Marsa Alam diving guide | The best dive centers, dive sites and liveaboards
Marsa Alam is one of the best scuba diving destinations in the south of Egypt. Located on the southeastern end of Egypt, Marsa Alam is facing the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. It has a climate favorable for divers all-year-round.
Marsa Alam has an international airport, which makes it easier for divers to reach it. There are also buses to Marsa Alam from other nearby airports like Hurghada and Cairo. Liveaboards are available in Marsa Alam Egypt throughout the year and are strongly recommended for the best diving experience. Note that most of the Liveaboards are leaving from Port Ghalib, which is located in front of the Marsa Alam international airport.
Recommendations | Scuba Diving Marsa Alam
Scuba diving can be done all year round in Marsa Alam. However, diving during the summer months (June – August) is the most comfortable. Below, we have included our recommendations for a Marsa Alam Liveaboard and diving center. For a full overview of our recommendations, refer to the section ''Liveaboards'' and ''Diving Centers'' below.
Liveaboard Marsa Alam
For a trip to the Marsa Alam area and the south of Egypt, we recommend the Blue Liveaboard. This vessel offers great facilities including different styles of accommodations (e.g. a Master cabin), free internet and Nitrox, and nice relaxing areas. It should be noted that most of the Marsa Alam liveaboards are leaving from Port Ghalib (although some of the liveaboards are leaving from Marsa Alam).
Price: a trip with the Blue Liveaboard starts from EUR 123 per day. The latest prices and availability can be checked here.
Diving center Marsa Alam
If you would like to go diving from Marsa Alam (shore diving or a day trip), we recommend the diving center ‘’Marsa Diving Center’’. Marsa Diving Center is a PADI diving center, located in Marsa Alam and offers scuba diving courses, shore diving and day trips to dive sites such as Elphinstone.
Latest prices and availability can be checked with Marsa Diving Center here.
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The best diving centers Marsa Alam
As mentioned, Marsa Alam is one of the best Egypt destinations for diving. Below, we have listed our selection of the best diving centers in Marsa Alam to explore the Marsa Alam dive sites.
Diving center 1: Marsa Alam Divers
Marsa Alam Divers is a PADI diving center and is located in Marsa Alam, close to the coast. Marsa Alam Divers offers both scuba diving boat trips and diving from shore. Besides, they also offer various scuba diving courses such as the PADI Open Water, PADI Advanced Open Water, PADI Rescue and PADI Divemaster as well as specialty courses.
Scuba diving courses
The PADI Open water is offered for EUR 250. Please note that the PADI Manual and PADI certification is not included in this price and need to bought separately). The PADI Advanced Course is offered for EUR 200 and the PADI Divemaster for EUR 450. In our experiences, there rates are quite good.
Scuba diving trips
A day diving trip (shore diving) is offered for EUR 50 and includes two dives. If you would like to go on a diving trip to, for example, Elphinstone, Dolphin House, Abu Ghusun SS Hamada, Shaab Alam, additional charges will apply (ranging from EUR 10 – 45).
Please note that full equipment can be rented for an additional charge of EUR 25 (diving computer not included).
The latest prices and availability can be checked here.
Diving center 2: Deep South Divers
Deep South Divers is located in the city center of Marsa Alam and is considered on of the best diving centers in Marsa Alam. Deep South Divers offers both PADI as well as SDI diving courses up to the level of Divemaster.
In addition, they also offering scuba diving trips in the area of Marsa Alam. The prices of these trips are not know at the moment of writing, but you can get a quote here.
Diving Center 3: Marsa Diving
This PADI diving center offers scuba diving services in Marsa Alam, ranging from snorkeling trips to scuba diving courses. Marsa Diving is located at the city center of Marsa Alam.
Scuba diving courses
Marsa Diving also offers both beginner and advanced courses (up to PADI Divemaster). If you want to learn scuba diving, you would have to participate in the PADI Open Water course which costs EUR 270. Marsa Diving also offers specialty courses on wreck diving, deep diving, underwater rescue, and underwater photography among many others.
Scuba Diving Tours
Going for 1 day (2 dives) shore diving trip costs EUR 50. Note that you can rent scuba diving equipment for EUR 15 (not including a diving computer). It is also possible to book a 3 days or 5 days package. Additional charges may be incurred if you wish to visit different dive sites (e.g. Elphinstone, Dolphin House, Abu Ghusun SS Hamama), ranging from EUR 10 – 50.
