Marsa Alam Diving & Snorkeling Guide – Dolphins, Dugongs & Coral Reefs

Why Marsa Alam is Egypt’s Best Kept Secret

While Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh steal most of the spotlight, Marsa Alam remains one of Egypt’s most pristine and unspoiled coastal destinations. Located about 220 km south of Hurghada, this laid-back town sits on the southern Red Sea coast and is home to extraordinary marine biodiversity — including dugongs, sea turtles, spinner dolphins, and manta rays.

At The Pure Coastal, we offer day trips and full excursions from Marsa Alam to all the top dive and snorkel sites. Here’s everything you need to know.

Sataya Reef (Dolphin House) – Swim with Wild Dolphins

Sataya Reef, also known as Dolphin House, is one of the most magical snorkeling destinations in the world. A large pod of spinner dolphins calls this atoll home year-round. On a morning boat trip, you can slip quietly into the water and find yourself surrounded by dozens of dolphins swimming freely around you.

This is not a show — these are completely wild dolphins in their natural habitat. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of the top reasons travelers choose Marsa Alam.

Abu Dabbab – Turtles & Dugongs

Abu Dabbab Bay is famous for its resident sea turtles and the rare dugong — a large marine mammal related to the manatee. The shallow, seagrass-filled bay is a feeding ground for dugongs, and sightings are surprisingly common. Sea turtles are spotted here almost daily.

Snorkeling at Abu Dabbab is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it one of the most family-friendly excursions in the region.

Hamata Islands – Remote Coral Paradise

The Hamata Islands are a small archipelago at the far southern end of Egypt’s Red Sea coast, just north of the Sudanese border. The reefs here are among the healthiest and most colorful in all of Egypt — largely because of their remote location and low tourist footfall.

A day trip to Hamata by boat takes you through mangrove channels and out to pristine coral gardens teeming with fish, rays, and turtles. It’s about as close to a truly untouched reef as you can get.

Wadi El Gemal National Park

Wadi El Gemal (Valley of the Camels) is a protected national park that combines desert, mangrove forests, and coastal reef in one stunning landscape. The park is a UNESCO-recognized protected area and offers snorkeling, jeep safaris, and birdwatching.

El Quseir – Culture & History

Just north of Marsa Alam, the ancient port town of El Quseir was one of the most important trading posts on the Red Sea for centuries. Today it’s a charming fishing town with a well-preserved Ottoman fort, old merchant houses, and a relaxed local atmosphere that’s a world away from the resort strip.

Book Your Marsa Alam Excursion

The Pure Coastal operates daily excursions from Marsa Alam including Sataya Dolphin House, Abu Dabbab, Hamata Islands, and Wadi El Gemal. Our local guides, comfortable boats, and all-inclusive packages make it easy to explore this extraordinary coastline.

Book online and let the southern Red Sea take your breath away.