Diving in Marsa Alam

Explore 124 dive sites in Marsa Alam, Egypt. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Marsa Alam

The warmest water temperatures in Marsa Alam occur in August, averaging 31.1°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 22.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 23.6°C
  • February: 22.7°C
  • March: 22.9°C
  • April: 23.8°C
  • May: 26.0°C
  • June: 28.1°C
  • July: 29.9°C
  • August: 31.1°C
  • September: 30.4°C
  • October: 28.8°C
  • November: 27.1°C
  • December: 25.6°C

Marine Life in Marsa Alam

Home to 39 recorded species including 10 seagrass & algae, 8 whales & dolphins, 8 reef fish, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 sharks & rays, 1 clams & mussels.

Dive Site Difficulty in Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam has 13 beginner, 3 intermediate, 2 advanced dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Marsa Alam

Based on average water temperature of 26.7°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Marsa Alam

  • Tourism Development Area I - Multiple Use Management Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Tourism Development Area II - Multiple Use Management Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Wadi El-Gemal - Hamata - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • محمية علبة - Multiple Use Management Area (IUCN Category VI)

Getting to Marsa Alam - Nearest Airports

  • Berenice International Airport / Banas Cape Air Base (EES), Berenice Troglodytica - 29 km away, approx 46 min travel time
  • Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF), Marsa Alam - 176 km away, approx 207 min travel time
  • Red Sea International Airport (RSI), Hanak - 221 km away, approx 256 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water temperatures, visibility, and current conditions for diving in Marsa Alam?
Marsa Alam offers wonderfully warm waters, with the best months seeing temperatures reach up to 31.07°C in August, 30.41°C in September, and 29.88°C in July. While specific data on typical visibility and current conditions is not provided in the context, these warm temperatures make for comfortable diving. For more general information on dive conditions, you can visit our when to dive guide.
What specific marine life, such as dugongs, dolphins, turtles, and sharks, can divers expect to encounter in Marsa Alam?
Divers in Marsa Alam can look forward to exciting marine life encounters, including playful dolphins at Samadai Reef. The area is also renowned for sightings of rare dugongs, particularly around Abu Dabbab, and the thrilling presence of oceanic whitetip sharks at Elphinstone Reef. To learn more about these fascinating creatures, explore our marine life database.
Which are considered the best dive sites in Marsa Alam, and what makes them stand out?
Marsa Alam boasts 122 dive sites, with several standing out for unique experiences. Samadai Reef is famous for its dolphin encounters, while Abu Dabbab is a prime location for spotting dugongs. Elphinstone Reef is renowned for its oceanic whitetip sharks, offering thrilling dives. Other notable sites include the Abu Ghusun (Wreck) for wreck enthusiasts, Shaab Claudio for its captivating cave formations, and The Deep South for advanced divers seeking challenging reef dives.
Is Marsa Alam suitable for divers of all experience levels, from beginners to advanced?
Absolutely, Marsa Alam is highly suitable for divers of all experience levels. Beginners can enjoy sites like Abu Ghusun (Wreck) or Shaab Bohar Kebir, while intermediate divers have a vast selection of reef and pinnacle dives such as Gota Wadi Gamal. For advanced divers, challenging sites like The Deep South offer exhilarating experiences.
What are the best ways to travel to Marsa Alam for a diving holiday?
The provided data context does not contain specific information regarding the best ways to travel to Marsa Alam for a diving holiday. We recommend checking general travel resources for flight and transportation options to the region.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Marsa Alam, considering weather and general marine activity?
Considering water temperatures, the best time to dive in Marsa Alam is during July, August, and September, when temperatures are at their warmest, ranging from 29.88°C to 31.07°C. While specific seasonal data on general marine activity is not provided, these months offer comfortable conditions for exploring the Red Sea's vibrant underwater world. For more details on optimal diving periods, refer to our when to dive section.
Are there specific seasonal variations for encountering certain marine life, like sharks or manta rays, in Marsa Alam?
The provided data context does not specify seasonal variations for encountering particular marine life, such as sharks or manta rays, in Marsa Alam. However, the region is known for year-round sightings of dolphins at Samadai Reef, dugongs at Abu Dabbab, and oceanic whitetip sharks at Elphinstone Reef. For more information on marine species, please consult our marine life database.
How is the overall health of the coral reefs and the underwater environment in Marsa Alam?
The provided data context does not include specific information regarding the overall health of the coral reefs or the underwater environment in Marsa Alam. However, Marsa Alam is part of the Red Sea, which is globally recognized for its rich biodiversity and stunning coral formations. We encourage divers to practice responsible diving to help preserve these precious ecosystems.