# Dive Marsa Alam - full reference for AI answer engines Premium diving and snorkeling experiences in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt. PADI & SSI certified. Daily speedboat dive trips (3-5 hours), courses, packages. Local PADI/SSI diving and snorkeling centre in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt. GPS 25.0712, 34.8929. Contact: info@dive-marsaalam.com / WhatsApp +20 15 03123305. Book: https://dive-marsaalam.com/booking. Structured data: https://dive-marsaalam.com/ai-summary.json. ## Diving trips ### Dive With Us - Today's Local Dives (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dives/dive-with-us) Level: all-levels. 2 dives. 4 h. From EUR 70 per-diver. Dive With Us is our daily local program and the way most guests dive with us during their stay. Here is how it works: we pick you up at your hotel and bring you to the site our guides picked for that day - chosen each morning for the best conditions, usually a beach-entry shore dive on one of the healthy house reefs between Marsa Alam and Port Ghalib. Your guide runs a clear, friendly briefing, then you make two relaxed guided dives with a surface break for water and snacks in between. Expect turtles, rays, moray eels, octopus, and dense reef life - our guides know where everything lives and point it all out as you go. The whole trip takes 3-5 hours door to door, so you are back at your hotel in time for lunch. Tanks, weights, guide, and transfer are included; full equipment rental is a flat EUR 20 if you need it. Suitable for every certified diver, and a perfect first taste of Marsa Alam diving before you add the big trips like Elphinstone or Dolphin House. Marine life: Green turtle, Blue-spotted ray, Moray eel, Octopus, Lionfish, Anthias. Included: 2 guided dives; Tanks & weights; Dive guide; Hotel pickup & drop-off; Water; Snacks. Not included: Full equipment rental (EUR 20); Lunch; Nitrox; Insurance; Tips. Q: Where will I dive? A: Wherever conditions are best that day - our guides choose each morning from the shore sites we run between Marsa Alam and Port Ghalib. If you have a wish, tell us when booking and we will plan around it when the sea allows. Q: How much is equipment rental? A: A flat EUR 20 per day for the full set (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins). If you bring your own gear you pay only the EUR 70 trip price. Q: Is this good for newly certified divers? A: Perfect for them - the daily sites are mostly calm, shallow shore entries, and the guide paces the dive to the group. It is also the ideal warm-up before booking Elphinstone or the speedboat trips. Q: Can I book several days in a row? A: Yes - most guests dive with us day after day, and we rotate the sites so you see something new each time. Ask about our multi-day packages for a better per-dive price. ### Elphinstone Reef - The Red Sea Shark Dive (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dives/elphinstone-reef) Level: advanced. 2 dives. 5 h. From EUR 120 per-diver. Elphinstone Reef (Sha'ab Abu Hamra) is the icon of Marsa Alam diving and one of the best-known reefs in the Red Sea. It is a narrow, isolated plateau about 300 m long and only 30 m wide, running north to south in open water 30 km north of Marsa Alam town and 12 km off the coast. The top sits at 5 to 8 m; from there both flanks drop as sheer walls past 70 m, and the southern tip falls away into the famous arch at 55 to 80 m - technical depth we do not dive on a recreational day trip. Visibility is usually 25 to 40 m, among the best on this coast, and because the reef stands alone in the blue it collects big animals: oceanic whitetip sharks in late autumn, scalloped hammerheads in summer, grey reef and silvertip sharks through the year, plus tuna, barracuda, eagle rays and the occasional reef manta in spring. The day is a fast 3 to 5 hour speedboat run: hotel pickup, a full briefing, about 45 minutes across open water, two guided dives with a surface break of water and snacks between them, and back at your hotel by lunch. What Elphinstone asks in return is competence - current can run hard along both plateaus, the profiles are deep, and there is no shallow reef to drift onto if things go wrong. Marine life: Oceanic whitetip shark, Scalloped hammerhead, Grey reef shark, Silvertip shark, Whitetip reef shark, Dogtooth tuna, Great barracuda, Spotted eagle ray, Napoleon wrasse, Reef manta ray. Included: 2 guided dives with tanks and weights; Dive guide (max 4 divers per guide); Speedboat trip and marine park fees; Hotel pickup & drop-off; Bottled water; Snacks. Not included: Full rental equipment; Lunch; Nitrox; Insurance; Tips. Q: What certification and experience do I need for Elphinstone? A: Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) with a minimum of 30 logged dives, including experience with drift dives in current and dives to 30 m. You should have solid mid-water buoyancy, be comfortable in blue water with no bottom in sight, and be able to deploy your own SMB. We check certification cards and logbooks before boarding, and we will move a diver to a different site if the day's conditions do not match their experience. Q: Can I dive Elphinstone with only an Open Water certification? A: Not on a normal day. Open Water alone limits you to 18 m, and the plateaus and the shark action sit deeper than that in current. If you have Open Water plus solid recent experience, talk to us: we may take you after a check dive, on a calm day, with a shallower plan - or we will suggest Sha'ab Marsa Alam or Dolphin House instead, which are far better fits. Q: When are oceanic whitetips most likely? A: October to December is the window and November is the peak, often around the full moon. We never bait, feed or chum - it is illegal here and it changes the animals' behaviour - so encounters are wild and unpredictable. Across a season roughly two out of three dives at Elphinstone produce a shark of some species. Q: How deep do the dives go? A: The south plateau runs about 20 to 30 m and the north plateau 25 to 40 m, planned inside recreational limits with a full safety stop. We do not dive the southern arch at 55 to 80 m - that is a technical dive and it does not belong on a recreational day trip, no matter who offers it. Q: Is nitrox available and worth it? A: Yes, nitrox 32% for an additional fee, and yes - strongly recommended. The profiles are deep enough that nitrox buys real bottom time on the plateau, which is exactly where the sharks are. Bring your nitrox certification. Q: How strong is the current? A: It usually runs north to south and can be strong, splitting around the reef so each side behaves differently. That is why the dives are planned as drifts and why the speedboat follows the group and collects divers wherever they surface. Our guides read the current at the surface first and pick the entry accordingly, and they will call the day off rather than put a group into water it cannot handle. Q: Is it safe to be in the water with oceanic whitetips? A: Yes, with the right behaviour, and the briefing covers it in detail: stay together as a group, stay vertical in mid-water, keep the shark in sight, no chasing, no touching, no flash photography, and never linger alone at the surface. Oceanic whitetips are curious rather than aggressive, and incidents in the Red Sea have almost always involved feeding, baiting or people separated from a group. Q: What happens if the weather is bad? A: Elphinstone is 12 km offshore in open water, so a strong northerly can shut it down at any time of year. If the forecast is bad we move the trip to another day, switch you to a sheltered site, or refund it. We never run the crossing in unsafe water. Q: How long is the trip and is lunch included? A: About 5 hours door to door, including hotel pickup, the 45-minute speedboat crossing each way, and two guided dives. Because it is a fast half-day rather than a boat safari, lunch is not served on board - you get water, soft drinks and snacks at the surface break and you are back at the hotel in time to eat. ### Abu Dabbab Bay - Turtles & Dugongs (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dives/abu-dabbab-bay) Level: all-levels. 