Ancient pyramids, pharaohs, and the Arab Spring all come to mind when thinking of Egypt. However, perhaps a lesser known secret of Egypt is its beautiful beaches along the Red Sea. Enter Marsa Alam, Egypt, a stunning coastal town that has magical opportunities to view unique marine wildlife such as sea turtles and octopuses. Or simply relax along the Red Sea’s sandy beaches, drinking fresh juice, or eating kofta kebab. Known for the inland area as an emerald and gold mining spot for ancient Romans, this sleepy coastal Egypt town truly is a Egyptian gem. Whether you’re ready to ride a camel, go snorkeling, or simply sit by the sea, Marsa Alam has something for everyone in this almost undiscovered tourist spot. These are the best things to do in Marsa Alam, Egypt.
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1. Visit Bedouins on a sunset quad bike tour
Quad bikes, otherwise known as ATVs (all terrain vehicles), are a wonderful choice when exploring life off the beaten path in Marsa Alam. This seven-hour tour takes you on a guided sunset trip to a local village where you can learn about Bedouin culture, and take a camel ride. Training and practice time learning how to use the quad bike is included, as well as a delicious dinner in the desert.
2. Snorkel with sea turtles
What is more amazing than viewing real live sea turtles underwater? This nine-hour trip takes you to Abo Dabab Bay, about thirty minutes from Marsa Alam. Underwater, you will discover “monster sea turtles” which are giant in size, a pristine coral reef, and dugongs or sea cows. Enjoy lunch on board and hotel pick-up and drop-off on this memorable excursion.
3. See marine life up-close at Hamata National Park islands
Yet another opportunity to get your feet wet, this snorkeling trip leads you through the Hamata National Park islands with stunning coral and sea life await. This eight-hour guided trip with hotel pick-up and drip-off includes the 130-km (80.7 miles) journey to Hamata National Park, a boat ride to three virgin islands, and snorkeling instruction and equipment. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are also provided on the boat.
Book Tours : From Marsa Alam: Snorkeling Trip to Hamata Islands
4. Swim with dolphins at Sataya Reef
The Sataya Reef, or Dolphin House, is an absolute must for marine lovers. Plunge off the boat into the aqua waters that are home to large families of Spinner Dolphins with occasional visits from Bottlenose Dolphins. Enjoy the breeze your hair as you ride the boat to see the rich marine life this part of Egypt has to offer. Multiple companies locally charter snorkeling adventures.
Sataya Reef
Address: Marsa Alam, Egypt
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Visit the signatory Emerald Mountains
The Emerald Mountains, or Mons Smaragdus, were the ancient emerald mines, and the first emerald mines in the world. This historical sight is a wonder to behold, set in Wadi Gemal, or Eastern Desert. Here is said to be where beautiful emerald gems were mined from the early Egyptian Pharoahs through the mid 1500s. To view the mines, you must enter the Wadi El Gamal National Park.
Wadi El Gamal National Park
Address: Qesm Marsa Alam, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
Opening hours: 6am - 5:30pm (daily)
6. Discover aquatic fun in Port Ghalib
Port Ghalib is a perfect location to jump start your adventures into the water. With options such as parasailing, a banana boat ride, windsurfing, or jet skiing, there is no shortage of options for every taste. Port Ghalib has honed their craft, and is ready for fun with young and old. Whether you’re ready to go fishing, or simply want a restaurant to order fresh fish at, Port Ghalib has it all.
Port Ghalib
Website: Port Ghalib
7. Learn about the stars at Marsa Alam Astronomy Center
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Marsa Alam Astronomy Center is a starry wonder. Set atop a hill in the mountainous desert, this center offers a three-hour presentation to learn about the sky. View the stars through a high intensity telescope, or see them on the wide screen projector. This enchanting facility is a great way to get outside of the city and view the night sky.
Marsa Alam Astronomy Center
Address: Km 23, Marsa Shagara, Marsa Alam, Egypt
Website: Marsa Alam Astronomy Center
8. Try kite surfing at Wadi Lahami
Wadi Lahami is an almost empty coastline ready to be explored. Kite surfing is an adventuresome way to view water, mangroves, and shore birds that live in the area. Trips can be arranged through local companies such as Wadi Lahami Kite Surfing Center, which has lessons, storage, and rental, as well as an on-site lodge and restaurant. This quiet bay is the perfect place to try a new sport.
