Scuba diving in Marsa Alam offers everything you could want from a Red Sea adventure(from crystal-clear waters, to colorful coral reefs, abundant marine life, and year-round sunshine). Once a quiet fishing village, Marsa Alam has grown into one of the top diving destinations in Egypt, attracting divers of all experience levels. Whether you’re planning your first scuba dive or returning to explore new sites, here’s what you can expect from an unforgettable diving holiday in Marsa Alam.

Getting to Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam is easy to reach thanks to its international airport, which offers direct flights from many major European cities. Travelers can also fly into Hurghada International Airport, which is located about a two-hour drive away. Hurghada is a popular alternative if you are planning to head to Marsa Alam and Egypt’s southern Red Sea, due to the frequent flights and lower fares. 

What makes Marsa Alam ideal for those starting out in scuba diving?

Marsa Alam is a very popular destination that is suitable for scuba divers of all experience levels – from novice divers to seasoned pros. For beginners, the house reef is the ideal choice. The reef consists of a bay with reefs to the north and south.

Its calm waters and the different depth levels enable the bay to be suitable for not only beginner divers but those with more experience too. In addition to the House reef, dive sites of Dolphin House, Abu Dabab, and Sharm Fughani are the perfect choice for beginners.

Scuba Diving in Marsa Alam for experienced divers

Experienced scuba divers also love house reef – they can enjoy a one-way drift dive with boat pickup, which allows them to explore more of the reef. Scuba divers can dive at any time (between 8am and 6pm). This gives them the flexibility to plan their day without fixed schedules. Experienced divers can enjoy the famous sites of Panorama Reef, Elphinstone Reef, Erg Monika, Salem Express, and Erg Lassal.

What You’ll See While Scuba Diving in Marsa Alam 

On the Utopia House reef, divers can have encounters with white tip sharks, turtles, Indian mackerel, groups of barracuda, and tuna. Dolphins and dugongs are often seen. Colorful reef fish are found in abundance.

Salem Express is regarded as a famous wreck dive whereas Panorama is a drop off where divers may spot sharks or eagle rays. At Elphinstone Reef dive spot, you can spot manta rays and oceanic white tip sharks in addition to other pelagics, Abu Dabab is famous for turtle encounters. Unsurprisingly, dolphins are usually seen at Dolphin House Manta, Dolphin House!

Other ‘Good to Know’ Facts about Scuba Diving in Marsa Alam

• Water temperature ranges from 21 to 24 degrees Celsius (from November to May), and from 25 to 29 degrees Celsius (from June to October).
• In Marsa Alam, you can find many dive sites offering a full range of well-maintained scuba diving equipment, including Kids’ sizes. In addition to shorty and long wetsuits depending on the season.
• There is also a deco chamber, and a local insurance valid for diving holidays in case you arrive without. Safety is always a priority
• Many dive centers host regular social evenings where divers can meet, celebrate new certifications, share their experiences, and enjoy drinks, music, and a relaxed atmosphere after a day of diving.