Marsa Alam: Turtles, Dolphins and Untouched Reefs

Far down the Red Sea coast, Marsa Alam is calmer and wilder than the big resorts further north. The reefs start right at the shore, the water is crystal clear and the desert mountains rise just behind the beach. It is the place to come for marine life.

Sea turtles at Abu Dabbab

Abu Dabbab Bay is famous for green sea turtles that graze on the seagrass in shallow water. You can snorkel from the beach with a guide and watch them feed just a few metres away. Very lucky visitors may even meet a dugong.

Dolphins at Sataya

Sataya is a horseshoe-shaped reef in the far south where large groups of spinner dolphins rest in the lagoon. A full-day boat trip gives you a good chance to snorkel near them, together with beautiful coral stops.

Wadi el-Gemal National Park

Inland from the coast, this protected area of mountains and acacia valleys is home to gazelles, desert birds and Bedouin families. A 4x4 safari with lunch in a Bedouin camp shows you a completely different side of the Red Sea.

Good to know

• Marsa Alam has its own international airport, so you do not need to travel through Hurghada.
• Respect marine life: never touch turtles or coral, and keep a calm distance from dolphins.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen, or a long-sleeved swim shirt.
• A trip to Luxor is possible, but it is a long day – an overnight stay is more relaxed.