Top 10 Things to Do in Marsa Alam: Beaches, Snorkeling & Desert Adventures

Marsa Alam, once a quiet fishing village, has grown into one of Egypt’s most fascinating Red Sea destinations. Known for its coral reefs, wild dolphins, soft beaches, and desert scenery, the city offers a mix of adventure and relaxation that appeals to all kinds of travelers.

Whether you’re visiting for diving, a desert safari, or a day trip to Luxor or Cairo, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences here. From exploring colorful reefs to discovering ancient history, these are the top 10 things to do in Marsa Alam to make your trip truly memorable.

1. Snorkeling at Abu Dabbab Beach

If you only do one thing in Marsa Alam, make it a visit to Abu Dabbab Beach — one of the most famous snorkeling sites on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. The calm, shallow bay is home to giant green sea turtles, colorful reef fish, and sometimes even the rare dugong, a gentle sea mammal often called the “sea cow.”

The beach has soft sand, clear turquoise water, and easy access to the reef right from the shore, making it ideal for beginners and families. You can rent snorkeling gear on-site or join a guided snorkeling trip for expert assistance and better chances of spotting marine life.

Abu Dabbab is also great for divers, with deeper coral formations and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for underwater photography. After snorkeling, nearby cafés and shaded areas offer a comfortable place to rest and enjoy the Red Sea view.

2. Visit Sharm El Luli Beach (Ras Hankorab)

No list of the best things to do in Marsa Alam would be complete without mentioning Sharm El Luli, also known as Ras Hankorab. This protected beach inside Wadi El Gemal National Park is often called the most beautiful spot on the Red Sea — and for good reason.

The sand is pure white, the water is crystal clear, and the coral reefs begin just a few meters from the shore. The shallow lagoon makes it perfect for all experience levels, including first-time snorkelers and families with children.

You can spend hours drifting over colorful corals, spotting butterflyfish, rays, and sea turtles. There are no hotels or large facilities here, which helps keep the area pristine and peaceful.

Many travelers visit as part of a Sharm El Luli Snorkeling Trip from Marsa Alam, which usually includes transport, snorkeling equipment, and a stop at nearby El Qulaan Lagoon for a traditional Bedouin-style lunch.

Sharm El Luli is a must-see if you love untouched nature and want to experience the Red Sea at its most beautiful.

3. Swim with Dolphins at Satayeh Reef (Dolphin House)

One of the most unforgettable things to do in Marsa Alam is a boat trip to Satayeh Reef, also known as Dolphin House. Located in the far south of Marsa Alam, this large horseshoe-shaped reef is famous for its population of wild spinner dolphins that often swim and play around visiting boats.

A full-day Satayeh Dolphin House snorkeling trip usually starts early in the morning from Hamata Marina. After a scenic two-hour boat ride, you’ll reach the protected lagoon, where pods of dolphins sometimes appear by the dozens. While swimming with them is never guaranteed, the experience of seeing them glide freely through clear blue water is unforgettable.

Between dolphin encounters, you can snorkel among vibrant coral gardens filled with tropical fish, rays, and colorful soft corals. Most tours include lunch on board, drinks, and snorkeling gear, making it a comfortable day at sea.

For many travelers, visiting Dolphin House is the highlight of their Red Sea holiday — a chance to connect with marine life in its natural environment while supporting responsible, eco-friendly tourism.

4. Explore Wadi El Gemal National Park

If you want to experience the wild side of Egypt, a visit to Wadi El Gemal National Park (“Valley of the Camels”) is one of the most rewarding things to do in Marsa Alam. Spanning desert, mountains, and coastline, this protected area covers over 7,000 square kilometers of natural beauty.

Wadi El Gemal is home to gazelles, desert foxes, wild donkeys, and hundreds of bird species. You’ll also find remnants of ancient mining routes that date back to Pharaonic and Roman times — this region once supplied emeralds to Cleopatra herself.

The coastal section of the park includes mangrove forests and coral reefs teeming with fish. Visitors can take guided jeep or camel safaris through the desert, stopping at Bedouin villages for tea, or hiking along the scenic wadis to see the varied landscapes.

Whether you’re interested in wildlife, photography, or quiet natural escapes, Wadi El Gemal offers a side of Marsa Alam that few tourists ever see. It’s a perfect contrast to the beaches and an essential stop for anyone who loves nature and exploration.

5. Take a Desert Safari and Bedouin Village Tour

Beyond its turquoise waters, Marsa Alam is surrounded by the striking landscapes of the Eastern Desert — and exploring them is one of the most exciting things to do in Marsa Alam. A desert safari tour lets you experience the vast open spaces, rolling sand dunes, and traditional Bedouin culture that define this region.

You can choose between quad biking, 4×4 jeep adventures, or camel rides, depending on how you like to travel. Most tours include stops at small Bedouin villages where you can share tea with locals, learn about their daily lives, and watch the sunset over the desert — a truly unforgettable view.

Evening safaris often include a Bedouin dinner under the stars, with local dishes cooked over open fire and traditional music adding to the atmosphere.

Whether you prefer a fast-paced quad ride or a slow, scenic journey by camel, a desert safari offers a completely different side of Marsa Alam — one that combines nature, culture, and adventure in a single trip.

