Marsa Alam

Situated 250 km south of the popular Red Sea resort of Hurghada, 280 km east of Edfu and about 135 km south of Quseir. This city, like most cities on the Red Sea coast was initially a small fishing village, until it was opened up for international tourism, and since the opening of its International Airport in 2001, will definitely attract more attention to this pristine and unexplored haven on the Red Sea coast with plans to transform it into a world-class resort. It has rapidly increased in popularity.

Unquestionably, sun, sea and sand are the main attractions, available all year-round, coupled with a mild and sunny climate with virtually no rainfall. 80 km of sandy beaches, surrounded by the turquoise, emerald and sapphire of the sea, provide a perfect setting for a relaxing, carefree vacation. It has started to become yet another favorite holiday destination on the Red Sea Riviera. In fact, most informed observers believe that it is destined to become as popular a resort as Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada.

Not surprisingly, it’s particularly popular with water sports fans and divers drawn to its quiet offshore coral reefs and world-renowned sites such as Elphinstone Reef with its hammerhead sharks and unmatched wealth of marine life. The quantity and beauty of the fauna and flora of these waters can only be compared with the ones in other famous coral reefs in the world. Marsa Alam is also considered an ideal base for a fishing holiday, with conditions ideal for deep-sea fishing trips.

Marsa Alam is situated near the Tropic of Cancer where the Arabian Desert meets the Red Sea, and it has the appearance of a tropical paradise with its palm trees, mangroves and sea coasts fringed with barrier coral reefs. It has already gained a strong reputation amongst scuba divers due to its numerous and unspoiled diving sites both along the coast and offshore. Sightings of spinner dolphins, dugongs and hammerhead sharks are a frequent occurrence for those who venture into its waters.

One of the unique features of this area is the virgin sea coast, lined with rich mangrove swamps, loved by marine and bird life. This is why a safari by jeep, horseback, camel or even quad bike, into the surrounding mountainous desert to explore oases or the long-abandoned goldmines, is one of the things not to be missed.

Marsa Alam also has some inland attractions, such as the Emerald Mines and the temple of Seti I at Khanais, near also is Marsa Alam Airport.
 

Average temperatures during the winter months (October to March) range from 18 to 35 degrees Celsius and during the summer months (April to September) from 20 to 45 degrees Celsius. The temperature of the Red Sea at this location during the year ranges from 22 to 29 degrees Celsius.

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