The Best Snorkeling Spots in Marsa Alam

Kilometer-long coral banks, spectacular diving reefs, and an underwater world comparable to the Maldives and Seychelles: We know the best dive spots and snorkeling sites in Marsa Alam.

The Red Sea has always been a paradise for divers and snorkelers. A new vacation hotspot in Egypt now rivals Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh: The area around the small fishing village of Marsa Alam entices with golden beaches, paradise-like reefs, and gentle diving tourism.

Experts don't compare the diverse underwater world to the Maldives and Seychelles without reason. In the region, there are about 240 different coral species and more than 100 fish species. We present some of the best dive spots and snorkeling sites and hotels with their own house reefs in Marsa Alam.

Close to Marsa Alam is the 'house reef,' just three to four kilometers from the resort area. Compared to other reefs, the scenery might be less spectacular, but the location is ideal for vacationers.

While other snorkeling and diving spots must always be organized, the house reef is easier to reach due to its proximity to the area.

About halfway between the airport and Marsa Alam lies the reef group Abu Dabbab. The bay is square in shape, about 500 meters long and wide. On the northern and southern sides are two reefs.

There are several fringing and platform reefs, suitable for beginner divers as the current is usually mild. With some luck, you can spot dugongs in the bays, and there's a large population of sea turtles, guitarfish, and sometimes even dolphins.

The Samadai Reef is considered the most famous dive site near Marsa Alam. It's due to its marine inhabitants: About a hundred friendly spinner dolphins make their 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 somewhat remote Sataya Reef and the Samadai Reef, also known as 'Dolphin House.' It's easy to reach as it is only eleven kilometers or six nautical miles southeast of the anchorage in Marsa Alam.

One of the most famous dive reefs in Marsa Alam is the Elphinstone Reef. Here, you can spot white tip and black tip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, rays, and even mantas. A very special marine resident can also be seen at the Elphinstone Reef: the dugong from the family of sea cows.

Attention: The Elphinstone Reef is not suitable for snorkelers; large fish and predators may mistake snorkelers for prey swimming near the surface.

A highlight of a vacation in Marsa Alam is a trip to the Wadi-al-Gimal Nature Reserve, one of three national parks in Egypt. Here lies the beach Sharm El Luli (also known as Ras Hankorab Beach), where you can go underwater on a nearby reef.

The golden beach is just 60 kilometers from Marsa Alam and gently slopes into the sea. A section of the beach is suitable for diving and snorkeling. Here, there is an intact reef with a rich fauna.

One of the least visited reefs is about 90 kilometers away from Marsa Alam in the Red Sea. The Daedalus Reef is a 400-meter-long and 100-meter-wide offshore coral formation. Because of its remote location, few divers venture here.

It's worthwhile for experienced divers: The reef's distance from the shore has fostered the growth of several hundred species of soft and hard corals. At the dive site, there are steep walls that drop deep. Underwater, you can see animals like hammerhead sharks, pelagic white-tip sharks, and thresher sharks.

In the Wadi-al-Gimal Nature Reserve lies the Gorgonia Beach Resort with two protected coral reefs. With some luck, you can observe rays, turtles, and rare dugongs here.

The resort stands out for its collaboration with the Bedouin tribe of the Ababda. The native inhabitants of the Wadi are happy to show tourists their traditions and ways of life. The idea of this cooperation is to promote ecologically sustainable tourism in the National Park and involve locals in development.

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

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

Those who wish to stay in an adults-only hotel will find it at the Steigenberger Coraya Beach, located on the 800-meter-long sandy beach in the Madinat Coraya vacation area in Marsa Alam and featuring a unique house reef.

The hotel complex was built in the traditional Nubian style and is particularly suitable for snorkelers. The corals of the nearby house reef extend partly into the beach zone, so you never have to go far out in the boat.

The Jaz Lamaya Resort is just five kilometers from the airport in Marsa Alam and is a great tip for snorkelers and divers, but especially for families. The beach gently slopes down, making it suitable for non-swimmers and children.

The hotel, built in a Moorish-Oriental style, features a lagoon with a vibrant underwater world. Additionally, there is the Aqua Coraya Water Park, which offers total water fun for families.

A highlight for underwater enthusiasts is the Magic Tulip Resort. The resort features its own kite and dive center, along with a saltwater lagoon integrated into the complex. For snorkeling and diving, the house reef can be accessed with an 800-meter jetty. At the beach's Aqua Center, snorkeling trips can also be booked.

Outside, four freshwater pools, two heated with spacious sun terraces and two pool bars await vacationers. Good to know for families: The hotel is considered especially family-friendly. There are family rooms and a mini club.

About 150 kilometers away from Marsa Alam, the Mövenpick Resort El Quseir is a major hotspot for divers. Thanks to its in-house dive center and a stunning house reef.

The hotel complex is also beautiful, featuring a picturesque private beach. Additionally, there are two freshwater pools and two separate children's pools for swimming and splashing around.

In close proximity in El Quseir lies another hotel for snorkelers and divers: The Radisson Blu Resort El Quseir attracts vacationers with a house reef accessible by a 70-meter boat dock.

There are a total of 250 rooms in buildings traditionally Nubian-built from sandstone. The complex is situated directly on an approximately 800-meter long sand-pebble beach with an artificial lagoon.

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