Underwater Museum

المتحف تحت الماء

An innovative submerged museum near the Citadel of Qaitbay accessible through diving, featuring artifacts recovered from Alexandria's harbor and ancient structures. This unique attraction offers an extraordinary way to experience Alexandria's submerged heritage.

Things to do

• Scuba Dive the Submerged Artifacts — Descend beneath the surface to explore ancient statues, sphinxes, and architectural fragments scattered across the harbor floor in their original underwater context.
• Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay Above Water — Explore the 15th-century fortress built partially on the ruins of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, which directly overlooks the submerged museum site.
• Guided Harbor Tour with Glass-Bottom Boat — For non-divers, experience underwater views through a glass-bottom vessel that allows you to observe artifacts and the harbor topography without full submersion.
• Examine the Ptolemaic Royal Quarters Ruins — Study the remains of Cleopatra's palace district and royal harbor installations now preserved underwater as a testament to ancient Alexandria's grandeur.
• Photography and Documentation Dive — Participate in specialized diving sessions designed for underwater photography enthusiasts to capture the unique artifacts and their marine ecosystem context.
• Attend Pre-Dive Orientation Lectures — Learn about the history of Alexandria's harbor, the artifacts you'll encounter, and the archaeological significance of the submerged structures from expert guides.

Food to try

• Sayadiyah — A traditional Egyptian fish and rice dish prepared with onions and spices, reflecting Alexandria's Mediterranean seafaring heritage and perfect after a diving session.
• Grilled Sea Bass at Waterfront Restaurants — Fresh-caught Mediterranean sea bass, simply grilled and served with lemon and olive oil at restaurants overlooking the Citadel and harbor area.
• Calamari and Shrimp Mezze — Locally caught squid and prawns prepared as appetizers with garlic, chili, and served with Egyptian bread, celebrating Alexandria's abundant seafood.
• Koshari — A beloved Egyptian street food combining rice, lentils, pasta, and spiced tomato sauce, widely available near the museum entrance for quick refreshment between activities.
• Egyptian Mezze Platters — An assortment of hummus, baba ganoush, stuffed grape leaves, and fresh vegetables served at harbor-side cafés, reflecting Mediterranean-Egyptian culinary tradition.

Local customs & good to know

• Diving Certification Required — Most underwater museum visits require at least an Open Water diving certification or supervised training; plan accordingly and book certified guides in advance.
• Respect Sacred Underwater Heritage — These artifacts are irreplaceable cultural treasures; follow strict guidelines about not touching or disturbing objects, as the site is an active archaeological zone.
• Dress Conservatively Above Water — When visiting the adjacent Citadel of Qaitbay and waterfront areas, dress modestly as a sign of respect in this important historical and religious site.
• Book Tours Through Authorized Operators — Visit only with officially licensed dive operators and guides recognized by Egyptian antiquities authorities to ensure safety, legality, and authentic archaeological interpretation.