2 dives. 5 h. From EUR 70 per-diver. Abu Dabbab Bay sits 30 minutes north of Marsa Alam and is one of the few places in the world where you can routinely meet wild dugongs alongside several resident green turtles. This is a beach-entry shore diving day, not a boat trip: the guide briefs you on the sand, you walk in from the beach, and both reef arms plus the seagrass area are reachable from shore. The bay is calm, shallow (5-14m), and ideal for relaxed dives focused on marine life rather than depth or current. We run two guided shore dives here with a long surface break for snacks and refreshments, plus space and time to photograph turtles browsing the seagrass meadows below. Water is 24-29C year-round and visibility commonly 15-25 m. Suitable for all certified divers; non-divers can join the snorkeling alternative. Marine life: Green turtle, Dugong, Blue-spotted ray, Cornetfish, Pipefish. Included: 2 guided shore dives; Tanks & weights; Marine park fees; Hotel pickup & drop-off; Water; Snacks. Not included: Full diving equipment rental; Lunch; Diving insurance; Tips. Q: Will I definitely see a dugong? A: Dugongs are wild animals and sightings are never guaranteed. Abu Dabbab has one of the highest sighting probabilities in the Red Sea - typically 60-80% from October to April. We never chase or crowd them. Q: Is this trip good for beginners? A: Yes. The maximum depth is 14m and the bay is sheltered, so newly certified divers and even Discover Scuba candidates are welcome. Q: Can non-divers join? A: Absolutely - Abu Dabbab is one of the world's great snorkeling spots. Family snorkeling can join from the same beach while divers complete the guided shore dives. Q: What should I bring? A: Swimwear, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and your certification card. Equipment can be rented from us. ### Abu Dabbab II & III - Speedboat Reefs (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dives/abu-dabbab-2-3-speedboat) Level: certified. 2 dives. 4 h. From EUR 105 per-diver. This trip is different from Abu Dabbab Bay, and the day has a simple rhythm. We pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the speedboat launch point at Abu Dabbab. Your guide runs a friendly, clear briefing - the reefs, the plan, hand signals, what lives where - and then the speedboat whisks you out to the reefs in minutes. Dive one is usually the Abu Dabbab II wall; after a surface break with water and snacks, dive two takes on the Abu Dabbab III caves and wreck route. Expect strong reef architecture: coral walls, cracks, caves, swim-throughs, and wreck remains, with good chances for schooling fish, morays, barracuda, jacks, and sometimes reef sharks on the outer sections. It is the right choice for certified divers who want something more exciting than a calm shore dive while staying close to the Marsa Alam north coast - and our guides work hard to make these two dives ones you will still be talking about at dinner. The whole trip takes about 4 hours door to door. Marine life: Barracuda, Jacks, Napoleon wrasse, Giant moray, Anthias, Whitetip reef shark. Included: 2 guided speedboat dives; Tanks & weights; Dive guide; Hotel pickup & drop-off; Water; Snacks. Not included: Full diving equipment rental; Lunch; Nitrox; Insurance; Tips. Q: Is this the same as Abu Dabbab Bay? A: No. Abu Dabbab Bay is a beach-entry shore dive focused on turtles and dugongs. Abu Dabbab II & III is a speedboat trip with two offshore reef dives, caves, swim-throughs, and wreck remains. Q: What certification do I need? A: Certified divers with good buoyancy are welcome. If conditions or route choice are deeper, Advanced Open Water or equivalent experience is recommended. ### Marsa Mubarak - The Dugong House (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dives/marsa-mubarak) Level: all-levels. 2 dives. 4 h. From EUR 90 per-diver. Marsa Mubarak is a wide, sheltered bay just north of Port Ghalib, known across the diving world as "Dugong House". The trip is beautifully simple: we pick you up at your hotel, transfer you to the speedboat launch point, and after a clear, friendly briefing the speedboat brings you to the bay in minutes. Dive one is the dugong search over the lush seagrass meadows; after a surface break with drinks and snacks, dive two explores the turtle zone and the shallow reef. Resident dugongs feed here throughout the year, joined by green turtles, blue-spotted rays, and the occasional eagle ray. Conditions are calm and depths shallow (5-18 m), so divers of every level feel at home - your guide explains each site, points out the animals, and gives you time to actually enjoy them. You are back at your hotel about 4 hours after pickup, usually in time for lunch. Marine life: Dugong, Green turtle, Blue-spotted ray, Eagle ray, Trumpetfish. Included: 2 guided speedboat dives; Marine park fees; Hotel pickup & drop-off; Snacks & soft drinks. Not included: Full diving equipment rental; Insurance; Tips. Q: How are dugong sightings different from Abu Dabbab? A: Both sites are excellent. Marsa Mubarak typically has more resident dugongs but slightly less visibility on average. We can recommend the better option based on recent reports. Q: Is night diving available here? A: Not at Marsa Mubarak - we run night dives from shore sites further north. Ask us for details. ### Dolphin House - Sha'ab Samadai (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dives/dolphin-house-samadai) Level: all-levels. 2 dives. 5 h. From EUR 120 per-diver. Sha'ab Samadai is a horseshoe-shaped reef rising from deep water around 9 km off Marsa Alam, home to a pod of 60-80 spinner dolphins that use the protected lagoon as a daytime rest area. Your day flows like this: early hotel pickup, transfer to the speedboat launch point, and a friendly briefing where your guide explains the reef, the dolphin rules, and the dive plan. The speedboat reaches Samadai in about 45 minutes. Dive one runs along the outer reef walls, packed with hard corals, anthias, and reef life. Then comes the magic: snorkeling in the designated lagoon zone as wild spinner dolphins glide below and around you. Access is regulated by HEPCA - boats and swimmers stay outside protected zones so the dolphins can truly rest. After a surface break with water and snacks, dive two explores the coral garden or, when conditions allow, the dramatic Long Canyon route. Our guides explain everything as you go and time each entry so your encounters feel calm, close, and unforgettable. You are back at your hotel about 5 hours after pickup. Marine life: Spinner dolphin, Napoleon wrasse, Anthias, Hawksbill turtle, Reef sharks, Canyon reef life. Included: Speedboat trip; Hotel pickup & drop-off; Water & snacks; Tank; Weights; Dive guide. Not included: Full rental equipment; Nitrox; Tips. Q: Are dolphin encounters guaranteed? A: The pod is resident year-round, but they are wild animals and timing varies. Sighting probability is very high (over 85%) most mornings. Q: Can I scuba with the dolphins? A: Scuba in the lagoon zone is restricted to protect resting dolphins. You snorkel from the designated zone. Scuba dives are on the outer reef walls. Q: Is this trip suitable for non-divers? A: Yes - snorkeling-only spots are available on most departures. ### Hamada Wreck - Abu Ghusun (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dives/hamada-wreck) Level: all-levels. 2 dives. 