Best liveaboards Marsa Alam (Port Ghalib)
Marsa Alam is one of the best destinations to start you Egypt liveaboard trip. Note that most of these liveaboards are leaving from Port Ghalib. Below, we have outlined our selection of the best Marsa Alam liveaboard trips.
Liveaboard 1: Blue Liveaboard
The Blue Liveaboard is one of the most popular liveaboards in Marsa Alam and for good reason. The MY Blue comes with 12 large air-conditioned cabins and can house up to 24 guests. There are 7 double/twin cabins, 4 sea-view cabins, and a master cabin available - all of which have, a bathroom with a shower, a TV and storage space. Other facilities of the Blue Liveaboard are an indoor saloon with an entertainment system, a sun deck, a library, BBQ area, and free internet. The diving facilities include a camera station and a camera room with a table and charging points, and free Nitrox.
Price: a trip with the Blue Liveaboard starts at EUR 123 per day. For the Marsa Alam trip, search for the ‘’St Johns’’ trip which leaves from Port Ghalib). The latest prices and availability can be checked here.
Liveaboard 2: Golden Dolphin
The Golden Dolphin is also one of the best options available for a Marsa Alam liveaboard. The Golden Dolphin has 10 cabins available which can suit up to 20 divers. The cabins are equipped with air conditioning, storage space, and a mini bar. Depending on the type of cabin, the cabins are equipped with twin beds or queen sized beds.
As the vessel is especially built for diving trips, there are not that many luxurious facilities available. However, diving facilities such as a spacious diving deck, rinse tanks, camera station and nitrox are available. When relaxing, you can enjoy the sun decks or the indoor lounge.
Price: A trip with the Golden Dolphin starts at EUR 118 per day. Make sure that you book a trip leaving from ‘’Port Ghalib’’. The latest prices and availability can be checked here.
Best dive sites Marsa Alam
Depending on your needs, dive sites around Marsa Alam offers you one of the best diving destinations in Egypt. Leaving from Port Ghalib/Marsa Alam, you can explore the deep soute route to the St. John's dive sites. More closer, you will find Elphinstone and Daedelus Reef. Below, we have outlined these destinations in more detail.
Dive site 1: Elphinstone Reef (Sha’ab Abu Hamra)
A Marsa Alam Diving trip is never complete without a trip to the famous Elphinstone Reef. Elphinstone Reef is located about 30 kilometers from Marsa Alam and can easily be reached with a day diving trip.
Elphinstone Reef is a relatively small plateau, about 350-400 meters long and 30-40 meters wide. The depth at Elphinstone Reef can reach to +100 meters, but you can dive on the different plateaus between 3 – 40 meters. In addition, you can also explore the beautiful walls on the sides.
Elphinstone reef is famous about its Oceanic Whitetip Sharks. However, you can also encounter the Hammerhead Shark if you are lucky enough. Furthermore, you will find various other marine life such as Turtles, Barracudas, and different species of corals. Sometimes, a pod of Dolphins also visit the reef.
Be aware of very strong currents at Elphinstone Reef. We highly recommend to dive only on Elphinstone Reef if you are an experienced diver.
Dive site 2: Daedalus Reef
Daedalus Reef is located around 80-85 kilometers from Marsa Alam and can be reached by a liveaboard. Deadalus Reef is about 400 meters long and 75-100 meters wide. Daedalus Reef can easily be recognized by its lighthouse on the island.
It’s also a famous dive site as the reef is in good conditions due to its remote location. Due to the fact that there are often strong currents, you have the chance to encounter various shark species such as the Hammerhead shark, Oceanic White Tip, and Grey reef sharks. Barracudas, Tuna, and Manta’s can also be encountered during your dive!
Due to the strong currents and waves, we recommend to dive on Daedalus Reef only if you are an experienced diver.
Dive site 3: St. John’s / the Deep South route
St John’s / the Deep South route is definitely the best diving destination of south Egypt! The St. John’s area is closely located to the southern border with Sudan and can only be reached by a liveaboard.
The St. John’s area covers about 280 – 300 km2 and consist of multiple stunning dive sites. It takes about 1-2 days by a liveaboard to reach St. John’s (depending on your itinerary). Note that the boat trip to St. John’s can be a little turbulent, especially during the winter months due to wind and waves.
When diving in this area. you will be surprised by the marine life and the geographic elements such as caves, overhangs, walls, and tunnels. Depending on the dive site, you can encounter Oceanic Whitetip shark, Thresher sharks, and Hammerhead sharks. Other predators include Barracudas, Tuna, and Trevallies. In addition, you can also find Macro marine life such as nudibranchs and shrimps.
