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Egypt · Red Sea

Marsa Alam travel guide

Turtles, dugongs and quiet reefs in the far south

Abu Dabbab bay. Photo: Andrew A. Shenouda from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

5h 30mflight from London
RMFnearest main airport
32° in Augwarmest month
19° in Jancoolest month

Marsa Alam is a quieter part of the Red Sea coast, with untouched reefs, desert mountains and lodges by the sea. Abu Dabbab bay is famous for turtles and sometimes dugongs.

It's a favourite with divers and those wanting a calm beach break.

Good forDivingWildlifeRelaxingSnorkelling

What Marsa Alam is known for

  • Turtles

    Sea turtles grazing in the bays.

  • Dugongs

    Rare sea cows at Abu Dabbab.

  • Reefs

    Quiet, healthy coral.

  • Dolphin House

    Spinner dolphins at Samadai Reef.

Top things to do in Marsa Alam

  1. 1

    Abu Dabbab

    Snorkel with turtles.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Dolphin House

    Samadai Reef, home to spinner dolphins.

    Find tours and tickets
  3. 3

    Wadi El Gemal

    A national park of mangroves and desert.

    Find tours and tickets
  4. 4

    Elphinstone Reef

    A famous dive site for sharks.

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See all tours and tickets in Marsa Alam

Where to stay in Marsa Alam

Find a hotel in Marsa Alam

Best time to visit Marsa Alam

Best value: Nov–Mar, Sep. March to May and October to November: warm sea and less heat.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
19.1 C19°J20.1 C20°F22.2 C22°M24.7 C25°A27.9 C28°M30.1 C30°J31.6 C32°J32 C32°A30.3 C30°S27.6 C28°O24.2 C24°N20.9 C21°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Marsa Alam, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 5h 30m from London to RMF, and flights from most UK airports.

Resort transfers and organised trips.

Find flights to Marsa Alam (RMF)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Follow rules for swimming near turtles and dugongs.
  • The area is remote, with few shops.
  • Bring reef shoes.
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Marsa Alam FAQ

Is Marsa Alam good for snorkelling?

Excellent, with turtles in the bays.

How far from the airport?

Most resorts are under an hour away.

More places in Egypt

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