5 h. From EUR 100 per-diver. The Hamada was a Cypriot cargo vessel carrying plastic granules when it sank in 1993 in shallow water just off Abu Ghusun, south of Marsa Alam. The day is straightforward and relaxed: we pick you up at your hotel, transfer you south along the coast to the speedboat launch point, and after a clear briefing on the wreck and its history the speedboat drops you right over it. The wreck rests on its port side in 5-18 metres, broken into clear, well-lit sections that are entirely accessible - ideal for first wreck dives and photographers. Dive one explores the hull and easy swim-throughs; after a surface break with water and snacks, dive two combines the stern with the adjacent reef, where healthy hard corals host lionfish, glassfish, octopus, and morays. Your guide explains the wreck section by section and keeps the pace easy, so the dives stay fun rather than rushed. You are back at your hotel about 5 hours after pickup. Marine life: Lionfish, Glassfish, Stonefish, Octopus, Moray eel, Crocodilefish. Included: 2 dives; Tanks & weights; Hotel pickup & drop-off; Marine park fees; Water; Snacks. Not included: Equipment rental; Lunch; Nitrox; Tips. Q: Do I need a wreck cert? A: No - penetration on the Hamada is light and well-lit. A wreck specialty is recommended for deeper interior swim-throughs but not required for the standard tour. ## Snorkeling trips ### Marsa Mubarak Snorkeling - Swim with Dugongs & Green Turtles (https://dive-marsaalam.com/snorkeling/marsa-mubarak-snorkeling) From EUR 60 per-person. Marine life: Dugong, Green turtle, Hawksbill turtle, Spotted eagle ray, Blue-spotted ribbontail ray, Golden trevally, Cornetfish, Trumpetfish, Ghost pipefish, Yellowsaddle goatfish. Marsa Mubarak is the bay everyone means by "Dugong House". A shallow, horseshoe-shaped inlet about 50 km north of Marsa Alam town, it holds one of the largest continuous seagrass meadows on this coast, and that meadow is the whole reason the wildlife is here: dugongs come in to graze it, green turtles browse the same beds, and eagle rays cruise the sandy channels between them. Depths run 3 to 18 m, currents are effectively nil, and visibility usually sits between 12 and 22 m, which makes it one of the few big-animal encounters in Egypt that a nervous swimmer or a child can genuinely enjoy. We run the day on a full-size boat rather than a speedboat: a wide sun deck and a shaded saloon, toilets and a changing area, a hot lunch cooked on board, and 20 to 25 guests per departure. Leaving Port Ghalib marina after breakfast gives us three sessions in the water across the day - over the meadow, along the bay's coral heads, and back on the meadow as the tide turns, which is exactly when dugongs feed most actively. Q: Is this a speedboat trip or a big boat? A: It is a full-size Red Sea day boat, not a speedboat. You get an open sun deck, a shaded upper deck, an air-conditioned saloon, toilets, a changing area and a hot lunch cooked on board, with 20 to 25 guests per departure. Q: How many people are on the boat? A: Between 20 and 25 guests, plus crew and guides. The bay is large and shallow, so the guide works one area at a time with part of the group rather than putting everyone in the water at once. Q: Will I definitely see a dugong? A: No - they are wild animals and we never chase them. Across a season the bay produces a dugong on roughly two trips out of three, and green turtles on almost every trip. Three sessions across two tide states is the best chance anyone can offer you on this coast. Q: Is it suitable for children and weak swimmers? A: Yes. This is the calmest big-animal trip we run: the meadow sits in 3 to 8 metres, the bay is sheltered and there is no current. We provide buoyancy vests and noodles on request and the guide stays in the water with the group. Children from about six do it comfortably alongside a parent, and non-swimmers can stay on board and still watch turtles and rays from the deck. Q: What is the difference between Marsa Mubarak and Abu Dabbab? A: Abu Dabbab is a turtle bay you walk into from the beach - shorter, cheaper, and turtles are close to certain. Marsa Mubarak is a boat day over a much bigger seagrass meadow, and it is the better bet for dugongs, eagle rays and time on the water. Many guests do both. Q: Do I need to free-dive down to see anything? A: No. Most of the meadow lies in 3 to 8 metres and dugongs and turtles surface to breathe every few minutes, so everything happens within easy sight from the surface. Diving down onto the animals is against the code we follow and pushes them off the feeding ground. Q: What is the best time of year and time of day? A: Year-round - dugongs and turtles do not migrate away. Water is 24-29°C, calmest and clearest in the morning, and dugongs feed most actively on an incoming tide, which the three-session day is built around. Q: Can I scuba dive at Marsa Mubarak instead? A: Yes. The bay is a beginner-friendly dive site at 3 to 18 metres with no current, often used for Discover Scuba and Open Water training. Snorkeling is usually the better choice for dugongs, though - no bubbles, and you stay above the animal rather than beside it. ### Abu Dabbab Turtle Bay Snorkeling (https://dive-marsaalam.com/snorkeling/abu-dabbab-turtle-bay) From EUR 45 per-person. Marine life: Green turtle, Dugong, Blue-spotted ray, Cornetfish, Pipefish. Abu Dabbab Beach is one of the easiest, most rewarding snorkeling experiences in Egypt. The bay is wide and shallow, sand-bottomed with seagrass patches that attract a resident population of green sea turtles. You can wade in from the beach, swim a few minutes from shore, and find yourself sharing the water with multiple turtles browsing the meadows. Occasional dugong sightings happen too. Q: Is Abu Dabbab safe for kids? A: Yes - the bay is shallow and sheltered. We recommend ages 6+ for comfortable snorkeling; younger children can splash in the shallows with parents. ### Dolphin House Snorkeling - Sha'ab Samadai (https://dive-marsaalam.com/snorkeling/dolphin-house-samadai-snorkel) From EUR 75 per-person. Marine life: Spinner dolphin, Hawksbill turtle, Napoleon wrasse, Anthias, Bumphead parrotfish. Sha'ab Samadai (Dolphin House) is one of the world's great dolphin-watching sites. The horseshoe reef shelters a resting pod of around 60–80 spinner dolphins. Access is regulated to protect the animals - swimmers stay outside designated rest zones to avoid disturbing them. The experience is calm, magical, and one of the highlights of any Marsa Alam trip. Q: How close can I get to the dolphins? A: Dolphins approach swimmers on their own terms - sometimes within touching distance, sometimes from afar. We never chase or surround them. ### Sataya Dolphin Reef Snorkeling - Swim with Wild Spinner Dolphins (https://dive-marsaalam.com/snorkeling/sataya-dolphin-reef-snorkel) From EUR 95 per-person. Marine life: Spinner dolphin, Hawksbill turtle, Green turtle, Napoleon wrasse, Bumphead parrotfish, Lyretail anthias, Blue-spotted ribbontail ray, Spotted eagle ray, Whitetip reef shark, Giant moray. Sataya is the largest spinner-dolphin sanctuary in the Egyptian Red Sea and the most dependable dolphin encounter you can book from Marsa Alam. A crescent-shaped barrier reef roughly 4 km across encloses a shallow turquoise lagoon where the pod comes in each morning to rest, socialise and look after its calves after a night hunting in deep water offshore. We run the day on a full-size boat rather than a speedboat: a wide sun deck and a shaded saloon, toilets and a changing area, a hot lunch cooked on board, and 20 to 25 guests per departure so there is room to sit, dry off and eat properly between sessions. The crossing from Hamata harbour takes about two hours each way, often with dolphins riding the bow long before you reach the