Why Marsa Alam Is One of the Red Sea’s Best Kept Secrets

For decades, the Egyptian Red Sea has been synonymous with bustling tourist hubs like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. While those destinations are fantastic, they often come with crowds, development, and high-traffic dive sites.

Enter Marsa Alam, a coastal stretch located deep in the south of Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera. Despite having its own international airport (RMF), it has managed to retain an atmosphere of tranquility and untouched natural beauty, making it arguably the region’s best-kept secret—a paradise for divers, nature lovers, and those simply seeking genuine seclusion.

Here are the definitive reasons why Marsa Alam stands apart as a unique and invaluable Red Sea destination.

1. The Marine Life: Encounters with the Gentle Giants

The single biggest draw of Marsa Alam is the high probability of encountering the Red Sea’s most famous and rarest marine residents. The area’s geography provides perfect habitat protection, leading to consistent sightings that are often elusive further north.

  • The Dugong Sanctuary: Marsa Alam is one of the few places in the world where you can frequently encounter the endangered Dugong (Sea Cow). Protected bays like Abu Dabbab are lined with vast seagrass meadows, the dugong’s preferred food source, offering divers and snorkelers a genuine chance to watch these gentle giants graze.
  • The Turtle Haven: Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles are abundant here, particularly in the calm, shallow waters of bays like Abu Dabbab and Marsa Mubarak. Snorkelers can effortlessly float above these majestic creatures as they feed.
  • The Dolphin Houses: Sites like Sha’ab Samadai (Dolphin House) and Sataya Reef are home to large, resident pods of wild Spinner Dolphins. These horseshoe-shaped reefs provide sheltered lagoons where dolphins rest and play, offering regulated, responsible opportunities for in-water encounters that feel truly magical.

2. The Unspoiled Coastal Vibe: Tranquility Over Tourism

The key difference between Marsa Alam and its northern neighbours is the pace of life and the scale of development. While Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are sprawling cities with bustling nightlife and massive resort strips, Marsa Alam offers a relaxed, nature-centric atmosphere.

  • Blissful Seclusion: Marsa Alam’s resorts and eco-lodges are sparsely spread out over a long coastline, ensuring that beaches feel less crowded even during peak season. Areas like Sharm El Luli have earned the nickname the “Egyptian Maldives” for their pristine white sand, calm turquoise lagoons, and blissful lack of crowds.
  • Eco-Tourism Focus: The region’s identity is closely tied to its protected areas, particularly the Wadi El Gemal National Park. This focus on preservation means development is restricted, keeping the environment healthier and the experience more authentic.
  • Easy Shore Access: Many resorts boast stunning, healthy house reefs accessible directly from the beach or jetty. This reduces the need for expensive, time-consuming boat trips and allows for unlimited, relaxed diving and snorkeling throughout the day.

3. The Ultimate Dive Sites: Gateway to the Deep South

For the certified and advanced diver, Marsa Alam is not just a peaceful retreat; it is the ultimate starting point for Red Sea exploration.

  • Pelagic Central: Marsa Alam is the primary gateway for liveaboards and speedboat excursions heading to the iconic, deep-water, offshore reefs. Sites like the legendary Elphinstone Reef are famous globally for their dramatic drop-offs and seasonal encounters with large pelagics, including Oceanic Whitetip Sharks and Hammerhead Sharks.
  • Pristine Coral Health: Due to lower tourist traffic and strict national park regulations in the Deep South, the coral reefs accessed from Marsa Alam—such as Daedalus Reef and Fury Shoals—are regarded as some of the most vibrant and untouched in the entire Red Sea.

By combining the adrenaline rush of world-class pelagic diving with the gentle, guaranteed encounters of turtles and dugongs in shallow, protected bays, Marsa Alam manages to cater to every kind of water enthusiast without sacrificing its tranquil charm.

This unique balance of easy shore access, unspoiled nature, and big marine life guarantees that Marsa Alam will remain a cherished secret for those in the know.