6. Take a Day Trip to Luxor

For travelers interested in ancient history, a day trip to Luxor is one of the most enriching things to do from Marsa Alam. Known as the world’s largest open-air museum, Luxor lies on the banks of the Nile and is packed with Egypt’s most famous archaeological treasures.

Most tours start early in the morning with an air-conditioned drive across the desert to Luxor. Once there, you’ll explore monumental sites such as the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs like Tutankhamun were buried, and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, carved into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari.

On the East Bank, the Karnak Temple Complex impresses with its massive columns and sacred lake, while the Luxor Temple offers beautiful views at sunset. Guided tours typically include lunch, transport, and a licensed Egyptologist who brings each site’s stories to life.

Though it’s a long day, the journey is comfortable and absolutely worth it. Standing before temples and tombs that have lasted thousands of years is an experience few places can match — and Luxor is just a few hours away from your Marsa Alam resort.

7. Fly to Cairo to See the Pyramids and the Sphinx

If you’ve come all the way to Egypt, seeing the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx is a must. From Marsa Alam, this is easier than it sounds — several tours offer same-day or overnight trips by flight.

A Cairo day trip from Marsa Alam typically starts with an early transfer to Hurghada Airport, followed by a short flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, your Egyptologist guide will take you straight to the Giza Plateau, where you’ll stand before the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. You’ll explore the pyramids, visit the Sphinx, and learn how these incredible structures were built thousands of years ago.

Afterwards, most tours include a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, home to the treasures of Tutankhamun, royal mummies, and more than 120,000 ancient artifacts. Some itineraries also include time in Khan El Khalili Bazaar, one of Cairo’s oldest and most colorful markets.

Though it’s a long day, the combination of ancient history and city energy makes it one of the most rewarding things to do in Marsa Alam for curious travelers.

8. Visit Port Ghalib Marina

If you’re looking for a relaxing evening activity, Port Ghalib Marina is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Marsa Alam without leaving town. This modern waterfront area is just minutes from most hotels and combines the charm of a small coastal city with a touch of luxury.

The marina is lined with restaurants, cafés, and shops, making it a great place for a casual walk, dinner by the water, or a bit of shopping. You can enjoy Egyptian and international cuisine, sip coffee while watching the yachts, or browse for souvenirs and handmade crafts.

In the evening, Port Ghalib comes alive with soft lighting, sea breezes, and a friendly atmosphere. It’s also a starting point for many snorkeling and diving trips, so you might see boats preparing for next-day excursions.

If you want a break from the beach or a pleasant spot to unwind after a day of adventure, Port Ghalib Marina is the perfect blend of relaxation, dining, and local life.

9. Take a Submarine or Glass-Bottom Boat Trip

Not everyone wants to dive or snorkel, and that’s where the Seascope submarine or glass-bottom boat trips come in. These are among the most family-friendly things to do in Marsa Alam, giving you the chance to explore the Red Sea’s coral reefs without even getting wet.

The Seascope submarine has an underwater viewing deck surrounded by large windows, allowing passengers to see fish, coral gardens, and rays up close. It’s air-conditioned, comfortable, and suitable for all ages — especially children or those who prefer to stay dry.

Glass-bottom boats offer a shorter but equally beautiful experience, gliding over reefs where you can spot colorful marine life and sea turtles from above. These trips typically last one to two hours and depart directly from Port Ghalib Marina or nearby jetties.

Both options are great for relaxing sightseeing and photography. Whether you’re traveling with kids or just want a low-effort way to admire the Red Sea, these tours bring the underwater world to you.

10. Experience a Sunset Camel Ride or Quad Adventure

Few experiences capture the spirit of Egypt’s desert like watching the sunset from the back of a camel or riding a quad bike across golden dunes. These sunset tours are among the most popular things to do in Marsa Alam, combining excitement, culture, and breathtaking scenery.

Most trips start in the late afternoon, when the heat begins to fade. You’ll travel into the desert on quad bikes or camels, following your guide toward scenic viewpoints. As the sun sets, the sky glows in shades of orange and pink over the vast open desert — a moment that feels timeless.

Some tours include a stop at a Bedouin camp, where you can sip tea, enjoy local bread baked over open fire, and experience authentic Bedouin hospitality. After dark, many groups stay to admire the stars away from city lights — the desert sky here is astonishingly clear.

Whether you prefer a relaxed camel ride or a thrilling quad adventure, this is the perfect way to end a day in Marsa Alam — peaceful, beautiful, and completely unique.

With its perfect mix of sea, desert, and history, Marsa Alam offers far more than just a beach holiday. Whether you want to snorkel with sea turtles, explore ancient temples, or sip tea under a desert sunset, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.

The city’s location on Egypt’s southern Red Sea coast makes it easy to combine relaxation with adventure — from Sharm El Luli’s pristine reefs to Wadi El Gemal’s wild landscapes and cultural day trips to Luxor or Cairo.

These top 10 things to do in Marsa Alam highlight the best of the region: nature, culture, and unforgettable experiences. No matter how long you stay, this peaceful corner of the Red Sea will leave you with memories of turquoise water, golden desert, and Egypt’s warm hospitality.

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