Egypt’s Red Sea is one of the top diving destinations in the whole world, and in my humble opinion, Marsa Alam is easily the best of all towns along the coast. Thanks to the rich marine life, stunning coral reefs, and untouched nature, diving in Marsa Alam is a jaw-dropping, world-class experience. 

So, if you’re a solo traveling diver or snorkeling enthusiast planning a trip to Egypt, forget about mainstream Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh and visit Marsa Alam. The beaches and dive spots there are unrivaled, and absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.

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Diving in Marsa Alam at a Glance

• Best for: Experienced divers, as well as beginners, marine-life lovers, and thalassophiles.
• Marine life: sea turtles, dugongs, spinner dolphins, sharks, and various tropical fish.
• Best dive sites: Elphinstone, Abu Dabbab, Marsa Mubarak, Fury Shoals, and more.
• Best dolphin experience: Samadai and Sataya.
• Solo-friendly: Yes; not a 100% solo travel destination, but absolutely doable on your own.
• Best places to stay: Abu Dabbab Lodge, Marsa Shagra Village, Wadi Lahmi Village, and Marsa Nakari Village.
• Nearest airport: Marsa Alam International Airport.
• Important note: Some sites require long boat journeys and/or depend on the weather.

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Why Go Diving in Marsa Alam?

As I mentioned earlier, Marsa Alam offers a world-class diving experience; here’s exactly why:

• The breathtaking coral reefs: I’ve seen incredible coral reefs that run so deep into the sea that I haven’t seen anything like it in other Red Sea destinations.
• Marine biodiversity: Aside from the insane diversity of tropical fish you can spot while snorkeling or diving in Marsa Alam, the destination is also famous for its sea turtles, spinner dolphins, dugongs, and even sharks. 
• Less developed coastline: Even though this makes it difficult to reach certain spots, it’s exactly why dive spots in Marsa Alam feel so untouched. 
• Fewer crowds: Given that Marsa Alam is far down south, and it’s less developed than other Red Sea destinations, fewer crowds are guaranteed. 
• Access to stunning offshore sites: If you’re in Marsa Alam, it’s much easier to reach incredible remote dive sites like Sataya or Fury Shoals. 

Where to Go Snorkeling & Diving in Marsa Alam: Best Dive Sites to Explore

#1 Abu Dabbab

Best for: Spotting turtles and beginner divers.

This shallow bay boasts colorful reefs and a variety of tropical fish, as well as rare sightings of dugongs. However, it’s mostly known for being home to a family of sea turtles thanks to its seagrass meadows. This all makes Abu Dabbab the perfect location for snorkeling and intro dives. 

#2 Umm Halhala 

Best for: Beginner divers, snorkelers, and reef lovers.

An offshore coral garden that sits right outside the Abu Dabbab area, accessible via speedboat from the beach. This was hands down one of the most stunning reefs I experienced as a beginner. 

#3 Marsa Mubarak 

Best for: Spotting turtles and dugongs.

This sheltered bay has a unique ecosystem that makes a home for sea turtles and dugongs, making it one of the best places to spot both. 

#4 Elphinstone Reef 

Best for: Advanced divers and shark encounters.

Being famous for hammerhead and whitetip shark sightings in the fall, as well as vibrant corals that stretch as deep as 100+ meters (328+ feet), makes Elphinstone a diving paradise. However, it’s more of an advanced divers’ site due to its depth and strong currents.

#5 Fury Shoals 

Best for: Experienced divers and reef exploration.

An entire reef system down south, boasting a network of over 20 reefs and lagoons, making it another diver’s paradise.

#6  Shaab Samadai (Dolphin House)

Best for: Dolphin encounters and marine life.

This lagoon is home to a pod of spinner dolphins where you can have magical encounters in a more protected setting. 

#7 Shaab Sataya (Dolphin Reef)

Best for: Remote dolphin encounters and adventure. 

This southern reef is another home to spinner dolphins, but given its open water setting, encounters may be closer and with bigger numbers. There are wonderful coral reefs there worth seeing as well. 

It’s just worth noting that the trip all the way to Sataya is an exhausting one, so you need to set the right expectations in advance. 

#8 Hamata Islands

Best for: Snorkeling and tropical scenery.

Dubbed the “Egyptian Maldives”, this group of uninhabited islands is known for their white sand beaches and shallow turquoise waters. So, it’s more of a snorkeling paradise, but the heavenly views and incredible marine life, as well as its proximity to Fury Shoals, make Hamata Islands worth adding to your Marsa Alam itinerary.

#9 Ras Hankurab (Sharm El Luli)

Best for: Snorkeling and beach experience.

Located inside the Wadi El Gemal Protectorate, this remote beach is locally referred to as Sharm El Luli. It’s mostly a chill snorkeling spot, but the crystal-clear turquoise waters and beautiful corals and tropical fish make it absolutely worth visiting.

