Diving in Marsa Alam
Why dive here
Marsa Alam is a diving destination where divers can encounter dolphins, humpback whales, oceanic whitetip sharks, sea turtles and spinner dolphins. Water ranges 23-31°C, warmest July, August, September.
Marsa Alam, for us, is where the Red Sea really starts to feel wild. It's quieter down here, definitely less crowded than the northern sites, and that's a big part of its charm. We love the feeling of space you get. You’re more likely to spend your surface intervals spotting dolphins than dodging other dive boats. Take Samadai Reef, for example. We’ve had some incredible encounters there with pods of long-beaked dolphins, the sound of their clicks and whistles echoing through the water as they zip past. It's a truly exhilarating experience. Then there's Abu Dabbab, a calm, shallow bay where the seagrass meadows are a magnet for dugongs. Drifting over them, watching these gentle giants graze, is pure serenity. It’s an almost spiritual experience, honestly, a real change of pace from the adrenaline of other sites. For those who like a bit more thrill, Elphinstone Reef delivers. It’s a proper offshore pinnacle, often with a decent current, and it’s famous for its oceanic whitetips. Seeing those sharks cruise out of the deep blue, unperturbed by your presence, is always a heart-stopper. We'd suggest going early in the morning for the best chance of spotting them. The reef itself is also beautiful, with big gorgonian fans and a healthy soft coral growth. Just remember, it can get sporty out there, so good buoyancy is a must. Marsa Alam feels like stepping back into a slightly more pristine version of the Red Sea, where the big stuff still shows up with reassuring regularity.
Marsa Alam Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam Dive Sites
122 dive sites in Marsa Alam
Abu Dabab 4
Abu Dabab 4 is a straightforward dive, often a second or third site in the area. Expect to see Variable Stromb and Paddle Grass along the bottom. We’ve even had sightings of Long-beaked Dolphins and Bryde's Whales pass through. It’s a good option for divers looking for a relaxed experience, particularly if you're hoping for larger, pelagic visitors in the deeper blue.
Abu Dabab 6
Abu Dabab 6 is a straightforward dive, often a second or third stop in the area. We’ve seen bottlenose dolphins here, and it's a known spot for topshells and strombs if you take the time to look closely at the sand. It’s a good choice for divers wanting an easy, relaxed dive, especially if you enjoy macro life. You might even get lucky with a whale shark or Bryde's whale passing through, though those are rare treats.
Abu Dabbab Ithnain
Abu Dabbab Ithnain offers a chance to explore a less frequented spot in Marsa Alam. We’ve seen a few unique gastropods here, like the Variable Stromb, alongside occasional dolphin sightings – both Long-beaked and Indian Ocean bottlenose. It’s a good option for those looking to get away from the main Abu Dabbab crowds and enjoy a quieter dive.
Abu Dabbab Thalata
Abu Dabbab Thalata in Marsa Alam gives you a decent chance to spot larger pelagics, though it’s not guaranteed. We’ve seen bottlenose dolphins here, and the occasional whale shark passes through. It’s a good spot for divers hoping for that lucky encounter with big animals, but for everyday reef life, other sites might offer more.
Abu Dabbab Wahid
Abu Dabbab Wahid is a sheltered bay, popular for its chance encounters with some big visitors. We've seen Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphins cruising through the sandy areas, and even a Bryde's whale on a lucky trip. Keep an eye out for whale sharks too, though they're less common. It’s a good spot for a relaxed dive, suitable for divers wanting gentle conditions and the possibility of larger marine life.
Abu Diab
Abu Diab is a good choice for divers looking for open water encounters off Marsa Alam. We’ve seen both long-beaked and Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphins here, often in pods moving through the blue. Cowfish are also a regular feature. It's a site that rewards patience and a good lookout, best for experienced divers comfortable in open water.
Abu Echera
Abu Echera offers a relaxed dive, good for shaking off the travel rust or getting comfortable in the water. We've often spotted cowfish here, along with small giant clams tucked into the reef. It’s a shallower site, which makes it perfect for longer bottom times and less experienced divers. Keep an eye out for dolphins, both bridled and long-beaked varieties have been known to pass through.
