Marsa Alam

مرسى علم

Remote southern beach town increasingly popular with divers seeking pristine house reefs and encounters with sea turtles and dolphins. The laid-back vibe and beautiful surrounding desert landscape appeal to travelers seeking solitude.

Things to do

• House Reef Diving — Descend directly from the shore into vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, rays, and occasional sea turtles without needing a boat.
• Dolphin and Sea Turtle Encounters — Join early morning boat trips into deeper waters to spot spinner dolphins and loggerhead sea turtles in their natural habitat.
• Abu Dabbab Lagoon — Visit this shallow, sheltered lagoon 20 km south of town where you can swim alongside dugongs and sea turtles in crystalline waters.
• Wadi El Gemal Desert Exploration — Trek through dramatic desert canyons and wadis behind town, encountering Bedouin settlements and experiencing the stark beauty of the Eastern Desert.
• Snorkeling at Ras Shab Mahmoud — Explore a pristine reef point with walls dropping to 40 meters, featuring soft corals, nudibranchs, and schools of pelagic fish.
• Night Diving and Bioluminescence — Experience the reef's nocturnal transformation with specialized night dives where you may observe hunting octopuses and glowing plankton.

Food to try

• Grilled Hammour — Fresh-caught grouper seasoned simply with lemon, garlic, and olive oil then grilled over charcoal, showcasing the day's catch from the Red Sea.
• Marsa Alam Fish Tagine — A slow-cooked Moroccan-influenced stew with local white fish, tomatoes, preserved lemon, and olives served in a traditional clay pot.
• Mezze Platter — An assortment of hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and fresh pita bread, often accompanied by grilled halloumi cheese and local olives.
• Bedouin Tea Ceremony — Sweet mint tea prepared and served in the traditional Bedouin way, often enjoyed in desert camps at sunset with dates and local pastries.
• Ful Medames — A hearty breakfast of slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with cumin, garlic, and olive oil, typically eaten with fresh bread and a soft-boiled egg.
• Grilled Octopus with Za'atar — Tender octopus tentacles charred on the grill and finished with the herbal spice blend za'atar, fresh lemon, and local herbs.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Ramadan Timing — During the holy month, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is considered disrespectful; many restaurants close during the day and the pace of life slows significantly.
• Dress Conservatively Away from Beach — While resort areas are relaxed, covering shoulders and knees when visiting Bedouin communities or town areas shows respect for local Islamic customs.
• Haggling is Expected in Markets — When purchasing souvenirs or goods at local shops and outdoor markets, negotiating prices is a normal part of the transaction, not considered offensive.
• Bedouin Hospitality Traditions — If invited to a Bedouin camp or home, accepting offered tea and food is important for building goodwill; refusing can be seen as impolite.