Lukas H.
GermanyOpen Water Diver
May 22, 2026
Easy beach entry and very calm conditions. Healthy reef with octopus, lionfish, and the occasional turtle. Perfect for refreshers and skill practice.
5 people found this helpful
Marsa Alam North · Shore Dive
Marsa Assalaya
Marsa Assalaya is one of the easiest and most useful shore dives close to Marsa Alam town. The site sits around 8 km north of the marina and is entered directly from a wide sandy bay, so there is no boat timing, no current stress, and no long surface swim.
Depth
4-20m
Level
Beginner
Access
Shore Dive
Visibility
18-28m
Current
No current
About this site
Marsa Assalaya is one of the easiest and most useful shore dives close to Marsa Alam town. The site sits around 8 km north of the marina and is entered directly from a wide sandy bay, so there is no boat timing, no current stress, and no long surface swim. Two reef arms frame a shallow lagoon before the profile gently drops over hard coral gardens, making it excellent for first dives after travel, Open Water training, buoyancy practice, and relaxed photographers who want time with reef fish instead of depth. The main value here is comfort: simple logistics, calm water, a forgiving sandy bottom for briefings and skills, and enough coral life on both sides to keep certified divers interested for two easy dives.
Highlights
- Easy walk-in beach entry, around 8 km north of Marsa Alam
- Wide sandy bay for briefings, weighting checks, and relaxed descents
- Two reef arms with hard coral gardens, reef fish, and macro life
- Ideal first dive day, refresher, training, or calm 2-dive shore package
What makes Marsa Assalaya special?
It is close enough to Marsa Alam for a smooth half-day or relaxed morning plan, but still feels like a real Red Sea shore dive.
The sandy bay makes entries and exits simple for new divers, nervous divers, and anyone returning after a long break.
The reef arms give two different routes from the same beach: a shallow training-friendly side and a slightly richer coral-garden profile for certified divers.
Because the dive is shore based, the guide can slow the pace and spend more time looking for octopus, lionfish, rays, and small reef details.
Typical dive plan
- 1Dive 1 usually starts with a slow check-dive profile from the sandy bay, then follows one reef arm over hard corals and small coral blocks.
- 2After a surface interval with water on shore, Dive 2 explores the opposite arm or repeats the best side depending on visibility and the group level.
- 3Typical depths are 4-18 m for most recreational profiles, with enough shallow reef for long bottom times and easy safety stops.
- 4The site is best when the goal is relaxed diving, buoyancy practice, reef photography, or a gentle first day before deeper boat sites.
Best for
Beginner certified diversOpen Water course divesRefreshers and check divesPhotographers who like slow reef profilesDivers staying in Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib who want a simple 2-dive shore day
Marine life
LionfishOctopusBlue-spotted rayGiant morayTrumpetfishGoatfishAnthiasParrotfishGreen turtle (occasional)
Frequently asked questions
Is Marsa Assalaya good for beginner divers?
Yes. Marsa Assalaya is one of the easiest shore dives near Marsa Alam because entry is from a sandy bay, depths can stay shallow, and currents are usually minimal.
What marine life can I see at Marsa Assalaya?
Common sightings include lionfish, anthias, goatfish, trumpetfish, blue-spotted rays, moray eels, octopus, and sometimes green turtles passing along the reef.
What is included in the Marsa Assalaya 2-dive package?
The package includes hotel transfer from Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib, two guided shore dives, two tanks, weights, dive guide, and bottled water. Full rental equipment is not included.
Location
25.1430°N, 34.8825°E · ~8 km north of Marsa Alam
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Real reviews . Real divers
What divers say about Marsa Assalaya
4.7/5. 19 curated reviews
TripAdvisor
James M.
UKRescue Diver
Apr 18, 2026
Perfect for training. We took our open water course here, calm water, healthy reef, friendly fish.
19 people found this helpful
Andrea L.
Germany
Mar 15, 2026
Sandy lagoon for skills practice, then drift along the reef arm. Beautiful day, no crowds.
33 people found this helpful
Page 1 of 7 . 19 total reviews
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