Wadi Lahami Kitesurfing Center
Address: Wadi Lahami Kitesurfing Center 120km South Marsa Alam City, Hamata، Halayeb We Shalateen Rd, Qesm Marsa Alam, Red Sea
Website: Wadi Lahami Kite Surfing Center
9. Go deep sea fishing at the Hamata Islands
Deep sea fishing is a little like man versus nature. You never know what will happen, or what kind of “fish story” it will result in. However, there is no better place than to attempt a herculean feat than the beautiful Red Sea. With 1,248 identified species of fish in the Red Sea, it’s a wonderful place to give the rod and reel a try. Trips usually start around 55 USD. Do check with the local company you plan to go with if they provide equipment or not, as it depends from company to company.
Hamata Islands
Address: Marsa Alam, Egypt
10. Book a boat ride to Sha'ab Alam for marine life viewing
Sha'ab Marsa Alam is a beautiful spot known for snorkeling and diving. This stunning coral reef was nearly all destroyed in the 1990s, but has since regenerated. Multiple local companies charter snorkeling trips to the area, and notable marine life to look for include crocodilefish, tuna, and dolphins.
Sha'ab Alam
Address: Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
11. Discover green sea turtles and dugong in Marsa Mubarak
Marsa Mubarak is teeming with incredible marine life, including the unusual dugong as well as green sea turtles. Dugong are large water mammals similar to a manatee. This area is a wonderful place to dive with the dugong or view them from above as they play in the water. The green sea turtles are also a remarkable sight, unique to this region.
Marsa Mubarak
Address: Marsa Alam, Egypt
12. Dine on fresh catch at La Perla Del Mare
With so much fresh fish around, it is a must while visiting Marsa Alam to have at least one seafood dinner. La Perla Del Mare is known for delicious, fresh fish with inviting hospitality. Whether you crave fish and chips, large prawns, or octopus, La Perla Del Mare knows how to prepare each dish to perfection.
La Perla Del Mare Seafood Restaurant
Address: 22 شارع 19، Qesm Marsa Alam, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
Website: La Perla Del Mare Seafood Restaurant
Opening hours: 11am - 1am (daily)
13. Enjoy nightlife at Red Club Port Ghalib
For a taste of the nightlife in Marsa Alam area, head to Red Club Port Ghalib where local DJs spin dance-worthy tunes. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, this nonstop party is the place to be for late night entertainment and the chance to mingle. Set in the Sun Rise Marina Resort, you don’t have to go far to use your dance shoes.
Red Club Port Ghalib
Address: Sun Rise Marina Resort, Port Ghlib, Marsa Alam, Marsa Alam, Egypt
Website: Red Club Port Ghalib
Opening hours: Mon, Fri: 9pm - 4am (closed from Tue - Thu, Sat & Sun)
14. Go on a safari at Wadi El Gemal National Park
On this eight-hour trip into the heart of Wadi El Gemal National Park, be prepared to take in breathtaking scenery that is unique to this region. Catch glimpses of dromedary herds, learn of local flora and fauna, and meet with the Bedouin people for a dinner in the desert. With hotel pick-up and drop-off, all entrance fees included, and 4WD vehicle, this is a rare opportunity to see the Eastern Desert.
Book Tours : Marsa Alam: Wadi El Gemal National Park
15. Ride a camel through the desert
If visions of Lawrence of Arabia is your thing, then you do not want to miss this super safari, riding on a camel through the Eastern Desert. Visit a living Bedouin village outside of Marsa Alam and enjoy a folkloric show set under the desert stars. This five-hour trip includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, and a guide for every step of the way.
Book Tours : From Marsa Alam: All-in-One Super Desert Safari
16. Dive deep with a submarine tour
In this two-hour family-friendly trip, discover life underwater aboard a submarine. View breathtaking fish, turtles, and coral reefs as you stay dry and comfortable. The submarine is fitted with 20 panoramic windows, giving you an unparalleled underwater view. You can also take pictures and videos of yourself while on board. The tour picks up and drops guests off at their accommodations, making it even easier to jump on this boat.
17. Discover the desert of Marsa Alam
With so much focus on the watery activities that Marsa Alam has to offer, it is easy to forget about another natural resource–the desert. However, this Viator trip leads you through the charming and quiet side of the life in the desert. Ride an ATV or quad bike into the Eastern desert, just in time to catch the sunset. Dinner, tea, and water are provided in this tour that takes travelers to a Bedouin camp, including a camel ride in the mountains.
Book Tours : Sunset Desert Safari Trip By ATV Quad
Sun and sand at Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is a the perfect place to go if you crave sun, sand, and the opportunity to connect with the underwater world. With so much to do, and so much untouched natural beauty, it is only a matter of time before the secret gets out about Marsa Alam. Hopefully this extensive list of things to do in Marsa Alam will help guide your sun-soaked vacation to the Red Sea.
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