Dive Site	Best For	Difficulty	Main Attraction	Diving / Snorkeling
Abu Dabbab	Spotting turtles and beginner divers.	Beginner-friendly	Sea turtles, seagrass, and colorful reefs.	Both
Umm Halhala	Beginner divers, snorkelers, and reef lovers.	Beginner-friendly	Stunning offshore coral garden.	Both
Marsa Mubarak	Spotting turtles and dugongs.	Beginner-friendly	Unique ecosystem and marine life.	Both
Elphinstone Reef	Advanced divers and shark encounters.	Advanced	Hammerheads, whitetips and deep coral walls.	Diving
Fury Shoals	Experienced divers and reef exploration.	Advanced	20+ reefs, lagoons and diverse marine life.	Diving
Shaab Samadai	Dolphin encounters and marine life.	Beginner–Intermediate	Spinner dolphins and protected lagoon.	Both
Shaab Sataya	Remote dolphin encounters and adventure.	Intermediate	Spinner dolphins and expansive reefs.	Both
Hamata Islands	Snorkeling and tropical scenery.	Beginner-friendly	White-sand islands, turquoise water, and marine life.	Snorkeling
Ras Hankurab	Snorkeling and beach experience.	Beginner-friendly	Crystal-clear water, corals, and tropical fish.	Snorkeling

Best Areas & Hotels for Divers in Marsa Alam

Now that you know where to go diving in Marsa Alam, let’s figure out the best places for you to set up base as a diver. Here are some of the best hotels in Marsa Alam, specifically for divers. 

Abu Dabbab

• Best for: Turtle lovers, easy shore diving and snorkeling experiences. 
• Where to Stay: Abu Dabbab Lodge (read my honest review here), Marsa Shagra Village, and Wadi Sabarah Lodge.

Port Ghalib

• Best for: Restaurants and marina access. 
• Where to Stay: Marina Lodge and Jaz Costa Mares (adults only).

Southern Marsa Alam

• Best for: Remote diving and marine life trips. 
• Where to Stay: Wadi Lahmi Village and Lahami Bay Beach Resort.

What to Pack for Diving in Marsa Alam

Diving essentials

• Mask (you can rent it, but I prefer bringing my own)
• Rash guard
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Dry bag
• Water bottle
• Underwater action camera with housing and/or a sturdy waterproof mobile case
• Surface marker buoy if appropriate

Things I’d especially recommend for Marsa Alam

• Motion-sickness medication
• Seasickness bands
• Lightweight towel
• Extra layers for boat rides

Diving Insurance & Safety

Adventure travel is fun and all, but it always comes with a risk. That’s why it’s better to be safe than sorry and invest in decent travel health insurance. As you may know, my favorite travel insurance for solo travelers is SafetyWing’s Nomad insurance, for a whole lot of reasons and perks. One of which is that adventure sports and activities are often covered. 

The Essential plan covers you for attending classes, solo training, private lessons, and informal training with a group for sports that include snorkeling and freediving. As for Scuba diving, it can be covered as part of the adventure sports add-on, which gives you access to additional activities. 

Responsible Diving in Marsa Alam

To visit Marsa Alam and explore its stunning treasures, here are a few things to keep in mind to do so as responsibly as possible:

• When snorkeling with wildlife, enter the water calmly if you’re on a speedboat; don’t jump! Avoid making noise or sudden movements, in general, so you don’t scare them away.
• Don’t chase, touch, or feed wild animals like dolphins, sea turtles, or dugongs.
• Always keep a safe distance between you and the animals.
• Avoid blocking dolphins’ swimming direction.
• Don’t snorkel right above sea turtles, especially if you’re with a large group. Sea turtles will often swim up to the surface to breathe, and snorkeling above them can block their way.
• Don’t stand, touch, or damage corals with your fins or diving equipment. Even a small amount of damage, which may seem insignificant to you, can harm an entire fragile ecosystem.
• And of course, leave no trace behind. Don’t litter, and don’t collect seashells; these act as shelter for small sea creatures on the shore. 
• Don’t forget to choose responsible dive operators that follow protected area regulations.

FAQs About Diving in Marsa Alam for Solo Travelers

Can you dive Marsa Alam alone?

For safety reasons, I would never recommend diving in Marsa Alam completely on your own. However, as a solo traveler, dive centers can pair you with a buddy or a group.

Are dive trips affordable for solo travelers?

Group trips are often better value than private excursions, as they allow solo travelers to benefit from lower rates and potentially meet other travelers. Just try to aim for smaller group experiences. 

Will I meet other solo travelers?

Dive boats are one of the easiest ways to meet people while solo traveling in Marsa Alam. 

What should solo travelers look for?

Opt for small group excursions, and make sure the operator offers hotel pickups and drop-offs, and extra equipment like fins or life jackets. 

Final Thoughts

My solo trip to Marsa Alam was hands down one of the most unforgettable trips I’ve ever had. It’s all thanks to its incredible marine life encounters and pristine beaches. It’s the kind of place that leaves you in awe, and you’d definitely keep going back to. 

Ready to dive into Marsa Alam? Compare diving trips, find a dive center, book your stay, and don’t forget to read my extensive Marsa Alam guide while planning your trip.

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Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

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You might also like:

• Marsa Alam: The Ultimate Guide to Egypt’s Red Sea Gem
• Best Hotels in Marsa Alam for Adventurous Solo Travelers

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