Marsa Alam is a resort in south-eastern Egypt, on the western shore of the Red Sea, and Marsa Alam diving is the main reason to go: coral reefs, turtles, renowned dive sites such as Elphinstone Reef, and Wadi el Gemal National Park. This guide brings together what you need to know before booking a stay in Marsa Alam: sites to see, the exact safety status according to the UK and US governments, entry requirements and the climate month by month.
Marsa Alam is a young town: its development began in 1995 with investment from the Kuwaiti Al-Kharafi group and accelerated with the international airport, open to commercial flights in 2001 and officially inaugurated in 2003. Hotels stretch along the coast, often isolated in the desert: your stay revolves around your hotel and its bay. For water and food, our guide to traveler’s diarrhea covers the precautions.
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Marsa Alam at a glance
- Location western shore of the Red Sea, south of Hurghada and Quseir, Red Sea Governorate
- Language Arabic
- Currency the Egyptian pound (EGP) · currency converter
- Airports Marsa Alam International (RMF), north of the townCheck current routes with the airlines
- Entry US and UK: visa required (e-visa or visa on arrival) · US: travel.state.gov · UK: GOV.UK
- Safety not in an area advised against by the UK FCDO; the Sudan border area further south is (GOV.UK, updated 4 August 2026)
- Best for diving, snorkeling, a quiet beach stay
- Best time March-April and October-November
Marsa Alam and safety: what the official advice says
The UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 4 August 2026, read on 26 October 2026) advises against all travel to North Sinai and within 20 km (12 mi) of the Egypt-Libya border, and against all but essential travel to the northern part of South Sinai, the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal and most of the Western Desert. It also covers the disputed Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil, on the border with Sudan. Marsa Alam is not in any of these areas: the FCDO notes that security forces carry out routine checks on vehicles and at airports to protect Red Sea resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam.
The U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025) advises avoiding the northern and middle Sinai, all border areas and parts of the Western Desert. In practice: do not head south towards the Sudanese border, and book desert outings through approved agents or tour operators, as the FCDO recommends for activities outside resort areas.
Things to do in Marsa Alam
Diving and snorkeling on the reefs
This is Marsa Alam’s reason for being. Nearby bays such as Abu Dabbab let you see turtles, dolphins, sharks and varied marine life (crocodilefish, octopuses) straight from the beach. Keep your distance from the animals and follow the dive centres’ instructions. The UK FCDO notes that safety standards of Red Sea dive operators and boats vary considerably: be careful, especially if you are inexperienced.
Elphinstone Reef
North of Marsa Alam, Elphinstone (Sha’ab Abu Hamra) is an isolated offshore reef covered mainly in soft corals (Dendronephthya) that thrive in strong currents. Oceanic whitetip sharks and hawksbill turtles can be seen there. The currents make it a site for experienced divers: check the level required by the dive centre.
Wadi el Gemal National Park
South of Marsa Alam, this national park covers a stretch of coast, islands and a vast desert hinterland. Its reefs hold about 450 species of coral and more than 1,200 species of fish; its seagrass beds feed the dugong and the green turtle, two threatened species. The south of the park has the largest mangrove in the whole Red Sea, around Hamata. On land live dorcas gazelles, Nubian ibex and Barbary sheep; there is also prehistoric rock art and Ptolemaic and Roman remains, including the ancient emerald mines of Mons Smaragdus. The park has a museum devoted to the Ababda tribe.
The desert and heritage
Marsa Alam is also a starting point for safaris in the Eastern Desert and a kitesurfing spot. Nearby are ancient emerald mines and the Temple of Seti I at Kanais. Stick to itineraries offered by approved operators, and wear a helmet on quad bikes: the UK FCDO reports several serious quad bike accidents in resort areas.
Luxor and the Nile Valley
Day trips to Luxor are offered from the coast. The road crosses the desert: the UK FCDO advises against driving outside main cities and resorts at night (GOV.UK, updated 4 August 2026). For a proper tour of the temples, see our Egypt travel guide instead.
Diving checklist based on the UK FCDO
| Point to check | What the UK FCDO says |
|---|---|
| Insurance | make sure your travel insurance, or the tour or dive company, covers air or sea rescue, which can cost more than 4,000 US dollars per hour; the Egyptian authorities only start rescue operations when payment is guaranteed |
| Depth | do not dive below your insurance policy’s depth limit: doing so invalidates your cover |
| Liveaboards | book only through reputable vendors who can vouch for the boat’s safety standards, and ask the crew for a thorough safety briefing before departure |
| Operators | safety standards of Red Sea dive operators and boats vary considerably; book through your tour representative or a reputable operator |
| Sharks | attacks are rare, but there have been attacks on tourists in the Red Sea region; monitor updates from local authorities or your tour operator |
When to go to Marsa Alam
In March-April and October-November, when afternoons are hot without being scorching (between 26.2 and 29.9 °C, or 79 and 86 °F, in March-April; 27.8 °C (82 °F) in November). From June to September, highs exceed 35 °C (95 °F); winter stays mild by day (22.2 °C (72 °F) in January) but cool at night (11.6 °C (53 °F)). It almost never rains: under 8 mm (0.3 in) over the whole year, and less than one rainy day a year.