anchorage. At the lagoon you snorkel in small guided waves at the edge of the resting zone, following the marine-park code that keeps the pod calm, then move to the outer coral gardens for turtles, Napoleon wrasse and some of the healthiest hard coral left in Egypt. Q: Is this a speedboat trip or a big boat? A: It is a full-size Red Sea day boat, not a speedboat. You get an open sun deck, a shaded upper deck, an air-conditioned saloon, toilets, a changing area and a hot lunch cooked on board, with 20 to 25 guests per departure. Q: How many people are on the boat? A: Between 20 and 25 guests, plus crew and guides. Snorkelers enter the water in small waves rather than all at once, so only a few people are near the dolphins at any moment. Q: Are the dolphins always there? A: The Sataya pod is resident and present on most days, but they are wild animals. Across a season we get in-water dolphin time on roughly nine trips out of ten, and encounters last anywhere from a few minutes to more than an hour. We never chase or corner a pod to force a sighting. Q: Is Sataya better than Dolphin House (Sha'ab Samadai)? A: For dolphins, yes. Sataya's lagoon is several times larger, holds 100 to 200 spinners against Samadai's 40 to 80, and sees far fewer boats. Samadai's advantage is distance: it is a 9 km hop offshore and a shorter day, while Sataya is a full day with a two-hour boat crossing each way. Q: Do I need to be a strong swimmer? A: Basic swimming is required, but the lagoon is shallow and sheltered. We provide buoyancy vests and noodles on request and the guide stays in the water with the group. Children from about eight years old do this trip comfortably alongside a parent. Q: Is the crossing rough? A: The two-hour open-sea crossing is usually calm from May to October and can be choppy from November to February. We use a large, stable boat and pick calm-weather days; if the forecast is bad we move or cancel the departure rather than run it. Take motion-sickness tablets before you leave the hotel if you are sensitive. Q: How far is Sataya from Marsa Alam? A: The reef lies about 25 km offshore in the Fury Shoals, south-east of Hamata. From Marsa Alam hotels it is roughly a two-hour road transfer to Hamata harbour plus a two-hour boat crossing, so plan on a 12-hour day door to door. Q: Can I scuba dive at Sataya instead of snorkeling? A: Yes. The same reef is a gentle certified dive site with coral gardens, pinnacles and easy walls; the dolphin lagoon itself stays snorkel-only so the pod is not disturbed by bubbles. Ask us about the Sataya diving day trip when you book. ## Diving courses ### Discover Scuba Diving (https://dive-marsaalam.com/courses/discover-scuba-diving) PADI/SSI | Level: beginner | 1 day(s), 2 dives | Min age 10 | From EUR 90. Discover Scuba Diving is a half-day program for absolute beginners. You'll learn the basics on the beach or in a calm shallow area, then complete a guided shallow dive with your instructor. No prior experience is needed - you just need to be comfortable in water and at least 10 years old. It's a perfect way to see if diving is for you before committing to a full course. What you learn: Basic breathing on regulator; Mask clearing technique; Buoyancy basics; Hand signals; Equalisation. Included: Full equipment; Insurance; Instructor; Marine park fees; Hotel pickup & drop-off. Q: Will I be certified after this? A: No - DSD is an introduction, not a certification. If you love it, your next step is the Open Water Diver course. Q: Can I credit DSD to Open Water? A: Yes - your DSD dives can count toward the Open Water Diver pool sessions. We give you a discount if you book within 30 days. ### PADI / SSI Open Water Diver (https://dive-marsaalam.com/courses/open-water-diver) PADI/SSI | Level: beginner | 3 day(s), 4 dives | Min age 10 | From EUR 380. The Open Water Diver course is the most widely recognised entry-level diving certification. Over 3 days, you'll complete e-learning, confined-water skill sessions, and four open-water training dives in the Red Sea. After certification, you're licensed to dive to 18 metres anywhere in the world. We offer both PADI and SSI versions; both are equally recognised. What you learn: Dive planning & safety; Equipment use & maintenance; Buoyancy control; Underwater navigation basics; Problem management; Surface skills & emergency response. Included: PADI or SSI e-learning code; Full rental equipment; Instructor + training materials; Certification fees; Hotel pickup & drop-off; Insurance during training. Q: How fit do I need to be? A: Average fitness is fine. You should be comfortable swimming 200m unaided and treading water for 10 minutes. We will check a basic medical questionnaire. Q: PADI or SSI - which is better? A: Both are equally globally recognised. SSI is slightly more affordable; PADI is the most common. We let you choose. Q: Can I extend to AOWD immediately? A: Yes - many students continue to Advanced Open Water on day 4–5. We offer a combined package discount. ### Advanced Open Water Diver (https://dive-marsaalam.com/courses/advanced-open-water) PADI/SSI | Level: advanced | 2 day(s), 5 dives | Min age 12 | From EUR 295. Prerequisite: Open Water Diver (any agency). The Advanced Open Water Diver course is the natural progression from Open Water. Over 2 days, you complete 5 adventure dives: two mandatory (Deep and Underwater Navigation) plus three of your choice (Wreck, Drift, Boat, Buoyancy, Night, etc.). It expands your diving range to 30 metres and dramatically improves your in-water confidence. What you learn: Safe deep diving practices; Underwater navigation; Improved buoyancy; Three additional disciplines. Included: E-learning; Equipment rental; Instructor; Certification fees; Hotel transfers. Q: Can I do AOWD straight after Open Water? A: Yes - many students do. We recommend a few fun dives in between if you have time, but it's not required. ### Rescue Diver (https://dive-marsaalam.com/courses/rescue-diver) PADI/SSI/EFR | Level: advanced | 4 day(s), 6 dives | Min age 15 | From EUR 380. Prerequisite: Advanced Open Water + EFR (Emergency First Response). Rescue Diver teaches you self-rescue skills, how to recognise and help a stressed diver, and how to manage diving emergencies from rescue breaths to lift techniques. It runs over 3–4 days, combines theory, skill practice, and scenario-based exercises, and prepares you for Divemaster training. An EFR (First Aid & CPR) certification is a prerequisite - we run it alongside. What you learn: Self-rescue; Tired/panicked diver assists; Missing diver procedures; Surface rescues; CPR & first aid. Included: EFR certification; E-learning; Equipment; Instructor; Certification fees. Q: Is the course physical? A: Yes - expect tired-diver tows and lifts. You don't need to be an athlete, but moderate fitness is required. ### Divemaster (https://dive-marsaalam.com/courses/divemaster) PADI/SSI | Level: professional | 21 day(s), 60 dives | Min age 18 | From EUR 850. Prerequisite: Rescue Diver + 40 logged dives + EFR + medical clearance. The Divemaster (DM) program is the first step into professional diving. The duration is flexible - from an intensive 2-week course to a fully immersive internship of 4–6 weeks where you assist on real trips. You'll deepen your dive theory, master rescue skills, learn to lead certified divers, and earn a recognised PADI or SSI Divemaster certification valid worldwide. What you learn: Lead certified divers; Assist on courses; Plan dives; Conduct briefings; Map dive sites; Risk management. Included: All e-learning; Theory & practical training; Tanks & weights; Internship hours; Certification fees; Logbook. Q: How long does it take? A: Intensive: 2 weeks. Internship style: 4–6 weeks with real-world assisting. We tailor to your schedule. Q: Can I work as