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Many travelers have heard about this Egyptian resort, but not everyone understands why it is more expensive than Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
Where is it located? What are its main advantages? What is there to see? How do you get there? How much does it cost?
Below we describe this unique place in detail.
In a nutshell, Marsa Alam means the Red Sea without the crowds: warm water all year round and a rare chance to see dugongs (sea cows), dolphins and huge turtles in the wild.
The southernmost and one of the warmest resorts in Egypt: protected by mountains, with almost no wind and comfortable sea temperatures even in winter.
Practically untouched coral reefs and incredibly rich marine life — this is why professional divers specifically choose Marsa Alam.
Dolphins, huge turtles and sea cows (dugongs) — a rare opportunity to swim next to large marine animals in their natural environment.
Long, quiet beaches with soft white sand and crystal-clear water: the coastline stretches for more than 50 km.
Calm European crowd — mostly Germans, Italians and Czechs. The resort is designed for a relaxed, laid-back vacation.
From Chișinău there is a direct charter flight to Marsa Alam airport, and then a transfer to your hotel in roughly 30–90 minutes.
Where is Marsa Alam located?
Location: Marsa Alam lies about 280 km south of Hurghada. It is Egypt’s southernmost Red Sea resort. The surrounding mountains protect it from winds, so it is always warmer here and there is barely any wind. Even in winter the sea temperature is comfortable for swimming.
Why travelers choose Marsa Alam
Advantages: here, travelers find an almost untouched coral reef that is incredibly rich in marine life. This is exactly the resort chosen by professional divers. Such a unique variety of underwater fauna can only be found in Marsa Alam.
Marine life in Marsa Alam
Marine residents. Besides colourful reef fish, you can meet dolphins, huge sea turtles and sea cows (dugongs). You can join a boat excursion to “visit” them, and even take selfies together. They impress with how unusual and large they are and, most importantly, with the chance to swim close to them and feel the calm power of nature beside you.
Beaches and overall vibe
The beaches of Marsa Alam are the real pride of the resort. You get soft white sand, surf as clear as glass and excellent swimming conditions. But the main highlight is the feeling that you can truly be alone with the sea, walking along long, almost empty beaches. The impressive beach line stretches for more than 50 km.
The resort attracts a calm European audience. Mostly Germans, Italians and Czechs come to Marsa Alam, and the format of the stay is very relaxed. It is an ideal place for a peaceful, restorative holiday.
What to do in Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is not about noisy parties and shopping malls — it is all about the sea and that feeling of freedom. You spend most of your time in the water or on the beach, not in crowded city streets.
The main things to do are swimming in the warm Red Sea, snorkeling right off the beach by the coral gardens, and diving on some of the most beautiful reefs in the region. Many hotels have convenient pontoons, so you can walk straight into deeper water and reach the reef and fish in just a few kicks.
Boat trips to see dolphins, turtles and dugongs are very popular, as are desert excursions: jeep safaris, quad biking and visits to Bedouin villages. Evenings are usually quiet — strolls along the sea, dinner at the hotel and stargazing far away from city lights.
Marsa Alam in 1 day: a relaxed sea-day example
Start the morning with an early swim, when the sea is especially calm and transparent. After breakfast, take a walk along the long beach and do a bit of light snorkeling from the hotel pontoon — the reef usually starts very close to shore.
In the middle of the day, give yourself an hour or two of complete relaxation by the pool or in the shade of palm trees, then head back to the sea for a longer snorkeling session or a trial dive with an instructor — most hotels have on-site dive centers.
Towards sunset, enjoy a slow walk along the shore, a small photo session with the sea in the background and a leisurely dinner at the hotel. Nights in Marsa Alam are very quiet: you mostly hear the sound of the waves and occasional distant seabirds.
Marsa Alam in 2 days: sea, reefs and sea cows
On day one you can focus entirely on the hotel and nearby reef: swimming, snorkeling, exploring coral gardens and observing colourful fish. It is a gentle way to settle in and feel the resort’s atmosphere.
Day two is perfect for a full-day boat excursion. In the morning you are picked up from the hotel, then you head out to sea to look for dolphins, large turtles or sea cows. This is the kind of experience many travelers choose Marsa Alam for.
After the trip, enjoy some downtime back at the hotel, maybe visit the spa and watch one more sunset on a nearly empty beach. Such a short trip clearly shows how Marsa Alam differs from Hurghada and Sharm: more nature, less hustle.
How to get to Marsa Alam
How to get there? From Chișinău there is a direct charter flight to Marsa Alam airport. On arrival, travelers are met by a transfer and taken to their hotel. The ride from the airport to the hotels takes from about 30 minutes up to 1.5 hours, depending on how far along the coast your hotel is located.
Thanks to the direct charter, the journey is as comfortable as possible: no unnecessary connections or long layovers in other airports. You just choose the right hotel, and the tour operator together with the local partners will take care of all the logistics.
Marsa Alam FAQ
Why is Marsa Alam more expensive than Hurghada or Sharm?
The resort is far from mass tourism, the reefs are much better preserved and the surrounding nature feels wilder. Hotels often occupy large areas on the first line and focus on a peaceful, uncrowded stay, which naturally affects the price.
When is the best time to visit Marsa Alam?
Thanks to the mountains and southern location, it is comfortable almost year-round. The most popular season runs from autumn to spring, when the north of Egypt is already windy, but in Marsa Alam both air and water remain pleasantly warm.
Is Marsa Alam suitable for families with children?
Yes, if you are looking for a calm family holiday: warm sea, little wind and large hotel grounds. Just make sure to choose a hotel with an easy entry into the water or a lagoon, because on many stretches the reef starts close to the shore.
Can you swim in the sea in winter?
Yes, even in winter the water stays comfortable for swimming and the wind is generally weaker than in northern Egyptian resorts. That is why Marsa Alam is considered one of the warmest winter destinations in Egypt.
Do I need prior experience for diving in Marsa Alam?
Professional divers come for challenging and beautiful dive sites, but beginners can start with a trial dive with an instructor. Many dive centers train you from scratch and issue international certificates.
Will we definitely see dolphins and sea cows on excursions?
This is wildlife, so there can never be a 100% guarantee. However, the Marsa Alam area offers some of the highest chances, with boats regularly visiting known spots for dolphins, turtles and dugongs.
Is it windy and wavy in Marsa Alam?
The resort is sheltered by mountains, so strong winds are quite rare. Winds are usually weaker than in Hurghada or Sharm during winter, and the sea is calm most of the time.
What kind of tourists usually come to Marsa Alam?
Mostly calm European travelers: Germans, Italians, Czechs and diving enthusiasts. It is not a party destination — it is chosen for relaxed days by the sea.
How long is the transfer from the airport to the hotels?
The transfer from Marsa Alam airport to the hotels usually takes between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on how far along the coast your hotel is.
Is there shopping and active nightlife in Marsa Alam?
Unlike Hurghada and Sharm, there are very few malls and clubs here. Life is concentrated in the hotels and on the sea, which is why the resort is chosen for peace and minimal noise rather than nightlife.
Is Marsa Alam a good choice for a first trip to Egypt?
Yes, if you are initially looking for a calm format with a clear focus on sea and nature. If you want bazaars, busy promenades and an intense nightlife, you may want to combine Marsa Alam with another, more urban resort.
How do prices compare to other Egyptian resorts?
On average, packages to Marsa Alam are somewhat more expensive than mass destinations, due to its unique reefs and remoteness. However, there are regular promotions and special offers, so you can adjust the overall budget to different needs.
