.

The hotel has its own dive center. Depending on their ability and mood, guests can snorkel in shallower waters or complete a dive in one of the reefs. Mega cool: if you want, you can also dive at night on the house reef!

Steigenberger Coraya Beach

If you want to stay in an adults-only hotel, the Steigenberger Coraya Beach is the right place for you. It is located on the 800-metre-long sandy beach in Madinat Coraya in the holiday region of Marsa Alam and has a unique house reef.

The hotel complex was built in the traditional Nubian style and is particularly suitable for snorkelers. The corals of the offshore house reef partially reach into the beach zone, which is why you never have to go far out by boat.

Jaz Lamaya Resort

The Jaz Lamaya Resort is only five kilometers from the airport in Marsa Alam and is a good tip for snorkelers and divers, but especially for families. The beach slopes slightly and is therefore also suitable for non-swimmers and children.

The hotel, built in a Moorish-oriental style, has a lagoon with a colorful underwater world. There is also the Aqua Coraya water park, which offers absolute water fun for families.

Magic Tulip Resort

A highlight for underwater enthusiasts is the Magic Tulip Resort. There is a kite and diving center directly in the resort, and there is also a saltwater lagoon integrated into the facility. The house reef, which can be reached via an 800 meter long jetty, is ideal for snorkeling and diving. In the aqua center on the beach you can also book snorkeling trips.

Outside, four freshwater pools, two of which are heated, with a spacious sun terrace and two pool bars await vacationers. Good to know for families: the hotel is particularly family-friendly. There are family rooms and a kids’ club.

Movenpick Resort El Quseir

About 150 kilometers from Marsa Alam, the Mövenpick Resort El Quseir is an absolute hotspot for divers. This is thanks to an in-house dive center and a charming house reef.

The hotel complex is also beautiful and has a picturesque private beach. There are also two freshwater pools and two separate children’s pools for swimming and paddling.

Radisson Blu Resort El Quseir

Another hotel for snorkelers and divers is in the immediate vicinity in El Quseir: The Radisson Blu Resort El Quseir attracts holidaymakers with a house reef that can be reached via a 70-metre-long jetty.

There are 250 rooms in total in traditional Nubian sandstone buildings. The complex is located directly on an approximately 800 meter long sand and pebble beach with an artificial lagoon.

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