MARSĀ ALAM – THE RED SEA’S CORAL PARADISE

Marsā Alam is a relatively new but rapidly developing resort town located about 270 km south of Hurghada. As recently as the 1990s, this was just a small fishing village – today it boasts some of Egypt’s best coral reef viewing opportunities. Unlike crowded Hurghada, Marsā Alam has maintained a more relaxed vibe, and its reefs are considered the most pristine in the region.

An Underwater Garden of Eden

The coral reef at Marsā Alam is nature’s true masterpiece – arguably the world’s second most beautiful underwater ecosystem after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The Red Sea’s crystal-clear waters are home to over 1,200 fish species and 250 types of coral. Top snorkeling spots include Abu Dabab reef (famous for sea turtles) and Elphinstone Reef where you might spot hammerhead sharks. Fun fact: Water temperatures rarely drop below 22°C (72°F) here, even in winter!

Vibrant coral reef in Marsa Alam
The thriving underwater world of Marsa Alam’s coral reef

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

Reef snorkeling here creates memories that last a lifetime. All you need is a mask, snorkel, and fins – no advanced swimming skills required! Bring a waterproof camera (preferably with a 10m/30ft housing) to capture the corals’ magical colors and exotic fish. Less confident swimmers can use life jackets. Remember not to touch the reef – both for its protection and yours (many corals can cause irritation). But for those who dare to go deeper, scuba diving in Marsā Alam reveals an even more breathtaking world. Imagine descending into crystal-clear waters where sunlight dances through schools of technicolor fish, coming face-to-face with gentle reef sharks, and floating weightlessly above coral gardens that look like underwater cities. The famous Elphinstone Reef offers thrilling drift dives along walls covered in soft corals, while Abu Dabab’s seagrass beds might reward you with a magical encounter with dugongs – the sea’s most elusive gentle giants. Night diving transforms the reef into a completely different universe, with bioluminescent creatures and nocturnal hunters emerging from their daytime hiding spots. Whether you’re exploring legendary dive sites or discovering hidden spots known only to local guides, Marsā Alam offers some of the most pristine and diverse underwater experiences in the Red Sea.

I started my diving adventure in another Egyptian resort, Nuweiba. You can read about it: https://en.orbhike.net/egypt_nuweiba/

Colorful fish among corals
Rainbow-hued fish among corals – a true color spectacle

Marsa Alam & Reef Fascinating Facts

  • Marsā Alam means “Bay of Flags” in Arabic
  • The local reefs grow at just 1cm per year
  • The 2001 airport opening transformed the region
  • Dugongs (“sea cows”) inhabit these waters
  • Hotels use special filtration to protect the reef

Protecting a Fragile Ecosystem

Coral reefs worldwide are endangered. Marsa Alam has implemented special protections including reef anchoring bans, diver limits at popular sites, and prohibitions against collecting marine souvenirs. Visitors should use only reef-safe sunscreen to avoid coral damage.

In conclusion, Marsa Alam’s coral reef is an absolute must-see for underwater enthusiasts. This is where nature created a living masterpiece – vibrant, colorful, and teeming with incredible biodiversity.