A note on method: no official normals are published for Marsa Alam. The figures below are those for Hurghada airport, the nearest official station on the same coast, further north. As Marsa Alam is further south, they give an order of magnitude, not a local measurement. The Marsa Alam climate tables circulating online come from unofficial sites.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sunshine / day | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22.2 °C (72 °F) | 11.6 °C (53 °F) | 0.7 mm (0.0 in) | 8.6 h | ⚠️ Mild by day, cool nights |
| February | 23.4 °C (74 °F) | 12.4 °C (54 °F) | 0.5 mm (0.0 in) | 9.9 h | ⚠️ Mild, cool nights |
| March | 26.2 °C (79 °F) | 15.1 °C (59 °F) | 1.1 mm (0.0 in) | 8.8 h | ✅ Pleasant |
| April | 29.9 °C (86 °F) | 18.7 °C (66 °F) | 0.0 mm (0.0 in) | 9.5 h | ✅ Warm, ideal |
| May | 33.7 °C (93 °F) | 23.1 °C (74 °F) | 0.4 mm (0.0 in) | 10.2 h | ⚠️ Already very hot |
| June | 36.2 °C (97 °F) | 26.1 °C (79 °F) | 0.0 mm (0.0 in) | 11.6 h | ❌ Very hot |
| July | 37.4 °C (99 °F) | 27.8 °C (82 °F) | 0.0 mm (0.0 in) | 11.4 h | ❌ Hottest |
| August | 37.5 °C (100 °F) | 28.0 °C (82 °F) | 0.0 mm (0.0 in) | 10.4 h | ❌ Hottest |
| September | 35.3 °C (96 °F) | 25.6 °C (78 °F) | 0.0 mm (0.0 in) | 10.1 h | ⚠️ Still very hot |
| October | 32.1 °C (90 °F) | 22.2 °C (72 °F) | 2.3 mm (0.1 in) | 8.9 h | ✅ Hot, pleasant |
| November | 27.8 °C (82 °F) | 17.6 °C (64 °F) | 2.2 mm (0.1 in) | 8.8 h | ✅ Ideal |
| December | 23.8 °C (75 °F) | 13.4 °C (56 °F) | 0.6 mm (0.0 in) | 8.0 h | ⚠️ Mild, cool nights |
These values are the same as those for Hurghada on our page on when to go to Egypt, which compares the coast with the Nile Valley.
How big is the day-night gap?
The gap between the afternoon high and the night-time low reaches 10.6 °C (19 °F) in January: bring a jacket for evenings and early-morning boat trips. On the sunshine side, Hurghada gets 3,531 hours a year (1961-1990 normals), or 8.0 hours a day even in December. Destination de Voyage calculation.
| Month | High in Hurghada | Day-night gap in Hurghada |
|---|---|---|
| January | 22.2 °C (72 °F) | 10.6 °C (19 °F) |
| February | 23.4 °C (74 °F) | 11.0 °C (20 °F) |
| March | 26.2 °C (79 °F) | 11.1 °C (20 °F) |
| April | 29.9 °C (86 °F) | 11.1 °C (20 °F) |
| May | 33.7 °C (93 °F) | 10.7 °C (19 °F) |
| June | 36.2 °C (97 °F) | 10.1 °C (18 °F) |
| July | 37.4 °C (99 °F) | 9.5 °C (17 °F) |
| August | 37.5 °C (100 °F) | 9.5 °C (17 °F) |
| September | 35.3 °C (96 °F) | 9.6 °C (17 °F) |
| October | 32.1 °C (90 °F) | 9.9 °C (18 °F) |
| November | 27.8 °C (82 °F) | 10.1 °C (18 °F) |
| December | 23.8 °C (75 °F) | 10.4 °C (19 °F) |
If you… then…: choosing your stay
| If you… | Then… |
|---|---|
| are a beginner diver | choose a well-supervised centre, stay in sheltered bays and check your insurance’s rescue cover |
| are an experienced diver | Elphinstone and the offshore reefs, being aware of the currents |
| want to escape winter | December-February: afternoons around 22-24 °C (72-75 °F), but cool nights |
| struggle with heat | avoid June to September, when highs exceed 35 °C (95 °F) |
| want to see the temples | combine with the Nile Valley: see our Egypt travel guide |
| love the desert | a guided trip to Wadi el Gemal with an approved operator |
Getting there and getting around
- By air: Marsa Alam International Airport mainly receives leisure flights from Europe. According to its page, EgyptAir links it with Cairo; otherwise rely on tour operator packages, and check when booking.
