Why Marsa Alam in 2026?
Marsa Alam, 170 miles south of Hurghada, is the destination for experienced divers who want the Red Sea's sites without the crowds. The resort developed later (its airport opened in 2001) and keeps a wilder, less built-up character than Hurghada or Sharm. Premium 5-star hotels with house reefs you can reach straight from the jetty (snorkeling from your beach towel), an intimate atmosphere, direct access to legendary sites: Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reef, Elphinstone Reef, Saint John's Reef.
Marsa Alam stands out for: (1) direct access to the Top 5 dive sites in the world with no long transfer, (2) 5-star hotels with a house reef off the jetty, (3) a calm atmosphere and preserved nature, (4) domestic flights within Egypt arranged by SEV - hop between Egypt's wonders on swift connections we book for you (Cairo-Marsa Alam, Luxor-Marsa Alam and more).
Must-dive sites
- Brothers Islands (Big Brother + Little Brother) - English lighthouse from 1880, schooling hammerhead sharks, manta rays, reached by a 2-3 day cruise
- Daedalus Reef - Ottoman lighthouse from 1863, isolated coral plateau, hammerhead sharks and oceanic whitetips
- Elphinstone Reef - 230ft vertical wall, oceanic whitetips, passing dolphins, a memorable sunrise
- Saint John's Reef (south) - a reef system with lagoons, ideal over 2-3 days
- Sataya Reef - a resident colony of 100+ spinner dolphins, snorkeling possible
- Marsa Mubarak - shore-dive site reachable from the beach
- Abu Dabbab - seagrass beds with green turtles and dugongs (rare)
Recommended 5-star hotels in Marsa Alam
Steigenberger Coraya Beach Resort 5-Star Premium
House reef reachable straight from the jetty (snorkeling anytime), a sheltered beach, 4 restaurants, Premium all-inclusive. A strong international crowd.
Movenpick El Quseir Resort 5-Star Luxury
Nubian architecture, a 1,640ft private beach, a 16,000 sq ft spa, snorkeling off the jetty, a family hotel with adults-only zones. Excellent value for luxury.
Akassia Swiss Resort 5-Star
Private house reef, 9 pools, 5 restaurants. Full all-inclusive with international drinks.
Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort 5-Star
A 0.6-mile beach, modern design, snorkeling 165ft from the jetty, premium all-inclusive. An activity program running in high season.
When to go to Marsa Alam?
World-class diving season: September-November (water 79-82F, moderate currents, visibility 100-130ft) and March-June (water 72-79F, hammerhead sharks at Daedalus). July-August: very hot on land (104F+) but perfect water. January-February: rates at their lowest, water 72F with a wetsuit.
A live-aboard dive cruise from Marsa Alam?
Our team arranges 5-7 day cruises to the Brothers Islands, Daedalus and Elphinstone with certified 5-star boats. Price $970-2,380/week all-inclusive with unlimited diving.
WhatsApp dive cruise
Excursions and activities in Marsa Alam
- Swim with dolphins at Sataya Reef - a colony of 100+ spinner dolphins, guided snorkeling
- Wadi Gimal Desert - nature reserve, oases, Bedouin tribes
- 5-7 day live-aboard cruise - Brothers + Daedalus + Elphinstone + Rocky Island
- Cairo Pyramids by plane - domestic Marsa Alam-Cairo flight (1h20), 1 day
- Marsa Mubarak beach - shore dive, snorkeling with green turtles
Marsa Alam trip prices 2026
| Standing |
Low season |
Shoulder season |
High season |
| 4-star all-inclusive |
$640 |
$850 |
$1,180 |
| 5-star all-inclusive (Coraya, Akassia) |
$850 |
$1,180 |
$1,610 |
| 5-star Luxury (Movenpick) |
$1,180 |
$1,610 |
$2,150 |
| 7-night live-aboard cruise (diving) |
$970 |
$1,610 |
$2,380 |
Price per person in a double room, 7 nights all-inclusive (land + domestic Egypt flights arranged by SEV, excluding your flight to Egypt). Live-aboard cruise priced separately.
Why book your Marsa Alam trip with SEV
- Certified CMAS/PADI partner dive centers (Coraya Divers, Subex)
- Hotel selection vetted by our team in Cairo
- Direct DMC-negotiated rate (15-25% cheaper than the big US OTAs and tour operators)
- Live-aboard dive cruise on request (5-7 days)
- WhatsApp +20 109 656 9859 24/7 in English
- See also our Red Sea Egypt hub and complete Marsa Alam guide
FAQ - Marsa Alam 2026
Is Marsa Alam suitable for beginner divers?
Marsa Alam is primarily geared toward Advanced+ divers (50+ logged dives) for the major sites (Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone). Open Water beginners can dive the coastal sites (Marsa Mubarak, Abu Dabbab) and snorkel from the house reefs of the hotels. For Open Water without an advanced certification, Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh are a better fit.
How much does a 1-week Marsa Alam trip cost in 2026?
Between $640 (4-star low season) and $2,150 (5-star Luxury high season) per person for 7 nights all-inclusive (land + domestic Egypt flights arranged by SEV). For a 7-day live-aboard dive cruise: $970-2,380/person depending on the season and the boat.
When is the best time to visit Marsa Alam?
September-November for optimal diving (water 79-82F, moderate currents). March-June for the hammerhead sharks at Daedalus. January-February for the lowest rates (water 72F). Avoid July-August unless you stay by the pool/sea (land heat 104F+).
What are the best dive sites in Marsa Alam?
Brothers Islands (hammerhead sharks, reached by a 2-3 day cruise), Daedalus Reef (oceanic whitetips, isolated coral plateau), Elphinstone Reef (230ft vertical wall, dolphins), Saint John's Reef (southern system), Sataya Reef (spinner dolphins while snorkeling), 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. Guided boat excursion from Marsa Alam (1h30 sailing). No 100% guarantee but 80%+ success in season. Average price $85/person for the day.
How do you get to Marsa Alam?
You arrange your flight to Egypt independently. Once you land, SEV takes care of the rest: VIP airport welcome, private transfer to your hotel, and any domestic connections within Egypt (Cairo-Marsa Alam, Luxor-Marsa Alam) that we book for you as part of your package. Contact us on WhatsApp to coordinate your arrival.
Is Marsa Alam suitable for families with children?
Partially. For families with children, Hurghada (Makadi Bay, kids clubs) or Sharm (Naama Bay) are a better fit. Marsa Alam suits families whose children are certified divers (12+, Junior OW) or who are looking for a calm setting. Steigenberger Coraya Beach welcomes children with a basic kids club.
How do I book my Marsa Alam trip with SEV?
Step 1: WhatsApp +20 109 656 9859 or the form with your dates and type of stay (all-inclusive hotel or live-aboard cruise). Step 2: personalized quote within 24h with a named hotel or boat. Vouchers 7 days before.
