Why Marsa Alam in 2026?
Marsa Alam, 270 km south of Hurghada, is the destination for experienced divers seeking Red Sea sites without the crowds. The resort developed later (airport opened in 2001) and retains a wilder and less urbanized character than Hurghada or Sharm. 5★ Premium hotels with reef houses accessible from the pontoon (snorkeling from your towel), intimate atmosphere, direct access to legendary sites: Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reef, Elphinstone Reef, Saint John's Reef.
Marsa Alam is distinguished by: (1) direct access to the Top 5 world diving sites without long transfer, (2) 5★ hotels with reef house from the pontoon, (3) calm atmosphere and preserved nature, (4) all your domestic flights in Egypt are organized and included by SEV.
Unmissable dive sites
- Brothers Islands (Big Brother + Little Brother) - English lighthouse 1880, schools of hammerhead sharks, manta rays, accessible on a 2-3 day cruise
- Daedalus Reef - Ottoman lighthouse 1863, isolated coral plateau, hammerhead and longfin sharks
- Elphinstone Reef - 70m vertical reef, longimanes, passing dolphins, memorable sunrise
- Saint John's Reef (south) - reef system with lagoons, ideal for 2-3 days
- Sataya Reef - resident colony of 100+ spinner dolphins, snorkeling possible
- Marsa Mubarak - shore-dive site accessible from the beach
- Abu Dabbab - green turtle and dugong seagrass beds (rare)
5★ recommended hotels in Marsa Alam
Steigenberger Coraya Beach Resort 5★Premium
Reef house accessible from the pontoon (permanent snorkeling), protected beach, 4 restaurants, all inclusive Premium. Significant English-speaking audience, FR animation.
Movenpick El Quseir Resort 5★ Luxury
Nubian architecture, private beach 500m, spa 1,500m², snorkeling from the pontoon, family hotel but adults-only areas. Excellent luxury value for money.
Akassia Swiss Resort 5★
Private reef house, 9 swimming pools, 5 restaurants. All inclusive complete with international drinks.
Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort 5★
Beach 1km, modern design, snorkeling 50m from the pontoon, all inclusive premium. English-speaking entertainment program in high season.
When to go to Marsa Alam?
World diving season: September-November (water 26-28°C, moderate currents, visibility 30-40m) and March-June (water 22-26°C, hammerhead sharks in Daedalus). July-August: very hot on land (40°C+) but perfect water. January-February: lowest prices, water 22°C with wetsuit.
Live-aboard diving from Marsa Alam?
Our team organizes 5-7 day cruises to Brothers Islands, Daedalus and Elphinstone with 5★ certified boats. Price £690-£1,690/week all inclusive unlimited diving.
WhatsApp diving cruise
Excursions and activities in Marsa Alam
- Swim with dolphins at Sataya Reef - colony of 100+ spinner dolphins, supervised snorkeling
- Wadi Gimal Desert - nature reserve, oasis, Bedouin tribes
- Live-aboard cruise 5-7 days - Brothers + Daedalus + Elphinstone + Rocky Island
- Cairo pyramids by plane - domestic flight Marsa Alam-Cairo (1h20) organized and included by SEV, 1 unforgettable day
- Marsa Mubarak Beach - shore-dive, green turtle snorkeling
Marsa Alam stay price 2026
Price per person in a double room, 7 nights all inclusive, domestic flights in Egypt organized and included by SEV. Your flight to Egypt is at your expense. Accommodation prices on personalized quote - WhatsApp +20 109 656 9859
Why book your Marsa Alam with SEV
- CMAS/PADI certified partner diving centers (Coraya Divers, Subex)
- Hotel selection verified by our team in Cairo
- Direct DMC negotiated rate (15-25% cheaper vs Private Travel/Promovacances)
- Live-aboard cruise excursion on request (5-7 days)
- WhatsApp +20 109 656 9859 24/7 in French
- See also our hub Red Sea Egypt and complete guide Marsa Alam
FAQ - Marsa Alam 2026
Is Marsa Alam suitable for beginner divers?
Marsa Alam is mainly geared towards Advanced+ divers (50+ logged dives) for major sites (Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone). Open Water beginners can dive at coastal sites (Marsa Mubarak, Abu Dabbab) and snorkel from the hotels' reef houses. For Open Water without advanced certification, Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh are more suitable.
How much does a Marsa Alam stay for 1 week cost in 2026?
The all-inclusive stay price (all-inclusive accommodation + all your domestic flights in Egypt organized and included by SEV) varies depending on the season and the hotel. Your flight to Egypt is at your expense. For a 7-day live-aboard diving cruise: £690-£1,690/pers depending on the season and the boat. Request your personalized quote on
WhatsApp +20 109 656 9859
When is the best time for Marsa Alam?
September-November for optimal diving (water 26-28°C, moderate currents). March-June for hammerhead sharks in Daedalus. January-February for the lowest rates (water 22°C). Avoid July-August unless you stay in the swimming pool/sea (heat on land 40°C+).
What are the best diving sites in Marsa Alam?
Brothers Islands (hammerhead sharks, accessible by 2-3 day cruise), Daedalus Reef (longimanes, isolated coral plateau), Elphinstone Reef (70m vertical reef, dolphins), Saint John's Reef (southern system), Sataya Reef (snorkeling spinner dolphins), Marsa Mubarak (shore-dive). See our detailed guide.
Can you swim with dolphins in Marsa Alam?
Yes - at Sataya Reef (Dolphin House), a resident colony of 100+ spinner dolphins accepts snorkelers. Supervised boat excursion from Marsa Alam (1h30 navigation). No 100% guarantee but 80%+ success in season. Average price £60/pers per day.
How do you reach Marsa Alam?
You organize your flight to Egypt (allow around 5 hours from Europe). Once there, SEV takes over: we arrange for you all domestic flights within Egypt according to your program (Cairo-Marsa Alam, Cairo-Aswan, Aswan-Louxor, Cairo-Sharm el-Sheikh), to connect our wonders seamlessly. Baggage 23kg + cabin 8kg generally included.
Is Marsa Alam suitable for families with children?
Partially. For families with children: Hurghada (Makadi Bay, English-speaking kids clubs) or Sharm (Naama Bay) are more suitable. Marsa Alam is suitable for families whose children are certified divers (12+ years Junior OW) or who are looking for a quiet setting. Steigenberger Coraya Beach accepts children with basic kids club.
How do I book my Marsa Alam trip with SEV?
Step 1: WhatsApp +20 109 656 9859 or form with dates and type of stay (all inclusive hotel or live-aboard cruise). Step 2: personalized quote within 24 hours with hotel or boat named. Vouchers 7 days before.