Abu Fendira
Abu Fendira usually provides a relaxed dive, often picked for its calm conditions. You'll find a series of small, shallow pinnacles here, home to plenty of angelfish and butterflyfish. It's a good spot for new divers to get comfortable or for anyone looking for an easy, pleasant afternoon. We sometimes see a turtle or two grazing on the seagrass nearby.
Abu Galawa Kebir
Abu Galawa Kebir is a solid choice for a Marsa Alam dive, especially if you're keen on seeing dolphins. We’ve had a few encounters with Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphins here, and even some rarer sightings of false killer whales. The reef structure itself is pleasant, but the real draw is the chance for a memorable interaction. It’s a good spot for all experience levels, generally calm.
Abu Galawa Soraya
Abu Galawa Soraya is a decent stop if you're exploring the southern Red Sea. It’s got a small wreck, probably a sailing boat, with a reasonable amount of coral growth around it. While not typically a big pelagic site, we have noted dolphins here on occasion. It’s a good, straightforward dive for all skill levels, especially if you enjoy poking around a minor wreck.
Abu Galawa Soraya
Abu Galawa Soraya is a northern Marsa Alam site, often visited as a second dive. We’ve found decent hard coral formations here, with some interesting overhangs and swim-throughs to explore in the shallow reef. Keep an eye out for patrolling reef sharks and the occasional bottlenose dolphin pod passing through the blue. It’s generally a relaxed drift, suitable for less experienced divers.
Abu Ghusun (Wreck)
Abu Ghusun is a proper treat, especially if you’re new to wrecks and want something accessible but still genuinely interesting. It's a small cargo ship, the *Hamada*, that went down in 1993, and it sits upright and mostly intact in just 16 metres of water. We love a wreck that tells a story, and this one feels like it's just settled in for a long nap on the seafloor. The shallow depth means you get fantastic bottom time, letting you really poke around. Head inside the cargo holds, where the light filters down through the surface, creating these mesmerising shafts. It’s not spooky, just wonderfully atmospheric. Look for the resident glassfish clouds, shimmering in the shadows, and we’ve often found lionfish tucked into doorways, looking quite regal. The deck hosts a scattering of soft corals, and you'll spot parrotfish nibbling away. Our favourite part? The stern, where a small school of yellowfin barracuda sometimes circles, catching the light as they move. It’s an easy, leisurely dive, perfect for photographers or anyone keen to explore a piece of history without deep diving credentials.
Marsa Alam Dive Centres
18 dive shops and operators in Marsa Alam
Ocean Wildlife in Marsa Alam
29 species recorded in Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Marsa Alam, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
05:17
Sunset
18:05
Daylight
12h 48m
Golden Hour
17:35
First light (dawn) at 04:54 · Last light (dusk) at 18:29
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 06:24 | 17:12 | 10h 48m |
| Feb | 06:13 | 17:33 | 11h 21m |
| Mar | 05:48 | 17:47 | 11h 59m |
| Apr | 05:17 | 18:00 | 12h 43m |
| May | 04:56 | 18:14 | 13h 18m |
| JunLongest | 04:50 | 18:28 | 13h 38m |
| Jul | 04:59 | 18:29 | 13h 30m |
| AugNow | 05:13 | 18:13 | 13h 0m |
| Sep | 05:25 | 17:43 | 12h 19m |
| Oct | 05:36 | 17:13 | 11h 37m |
| Nov | 05:54 | 16:53 | 10h 59m |
| DecShortest | 06:14 | 16:53 | 10h 39m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Marsa Alam.
Where to Stay near Marsa Alam
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Marine Protected Areas near Marsa Alam
4 protected areas near Marsa Alam - please respect local regulations when diving
محمية علبة
Wadi El-Gemal - Hamata
Tourism Development Area II
Tourism Development Area I
Getting to Marsa Alam
Berenice Troglodytica
Marsa Alam
Hanak
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