The depth of the dive sites varies between the 0 – 40 meters and visibility is generally between 20 – 30 meters. St. John’s also include a few dive sites which a great for night diving!
The most popular dive sites at St John’s include:
- Habili Gaffar;
- Habili Ali;
- St. Johns Caves;
- Shark Point; and
- Dangerous Reef
Dive site 4: Abu Dabbab
This dive site is closely located to Marsa Alam, about 25-30 kilometers to the North, and in front of the Malikia Resort Abu Dabbab. Diving at Abu Dabbab is all about exploring the sandy sea bottom, full of sea grass to find the Dugong (‘’Sea Cow’’) and Turtles! Besides the Dugong and Turtles, you might also encounter a Guitar Shark.
Abu Dabbab is quite a shallow dive with a maximum of 18 meters. As this dive site is located within Abu Dabbab bay and close to the shore, there are little to no currents. Therefore, this dive site is perfect for beginners.
As the diving conditions are normally great, diving can be done all year round. Abu Dabbab can easily be reached by a boat (day trip) from Marsa Alam. The dive site can also be accessed from shore. However, we recommend to go into the water only with a local dive guide.
Dive site 5: Dolphin House (Sha’ab Samadai)
As it is in the name, the Dolphin House is home to a large family of spinner dolphins. When jumping into the water, just look around into the blue as spinner dolphins might approach you or are passing by. Although most people go to Dolphin House to encounter the dolphins, Dolphin House also offers a reef with soft coral, a few caves and pinnacles.
Diving conditions (e.g. currents) are normally good, so this dive site is suitable for all level of divers. However, note that there might be currents as this reef is located offshore, a few kilometers from Marsa Alam.
Depending on your certification, the maximum depth is 40 meters.
Dive site 6: The Hamada Wreck
If you are in for wreck diving at Marsa Alam, you should definitely visit the Hamada Wreck Marsa Alam.
The Hamada Wreck can be found at a depth of 10 – 20 meters and is located about 70 kilometers from Marsa Alam. The Hamada ship was a cargo vessel and sunk in June 1993 when it was heading towards Suez.
The wreck is still in good condition so you may be able to enter the wreck depending on your certification and the conditions at that time. From the outside, the masts and propellor are still intact. Around the wreck, various marine life species can be found such as butterfly fishes, parrot fishes, corals and shrimps.
How to get to Marsa Alam Egypt
Option 1: By airplane to Marsa Alam International Airport
The fastest and easiest way to get to Marsa Alam is by airplane to Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF). Note that is about 1 hour travelling by car to Marsa Alam from the airport.
The marina of Port Ghalib, from which most of the liveaboards leave, can be reached in about 15 minutes. Tickets to Marsa Alam International Airport can be checked here.
Option 2: By car/bus
Marsa Alam is also accessible by bus via Cairo, Luxor, or Hurghada. Depending on you’re the location in Egypt, you can book a taxi or a transfer via a travel agency. Note that travelling by car/bus can take quite some time in Egypt.
Recommended accommodations Marsa Alam
Below, our recommendations for a hotel/resort in Marsa Alam are included.
Accommodation 1: Jaz Lamaya Resort
Jaz Lamaya is a Moroccan-styled 5-star resort in Marsa Alam. Jaz Lamaya Resort offers a spectacular view of Coraya Beach. With a high review rating, Jaz Lamaya is considered one of the best places to stay while diving at Marsa Alam.
The resort features two swimming pools with slides, a spa, a fitness center, and a gorgeous beachfront. In addition, various accommodation styles are available such as superior twin rooms, family rooms, and junior suites.
Price: A night in Jaz Lamaya starts at EUR 186. The latest prices and availability can be checked here.
Accommodation 2: Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort
Located on the Abu Dabbab beach, the Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian is a village-like resort with four outdoor pools.
Hilton Marsa Alam offers great facilities such as a 24-hour gym, restaurants, Bedouin-themed rooms. Accommodation styles include standard and deluxe rooms. They also offer diving trips to the reef of Abu Dabbab.
Price: A night at the Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort starts at EUR 180. The latest prices and availability can be checked here.
Accommodation 3: The Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort
The Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort offers divers a great place to stay in Marsa Alam. This resort offers a lot of great facilities and includes multiple swimming pools and access to the beach.
Available accommodations include premium two and three persons rooms.
Price: a night at the Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort starts at EUR 145. The latest prices and availability can be checked here.
