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Marsa Alam is located in southeast Egypt on the Red Sea and is surrounded by miles of sandy beaches and endless desert. The popular touristdestination Hurghada is roughly 187 miles further north and there you have a lot of western fun and bustling. Here in Marsa Alam
you still have the opportunity to experience and get to know the real Egypt while being enchanted by the beauty of a 1001 Nights. Marsa Alam has a pretty little fishing port that has been used since people can think. Ancient Egypt, Rome and Ptolemy operated their trade here. Today from the harbor you can take exciting diving, fishing trips or short romantic cruises on the Red Sea.
For divers Marsa Alam is a true paradise, compared with the hot spots of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada twenty years ago, yet here we are on an untouched underwater biotope of excellent quality. Numerous offshore reefs are found around Marsa Alam, for example, the Elphinstone Reef, the Shaab Marsa Alam, a coral reef that covers an area of several hundred square miles or the Shaab Samadai, that is also called the „Dolphin House“ because of the regulars that come there.
Very pretty is also the Shaab Cluade reef with a cave system that is also good for beginners, because at any time you can find a passageway that leads to the surface.
There is enough diving to be done in Marsa Alam, but of course there are the fine, white sandy beaches with all the water sports: Jet skiing, water skiing, surfing, boat trips with snorkeling tours, everything that belongs to an active vacation under the sun. 
You can always rely on the sun. Blue skies are guaranteed everyday and a crystal clear sea that offers refreshment around the clock.
Even inland there are many activities and adventures. How about a real desert hike or a tour through the mountains? This area has been inhabited since people can remember and you will find all kinds of secret and mystical places with rock drawings and paintings. Some natural trails lead visitors to the desert and those that want to can also travel the way by camel or on horseback. After an exciting ride you will be greeted by friendly Bedouins in a lovely oasis and you will be welcomed by these welcoming people with tea and typical Arabic dishes. Usually you get rice dishes with lamb and chicken, with the typical side dishes including tahina, a rich sesame paste, and hummus, a chickpea puree. Of course you can also use the horses to gallop along the endless sandy beaches or rent a beach buggy and go zooming around the area. Around Marsa Alam you will be completely undisturbed.
It is also nice to take tours with your rental car. Through the desert, along the coast or into the Nile Valley, there are several opportunities for those looking to drive somewhere. You can go to the Tempel of Horus in Edfu, which is around 155 miles away, but while on vacation it is well known that the way is the goal and you have enough time there to the see the culture of ancient Egypt without having to rush. To the north of Marsa Alam you will find Al Quseir, with a wonderful old Portuguese fortress that is worth seeing is located. To the south there is Gebel-Elba National Park with the only national forest of the country. The park houses a wonderful landscape, where many rare animal and plant species are at home. If you have time then you should go on a little safari there. |