- Visa on arrival: sold at Egypt’s international airports, payable in US dollars cash (GOV.UK); the UK FCDO advises getting US dollars in cash before you travel.
- Getting around: hotels are scattered along the coast; transfers and excursions are generally arranged by the hotel or an operator. Avoid driving outside towns at night (GOV.UK).
- Taxis: agree the fare before the ride.
Where to stay
Choosing your hotel matters more than elsewhere, as you will rarely leave it. Look above all at direct access to a reef or bay (jetty, beach), whether there is a dive centre and the distance to the airport given by the hotel. We do not give prices, for lack of an official source.
Entry requirements, health and safety
US citizens
- According to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025), US citizens need a visa. You can apply for an e-visa before travel on the Egyptian government’s official website (some unofficial sites charge double), or get a renewable single-entry 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Egyptian airports for about $25 in cash (US dollars); a multiple-entry visa costs about $60.
- Travelers arriving from a yellow fever-infected area must show proof of vaccination. Keep prescription medicines in their original packaging with a doctor’s letter (travel.state.gov).
UK citizens
- According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK foreign travel advice, updated 4 August 2026), British passport holders normally need a visa. Tourist e-visas bought online in advance are valid for up to 3 months; a visa on arrival costs 30 US dollars (cash only) at kiosks before immigration and is valid for up to 30 days. You do not need to buy a visa from an agent.
- Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least one blank page (GOV.UK).
The two sources give different visa-on-arrival prices (about $25 for travel.state.gov, 30 US dollars for GOV.UK): check with the Egyptian embassy before you travel. Entry requirements checked on 26 October 2026. More details in our guide Egypt visa.
Health and safety
- Health: protect yourself from heat (drink plenty, avoid the hottest hours) and sun. Check vaccine recommendations at least 8 weeks before your trip (TravelHealthPro, cited by GOV.UK); a yellow fever certificate is required only if you arrive from a country with a risk of transmission.
- Sexual assault: the UK FCDO reports that most cases reported to the British Embassy took place in Red Sea tourist resorts, often committed by someone the victim had already met, including hotel workers and excursion staff (GOV.UK, updated 4 August 2026).
- Emergencies: ambulance 123, police 122, tourist police 126 to report a crime (GOV.UK, updated 4 August 2026).
- Insurance: see our travel insurance guide; make sure it covers the activities you plan and repatriation.
Frequently asked questions
Is Marsa Alam safe according to the UK and US governments?
Marsa Alam is not in any area the UK FCDO advises against; the FCDO notes that security forces protect Red Sea resorts such as Marsa Alam with routine checks (GOV.UK, updated 4 August 2026). The border area with Sudan, further south, is advised against by both the FCDO and the U.S. Department of State.
What is the best time for Marsa Alam?
March-April and October-November, with highs of 26 to 32 °C (79 to 90 °F) according to the 1991-2020 normals for Hurghada, the nearest official station. Summer tops 35 °C (95 °F).
Is Marsa Alam warm in winter?
Mild in the afternoon (22.2 °C, or 72 °F, in January in Hurghada) but cool at night (11.6 °C, or 53 °F): bring a jacket.
Do you need a visa for Marsa Alam?
Yes. US and UK citizens need a visa for Egypt: an e-visa bought online in advance or a visa on arrival paid in US dollars. UK travelers need a passport valid at least 6 months after arrival, with at least one blank page.
What should divers check before diving in Marsa Alam?
According to the UK FCDO, make sure your insurance or the dive company covers air or sea rescue (which can cost more than 4,000 US dollars per hour), do not dive below your policy’s depth limit and book liveaboards only through reputable vendors.
Where can you see turtles in Marsa Alam?
In nearby bays such as Abu Dabbab, and in the seagrass beds of Wadi el Gemal National Park, where green turtles and dugongs feed.
Our sources
- NOAA, WMO Climate Normals 1991-2020, Hurghada station (airport, 62463), Egyptian Meteorological Authority data, checked on 23 October 2026
- NOAA, 1961-1990 normals for Hurghada (sunshine), via the Wikipedia climate box (article « Hurghada »)
- Entry, health and safety information read on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Egypt country information (travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025), and UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Egypt (GOV.UK, updated 4 August 2026)
- Wikipedia (English): « Marsa Alam », « Wadi El Gemal National Park », « Elphinstone Reef », « Marsa Alam International Airport », checked on 23 October 2026
- Destination de Voyage calculations: sunshine per day, day-night range
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To extend your trip: our Egypt travel guide and our destinations in Africa.