Marsa Alam, Egypt
A relatively new destination
At the southern end of the Red Sea Riviera in Egypt, Marsa Alam is there to be discovered. Just north of the Tropic of Cancer, where the Arabian Desert greets the warm sea, it’s a lush paradise of palms and mangroves, bounded by barrier coral reefs. Expect to hear much more of it in the future. For now, it’s comparatively unspoilt and a haven of calm. So enjoy!
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Destination overview
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| Language: | Arabic | |
| Currency: | Egyptian pound | |
| Time zone: | GMT +2 hours (Summer GMT+3 hours) | |
| Flight Time: | 5 hours 35 | |
| Holiday type: | Beach | |
| Weather: | Average maximum temperature: 24.6°C (Data for Luxor) Rainfall: 1.5mm a year (Data for Luxor) |
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Must see:
The action at Marsa Alam is on and in the water (which, at between 22°C and 29°C, is an attractive place to be at any time of the year). Rapidly establishing its reputation as a remarkable dive site – both along the coast and further offshore – it’s not uncommon to spot dolphins, turtles and hammerhead sharks in its waters.
Must be there for:
Mid-summer can be oppressive in Marsa Alam, with temperatures of up to 45°C. While winter isn’t exactly chilly, the best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the searing heat has gone out of the sun and the diving conditions are more clement.
Well-travelled tips:
Head offshore to Samadi Reef for a personal audience with up to 100 spinner dolphins, who, though a little shy at times, are still happy to play.
If you’re not aquatically-inclined and would rather sample some local culture, take a tour-guided camel trek into the hinterland in search of wild gazelles.
