Located in the southern section of the Red Sea and very close to the Elphinstone reef.  It was very popular for the Dugongs in Abu Dahab Bay, but there are now restrictions on the number of divers allowed. 

Marsa Alam is only recently becoming a popular choice amongst divers, thanks to the opening of the new airport.

A consequence of this is that the reefs are far more pristine than in the northern Red Sea and the dive sites uncrowded.

However as with everywhere in the Red Sea, building work is on the increase and it can only be a matter of time before Marsa Alam becomes another Red Sea resort as popular as Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada.

For general information about Egypt, visit the main destination page.

Elphinstone Reef is the mythic dive site of the south. The walls plunge deep into the blue, richly decorated with soft, bright pink, red, white and brown corals, sponges, gorgonias and fans. Pelargics often swim by the spot to feed on the abundant reef fish population, but many other species, including dophins, fusiliers, jacks, snappers groupers and wrasse may also be seen.

The northern plateau is home to schooling hammerheads with frequent sightings of oceanic gray white tip sharks, along with Barracuda, numerous big Jacks and even Tuna.

• Marsa Alam is more remote and as there are not many resorts to choose from, consider going full board as there's little scope for eating out.
• Avoid Rogue Operators -  Dive only with legal diving operators on your next trip to Egypt’s Red Sea. All CDWS member dive operators have met ISO standards EN 14467 / ISO 24803 for diving to ensure your diving safety. Look out for the CDWS logo for the symbol of quality and safety.