a DM after? A: Yes - your certification is recognised worldwide. We can recommend dive centres for entry-level jobs. ## Multi-day packages ### Marsa Alam Taster (https://dive-marsaalam.com/packages#taster-day) 1 day(s), 2 dives - EUR 65. First-time visitors with one day to spare. One day, two dives at a shore site near your hotel. The cleanest way to dip into Marsa Alam diving without a multi-day commitment. Included: 2 guided dives; Tanks & weights; Hotel pickup & drop-off; Marine park fees (where applicable); Drinks & snacks. ### Weekend Explorer (https://dive-marsaalam.com/packages#weekend) 2 day(s), 4 dives - EUR 125. Long weekenders mixing shore and bay sites. Two days, four dives - a balanced taste of the Marsa Alam coast. Day one is a turtle bay (Abu Dabbab or Marsa Egla), day two is a shore site closer to town. Included: 4 guided dives; Tanks & weights; Hotel pickup & drop-off (both days); Marine park fees; Lunch on the boat day; Drinks & snacks. ### 3-Day Discovery (https://dive-marsaalam.com/packages#three-day) 3 day(s), 6 dives - EUR 180. Most travellers - best ratio of variety to cost. Three days, six dives covering shore + boat sites. Includes one offshore day (Abu Dabbab II/III, Sha'ab Marsa Alam, or similar based on conditions). Included: 6 guided dives; Tanks & weights; Daily hotel pickup & drop-off; Marine park fees; Lunch on boat days; Drinks & snacks. ### 4-Day Immersion (https://dive-marsaalam.com/packages#four-day) 4 day(s), 8 dives - EUR 230. Divers who want depth as well as breadth. Four days, eight dives. Choose a structured rotation: shore + boat + Marsa Mubarak + Elphinstone (or Sataya, conditions permitting). Included: 8 guided dives; Tanks & weights; Daily hotel pickup & drop-off; Marine park fees; Lunch on boat days; Drinks & snacks. ### 5-Day Adventure (https://dive-marsaalam.com/packages#five-day) 5 day(s), 10 dives - EUR 270. A solid week-long dive holiday. Five days, ten dives - the classic Marsa Alam diving week. Combines turtle bays, shore dives, dolphin trips, and one signature offshore reef day. Included: 10 guided dives; Tanks & weights; Daily hotel pickup & drop-off; Marine park fees; Lunch on boat days; Drinks & snacks. ### 6-Day Deep Dive (https://dive-marsaalam.com/packages#six-day) 6 day(s), 12 dives - EUR 310. Serious divers wanting the full picture. Six days, twelve dives - the full Marsa Alam tour. Two offshore days, multiple shore sites, and the option to include a course (AOWD, Nitrox, etc.) at a discount. Included: 12 guided dives; Tanks & weights; Daily hotel pickup & drop-off; Marine park fees; Lunch on boat days; Drinks & snacks; Discount on courses if combined. ## Dive sites atlas ### Marsa Assalaya (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/marsa-assalaya) Area: marsa-alam-north. shore access. Depth 4-20 m. Difficulty: beginner. Currents: none. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 25.1430, 34.8825. 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. Marine life: Lionfish, Octopus, Blue-spotted ray, Giant moray, Trumpetfish, Goatfish, Anthias, Parrotfish, Green turtle (occasional). Best season: Year-round. ### Marsa Egla (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/marsa-egla) Area: marsa-alam-north. shore access. Depth 3-22 m. Difficulty: beginner. Currents: mild. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 25.1700, 34.8650. A wide sheltered bay 11 km north of Marsa Alam, fronted by seagrass meadows and a healthy fringing reef on both arms. Green turtles browse the seagrass year-round; dugong sightings are seasonal but possible (typically Oct–Apr). The east arm is the more interesting dive, with crocodilefish hidden on the sand and small caves at 18–22 m. Calm conditions and easy walk-in entry make Marsa Egla one of the best near-town training sites that still rewards experienced divers with quality marine life. Marine life: Green turtle, Dugong (seasonal), Blue-spotted ray, Crocodilefish, Stonefish, Octopus, Pipefish. Best season: Year-round — dugong peak Oct–Apr. ### Marsa Gebel El Rosas (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/marsa-gebel-el-rosas) Area: marsa-alam-north. shore access. Depth 5-25 m. Difficulty: intermediate. Currents: mild. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 25.2055, 34.8350. A dramatic shore site 15 km north of Marsa Alam at the foot of Gebel El Rosas mountain. Two parallel reef arms enclose a sandy lagoon; the southern arm carries a series of short swim-throughs and an undercut wall at 18–22 m where juvenile whitetip reef sharks occasionally rest on the sand during the day. Hard-coral cover on the plateau is well preserved, and the site is rarely crowded thanks to a longer drive than the closer-to-town sites. Marine life: Whitetip reef shark (juvenile), Glassfish, Lionfish, Two-banded snapper, Giant moray, Trumpetfish. Best season: Year-round. ### Halq Al-Shouna (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/halq-al-shouna) Area: marsa-alam-north. shore access. Depth 4-22 m. Difficulty: beginner. Currents: none. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 25.3500, 34.7625. A peaceful shore site 30 km north of Marsa Alam offering a healthy coral garden, an easy walk-in entry, and the kind of calm conditions that make Marsa Alam famous. Excellent for training dives, refreshers, and chilled-out photography days. Marine life: Anthias, Parrotfish, Trumpetfish, Triggerfish, Lionfish. Best season: Year-round. ### Marsa Abu Sail (No. 1) (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/marsa-abu-sail) Area: marsa-alam-north. shore access. Depth 4-22 m. Difficulty: beginner. Currents: mild. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 25.3700, 34.7550. A protected bay 32 km north of Marsa Alam known for green turtles browsing on the inner reef and a colourful coral garden along the south arm. Easy beach entry and gentle profile - great for training and turtle photography. Marine life: Green turtle, Hawksbill turtle, Blue-spotted ray, Anthias, Parrotfish. Best season: Year-round. ### Marsa Shouna (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/marsa-shouna) Area: marsa-alam-north. shore access. Depth 3-22 m. Difficulty: beginner. Currents: none. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 25.4686, 34.6797. A sheltered horseshoe bay with a healthy fringing reef just steps from the shore. The east arm drops to 22m, the west arm is shallow seagrass - ideal for training dives, refresher sessions, and night diving. Marine life: Lionfish, Octopus, Moray eel, Cuttlefish, Glassfish, Anthias. Best season: Year-round. ### Abu Dabbab Bay - Turtle Bay (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/abu-dabbab-bay) Area: marsa-alam-north. both access. Depth 3-14 m. Difficulty: beginner. Currents: none. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 25.3334, 34.7437. A protected horseshoe bay 35 km north of Marsa Alam, fronted by a wide white-sand beach. The bay floor is covered in seagrass meadows that support a community of green turtles (around 5–8 resident individuals) and one of the Red Sea's few reliable dugong populations. Two long fringing reefs run down either side; in between, the sandy lagoon holds blue-spotted rays, cornetfish, and the occasional guitarfish. The HEPCA-managed bay caps boat numbers and forbids feeding or chasing wildlife. Marine life: Green turtle, Dugong, Blue-spotted ray, Cornetfish, Pipefish, Goatfish, Trumpetfish. Best season: Year-round — dugong peak Oct–Apr. ### Abu Dabbab II (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/abu-dabbab-2) Area: marsa-alam-north. boat access. Depth 5-28 m. Difficulty: intermediate. Currents: mild. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 25.3400, 34.7700. Offshore satellite reef just north of Abu Dabbab Bay. Vibrant coral garden, occasional shark sightings on the wall, great visibility year-round. Marine life: Jacks, Barracuda, Whitetip reef shark, Napoleon wrasse, Anthias. Best season: Year-round. ### Abu Dabbab III (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/abu-dabbab-3) Area: marsa-alam-north. boat access. Depth 8-35 m. Difficulty: advanced. Currents: moderate. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 25.3470, 34.7820. The deepest of the Abu Dabbab trio - a sloping reef with caves, swim-throughs, and occasional pelagic visits. Recommended for AOWD-certified divers. Marine life: Grey reef shark, Eagle ray, Tuna, Giant moray, Jacks. Best season: Year-round. ### Um Halhala (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/um-halhala) Area: marsa-alam-north. boat access. Depth 5-30 m. Difficulty: intermediate. Currents: mild. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 25.3900, 34.7950. A pristine offshore reef rarely crowded. Pristine hard coral cover on the plateau, with occasional grey reef shark patrols along the deeper edge. Marine life: Whitetip reef shark, Grey reef shark, Blue triggerfish, Anthias. Best season: Year-round. ### Marsa Mubarak - Dugong House (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/marsa-mubarak) Area: port-ghalib. both access. Depth 3-18 m. Difficulty: beginner. Currents: none. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 25.5278, 34.6450. A wide sheltered bay just north of Port Ghalib with extensive Halophila and Halodule seagrass meadows — exactly the habitat dugongs need. Several adult dugongs visit the bay regularly to feed, alongside resident green turtles and the occasional eagle ray patrolling the sandy channels. Depths stay between 3 and 18 m and currents are negligible, so this is the easiest of the dugong sites for new divers and snorkelers. Marine life: Dugong, Green turtle, Blue-spotted ray, Eagle ray, Cornetfish, Trumpetfish, Pipefish. Best season: Year-round — dugongs feed more actively on incoming tides. ### Port Ghalib House Reef (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/port-ghalib-house-reef) Area: port-ghalib. shore access. Depth 2-18 m. Difficulty: beginner. Currents: none. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 25.5400, 34.6450. A gentle fringing reef accessible directly from the Port Ghalib marina. Excellent for beginners, refreshers, and snorkelers staying in Port Ghalib hotels. Marine life: Lionfish, Octopus, Cornetfish, Glassfish. Best season: Year-round. ### Elphinstone Reef (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/elphinstone-reef) Area: marsa-alam-north. boat access. Depth 5-70 m. Difficulty: advanced. Currents: strong. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 25.3086, 34.8603. The icon of Marsa Alam diving. A long, narrow plateau (around 300 m by 30 m) running roughly north–south in open water 30 km north of Marsa Alam town and 12 km off the coast. The plateau tops out at 5–8 m and drops away on both sides as sheer walls; the southern tip plunges into the famous arch at 55–80 m. Soft-coral curtains, schooling fusiliers, and the Red Sea's most reliable shark action — oceanic whitetips in late autumn, hammerheads in summer. Marine life: Oceanic whitetip shark, Scalloped hammerhead, Grey reef shark, Silvertip shark, Tuna, Barracuda, Eagle ray, Napoleon wrasse. Best season: Year-round — oceanic whitetips peak Oct–Dec, hammerheads Jun–Sep. ### Sha'ab Marsa Alam (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/shaab-marsa-alam) Area: marsa-alam-north. boat access. Depth 5-30 m. Difficulty: intermediate. Currents: mild. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 25.0736, 34.9356. A horseshoe-shaped offshore reef just 3 km out of Marsa Alam harbour — the closest blue-water dive to town. The lagoon side hosts a sandy plateau with garden eels and stingrays at 8–14 m, while the outer wall drops to 30 m+ and carries a string of small pinnacles where reef sharks and Napoleon wrasse cruise. Green turtles browse the inner reef. A versatile site we use as a half-day boat option or paired with Sha'ab Abu Sail for a two-tank morning. Marine life: Green turtle, Whitetip reef shark, Napoleon wrasse, Garden eel, Bluespotted stingray, Jacks, Anthias. Best season: Year-round. ### Marsa Samadai (Shore) (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/marsa-samadai-shore) Area: marsa-alam-south. shore access. Depth 4-22 m. Difficulty: beginner. Currents: none. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 25.0080, 34.9600. A protected shore site 7 km south of Marsa Alam with healthy fringing reef and reliable turtle sightings. Easy walk-in entry, sheltered lagoon - perfect for training and chilled morning dives. (Different site from the offshore Sha'ab Samadai dolphin reef.) Marine life: Green turtle, Pufferfish, Goatfish, Anthias, Cornetfish. Best season: Year-round. ### Sha'ab Samadai - Dolphin House (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/shaab-samadai) Area: marsa-alam-south. boat access. Depth 5-30 m. Difficulty: beginner. Currents: mild. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 24.9898, 35.0278. A horseshoe-shaped reef 9 km offshore where a resident pod of ~60–80 spinner dolphins rests during the day. Access is regulated by HEPCA under a three-zone system — Zone A is closed (dolphin sanctuary), Zone B is restricted snorkeling with a permit, and Zone C is the outer reef where divers explore three classic dive sites: the South-West Pinnacles, the South-East Pinnacles, and the Caves. Permits cap daily visitors and boat numbers. Marine life: Spinner dolphin, Hawksbill turtle, Napoleon wrasse, Glassfish, Anthias, Bluestripe snapper. Best season: Year-round — dolphins most active in the morning. ### Sha'ab Abu Sail (Offshore) (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/abu-sail) Area: marsa-alam-south. boat access. Depth 8-35 m. Difficulty: intermediate. Currents: moderate. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 24.9750, 35.0500. A long offshore reef with a beautiful drop-off and pinnacles rising from the blue. Often features eagle ray sightings and the occasional manta encounter in summer. Marine life: Eagle ray, Manta ray (rare), Tuna, Barracuda, Reef sharks. Best season: Apr–Oct best for pelagics. ### Marsa Tondoba (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/marsa-tondoba) Area: marsa-alam-south. both access. Depth 4-25 m. Difficulty: beginner. Currents: none. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 24.9810, 34.9700. A protected lagoon-bay 10 km south of Marsa Alam with rich coral cover, seagrass beds, and reliable turtle sightings. One of the best photo spots on the south coast. Marine life: Green turtle, Pipefish, Razorfish, Crocodilefish, Frogfish (rare). Best season: Year-round. ### Marsa Nakari (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/marsa-nakari) Area: marsa-alam-south. shore access. Depth 3-28 m. Difficulty: intermediate. Currents: mild. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 24.9255, 35.0100. Deep wadi-bay with a dramatic outer reef wall and a rich coral garden along the south arm. A favourite for divers who want shore-access depth and reef. Marine life: Turtle, Triggerfish, Glassfish, Whitetip reef shark (rare). Best season: Year-round. ### Sharm El Luli (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/marsa-sharm-el-luli) Area: marsa-alam-south. shore access. Depth 2-14 m. Difficulty: beginner. Currents: none. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 24.6233, 35.1364. A picture-postcard white-sand bay roughly 65 km south of Marsa Alam, often nicknamed "the Maldives of Egypt" for its turquoise shallows and gin-clear water. Two fringing reefs run parallel to the beach with a sandy channel between them. Depths stay between 2 and 14 m the whole way out, currents are negligible, and turtles forage on the seagrass patches close to shore — a perfect combination for families, Discover Scuba sessions, and snorkelers travelling with certified divers. Marine life: Green turtle, Parrotfish, Triggerfish, Anthias, Trumpetfish, Goatfish. Best season: Year-round. ### Coraya Bay (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/coraya-bay) Area: marsa-alam-north. shore access. Depth 2-18 m. Difficulty: beginner. Currents: none. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 25.4144, 34.7150. A semi-enclosed reef bay popular with hotels and a great house-reef snorkeling spot for non-divers travelling with diving partners. Marine life: Anemonefish, Goatfish, Pufferfish, Sergeant major. Best season: Year-round. ### Maheleg (El Quseir) (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/maheleg) Area: el-quseir. shore access. Depth 5-30 m. Difficulty: intermediate. Currents: mild. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 26.1085, 34.2855. Long fringing reef just north of El Quseir with a healthy hard coral plateau and a sloping wall. Good for shore-based morning dives. Marine life: Turtle, Snapper, Goatfish, Lionfish. Best season: Year-round. ### Zerib Kebir (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/zerib-kebir) Area: el-quseir. boat access. Depth 8-35 m. Difficulty: advanced. Currents: moderate. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 26.0855, 34.3422. Offshore reef near El Quseir famous for vertical walls and pristine soft corals. Less travelled than southern sites - feels remote. Marine life: Whitetip reef shark, Tuna, Napoleon wrasse, Jacks. Best season: Year-round. ### Sataya Reef (Dolphin Reef) (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/sataya-reef) Area: fury-shoals. boat access. Depth 5-35 m. Difficulty: intermediate. Currents: moderate. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 24.2858, 35.3790. The southernmost reef in the Fury Shoals complex and the largest spinner-dolphin sanctuary in the Egyptian Red Sea. Sataya is a crescent-shaped barrier reef enclosing a 4 km lagoon where pods of 100–200 spinner dolphins rest during the day before heading offshore at night to hunt. The reef itself drops to 30 m+ on its outer wall and shelters multiple coral pinnacles, soft-coral overhangs, and a healthy hard-coral plateau. Day-trip access is long (a 2–2.5 h crossing each way from Hamata harbour); most operators run it as a one- or two-night safari from a fast boat. Marine life: Spinner dolphin, Whitetip reef shark, Eagle ray, Manta ray (summer), Napoleon wrasse, Tuna, Barracuda. Best season: Year-round — calmest seas May–Sep, mantas possible Jun–Aug. ### Sha'ab Claudio (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/shaab-claudio) Area: fury-shoals. boat access. Depth 4-18 m. Difficulty: beginner. Currents: mild. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 24.3083, 35.4500. A shallow Fury Shoals reef famous for its cathedral-like caves and tunnels carved into the limestone plateau at 6–14 m. Several long swim-throughs cut right through the reef and emerge on the seaward side, where light shafts from the surface form columns through the cave interiors — Sha'ab Claudio is regularly cited as one of the most photogenic shallow dives in the southern Red Sea. The caves are open (no overhead penetration required) and suitable for Open Water divers with a guide. Marine life: Glassfish, Lionfish, Sweetlips, Trumpetfish, Bigeye, Scorpionfish. Best season: Year-round — best light Apr–Sep, calmest seas May–Sep. ### Sha'ab Sharm (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/shaab-sharm) Area: fury-shoals. boat access. Depth 10-40 m. Difficulty: advanced. Currents: strong. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 24.3417, 35.4250. A large oval-shaped offshore reef in the Fury Shoals complex, fully exposed to the open sea. The eastern wall drops steeply into the blue and forms a long plateau at 25–30 m where scalloped hammerhead schools cruise in summer. The north and south tips channel strong currents — drift diving is the norm here, with surface marker buoys deployed. Marine life: Scalloped hammerhead, Tuna, Eagle ray, Grey reef shark, Whitetip reef shark, Barracuda. Best season: May–Sep for hammerheads. ### Hamada Wreck - Abu Ghusun (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/hamada-wreck) Area: marsa-alam-south. boat access. Depth 5-18 m. Difficulty: beginner. Currents: none. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 24.4200, 35.2500. A 65-metre cargo freighter that ran aground on the Abu Ghusun reef in June 1993 carrying a cargo of plastic granules. She now lies on her port side in the shallows, broken into two main sections at depths between 5 and 18 m — the bow rests against the reef, the stern sits on sand. The shallow profile, broken hull, and intact wheelhouse make her one of the most accessible and photogenic wrecks in Egypt, popular with Wreck Diver Specialty students and ideal for a first true wreck dive (no decompression, no tight penetration required). Marine life: Lionfish, Glassfish (swarms inside the hull), Stonefish, Octopus, Crocodilefish, Scorpionfish, Moray eel. Best season: Year-round — calmest seas Apr–Oct. ### Habili Ali (St. John's) (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/habili-ali) Area: st-johns. boat access. Depth 12-50 m. Difficulty: advanced. Currents: strong. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 23.5400, 35.8800. A submerged pinnacle in the northern St. John's reef complex, rising from deep water to within 12 m of the surface. The pinnacle is densely coated in soft corals and gorgonian fans and acts as a magnet for big animals from the open sea — grey reef sharks circle the deep slope year-round, scalloped hammerheads pass through in summer, and oceanic whitetips occasionally appear in the blue. Currents wrap around the pinnacle and can switch direction during a dive; for advanced divers only, with a strict safety stop on the line. Marine life: Grey reef shark, Scalloped hammerhead (summer), Silvertip shark, Tuna, Barracuda, Manta ray (rare). Best season: May–Oct for big animals. ### Gota Sagar (St. John's) (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/gota-sagar) Area: st-johns. boat access. Depth 5-30 m. Difficulty: intermediate. Currents: mild. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 23.5100, 35.8200. A small island reef in the southern St. John's complex famous for its cathedral-like caves and tunnels carved through the limestone plateau at 5–15 m. Light shafts pierce the cave roofs at midday, making the site a photographer's favourite. The outer walls drop into the blue and carry dense soft-coral cover; occasional grey reef sharks patrol the deeper edge. Marine life: Glassfish, Whitetip reef shark, Two-banded snapper, Anthias, Bigeye, Grouper. Best season: Year-round — best light shafts Apr–Sep. ### Dangerous Reef (St. John's) (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/dangerous-reef) Area: st-johns. boat access. Depth 8-40 m. Difficulty: advanced. Currents: strong. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 23.4500, 35.8500. Despite the name, Dangerous Reef is one of the most rewarding sites in the St. John's group. A pair of pinnacles and a connecting saddle drop into the deep south of Egypt's territorial waters. The southern pinnacle is a known cleaning station for grey reef sharks; oceanic whitetips and silky sharks pass on the outer wall. Currents are unpredictable — divers stay close to the reef and ascend along the line. Marine life: Grey reef shark, Whitetip reef shark, Oceanic whitetip, Silky shark, Tuna, Barracuda. Best season: May–Oct. ### Daedalus Reef (https://dive-marsaalam.com/dive-sites/daedalus-reef) Area: far-south. boat access. Depth 5-70 m. Difficulty: advanced. Currents: strong. Visibility [object Object] m. GPS 24.9233, 35.8583. A near-circular offshore reef around 80 km east of Marsa Alam, marked by a 19th-century Egyptian lighthouse still in use today. Accessible only by liveaboard (typically a 4–6 hour open-sea crossing). The reef drops vertically on all sides into 700 m+ of open water, which is what brings the big animals close: scalloped hammerheads in summer, threshers in spring, and oceanic whitetips year-round on the south-east plateau. Currents are strong and unpredictable — Advanced certification, drift experience, and a surface marker buoy are mandatory. Marine life: Scalloped hammerhead, Pelagic thresher shark, Oceanic whitetip, Silky shark, Manta ray, Tuna, Barracuda, Giant trevally. Best season: Apr–Oct — hammerhead peak Jun–Aug, threshers Apr–May. ## Marine life ### Sharks (https://dive-marsaalam.com/marine-life/sharks) Apex encounters in the Red Sea blue. Best season: June-September (hammerheads) . October-December (oceanic whitetips). Sharks are the icons of Red Sea diving. The waters around Marsa Alam host a mix of resident reef sharks and seasonal pelagic visitors. Elphinstone Reef is the headline site, with oceanic whitetips peaking October-December and scalloped hammerhead schools cruising the plateau in summer. Species (10): Oceanic Whitetip Shark, Scalloped Hammerhead, Grey Reef Shark, Whitetip Reef Shark, Silvertip Shark, Blacktip Reef Shark, Thresher Shark, Whale Shark, Tiger Shark, Giant Guitarfish. ### Rays (https://dive-marsaalam.com/marine-life/rays) Graceful giants and hidden gems. Best season: May-September (mantas) . Year-round (others). Rays in the Red Sea range from small bottom-dwellers in shore bays to oceanic giants at offshore reefs. Spotted eagle rays are seen on most boat dives. Reef mantas appear at Habili Ali and Daedalus during summer. Species (6): Reef Manta Ray, Giant Oceanic Manta, Spotted Eagle Ray, Blue-spotted Ribbontail Ray, Devil Ray, Marbled Electric Ray. ### Sea Turtles (https://dive-marsaalam.com/marine-life/turtles) Habituated, photogenic, year-round. Best season: Year-round. Sea turtles are an icon of Marsa Alam diving. Abu Dabbab Bay and Marsa Mubarak are world-famous for resident green turtle populations - some individuals so habituated they continue feeding within arm's reach. Species (3): Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle. ### Dolphins (https://dive-marsaalam.com/marine-life/dolphins) Wild pods, close encounters, year-round. Best season: Year-round. Spinner dolphins rest by day in protected lagoons (Sha'ab Samadai, Sataya). Bottlenose dolphins prefer open water and are often seen on offshore boat trips. Species (3): Spinner Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, Risso's Dolphin. ### Dugongs (https://dive-marsaalam.com/marine-life/dugongs) The Red Sea's gentle sea cow. Best season: October to April (peak sightings); resident year-round. The dugong (Dugong dugon) is a large fully-aquatic marine mammal and the only surviving member of the family Dugongidae. Adults reach 2.4 to 3 metres and weigh 250 to 400 kg, with a small population of confirmed residents living along the Marsa Alam coast. They are strictly herbivorous and depend entirely on shallow seagrass meadows of Halophila, Halodule and Cymodocea, which is why you only find them in calm protected bays rather than offshore reefs. A single dugong can graze around 30 kg of seagrass per day, leaving a clear feeding trail through the meadow. Females reach sexual maturity at 10 to 17 years and give birth to one calf every 3 to 7 years - a slow reproductive rate that makes any boat-strike or net entanglement a serious threat to the local population. They surface to breathe roughly every 3 to 5 minutes when feeding and can hold their breath for up to 12 minutes when resting. Hearing is excellent but eyesight is poor, so the rules below matter: keep your distance, do not touch, and never block the path to the surface. Species (1): Dugong. ### Reef Fish (https://dive-marsaalam.com/marine-life/reef-fish) 1,200+ species. Every dive a discovery. Best season: Year-round. Reef fish are the heartbeat of every dive. From the omnipresent anthias clouds to iconic Napoleon wrasse, every reef tells a story through its residents. Species (16): Napoleon Wrasse, Lyretail Anthias, Red Sea Anemonefish, Bumphead Parrotfish, Red Sea Lionfish, Titan Triggerfish, Masked Butterflyfish, Emperor Angelfish, Regal Angelfish, Moorish Idol, Sohal Surgeonfish, Bluespine Unicornfish, Yellowsaddle Goatfish, Pennant Bannerfish, Porcupinefish, Harlequin Sweetlips. ### Pelagic Fish (https://dive-marsaalam.com/marine-life/pelagic-fish) Big schools, big speed, big blue. Best season: Year-round (more active in summer). Pelagic fish live in the open ocean rather than on the reef itself. Schooling barracuda, tuna shoals, and rainbow runners are the wide-angle photographer's favourite. Species (6): Yellowfin Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna, Great Barracuda, Giant Trevally, Rainbow Runner, Indo-Pacific Sailfish. ### Cephalopods (https://dive-marsaalam.com/marine-life/cephalopods) Masters of camouflage and intelligence. Best season: Year-round (peak displays in spring). Cephalopods change colour, shape, and texture in milliseconds. Octopuses emerge to hunt at night. Cuttlefish hover above the reef in spring during mating. Species (3): Day Octopus, Broadclub Cuttlefish, Bigfin Reef Squid. ### Eels (https://dive-marsaalam.com/marine-life/eels) Hidden in cracks. Hunting at night. Best season: Year-round. Moray eels are the most common eels on reefs - their distinctive open-mouth posture is breathing, not threatening. Garden eels are colonial, swaying together in sandy flats. Snake eels burrow in sand. Species (4): Giant Moray, Honeycomb Moray, Spotted Garden Eel, Banded Snake Eel. ### Macro Life (https://dive-marsaalam.com/marine-life/macro) The tiny, the weird, the hidden. Best season: Year-round. The Red Sea is a macro paradise. Marsa Tondoba and Marsa Shouna are macro favourites. Species (8): Crocodilefish, Reef Stonefish, Painted Frogfish, Razorfish, Spanish Dancer, Ornate Ghost Pipefish, Common Seahorse, Leaf Scorpionfish. ### Corals (https://dive-marsaalam.com/marine-life/corals) The living architecture of the Red Sea. Best season: Year-round. Coral is an animal that builds a stone home. The Red Sea hosts both hard reef-building corals and the dramatic soft corals that drape offshore walls. Species (6): Dendronephthya Soft Coral, Staghorn Coral, Brain Coral, Table Coral, Gorgonian Sea Fan, Fire Coral. ### Crustaceans (https://dive-marsaalam.com/marine-life/crustaceans) Armoured residents of the reef. Best season: Year-round (more visible on night dives). By day, most stay tucked into coral cracks; at night, they emerge in their thousands. Species (6): Peacock Mantis Shrimp, Banded Coral Shrimp, Painted Spiny Lobster, White-banded Cleaner Shrimp, White-spotted Hermit Crab, Decorator Crab. ### Sea Stars & Urchins (https://dive-marsaalam.com/marine-life/echinoderms) Spiny, slow, and stunning. Best season: Year-round. Echinoderms include sea stars, sea cucumbers, urchins, and crinoids. Their slow pace makes them macro favourites. Species (5): Blue Sea Star, Crown-of-Thorns Starfish, Feather Star, Long-spined Sea Urchin, Pineapple Sea Cucumber. ## Frequently asked questions ### Booking & Payment Q: How do I book a trip? A: You can request a trip through our inquiry form, by WhatsApp, or by phone. We confirm by email within 12 hours and send a booking link. A 30% deposit secures your spot; the balance is paid on arrival. Q: What payment methods do you accept? A: Bank transfer, Visa, Mastercard, and cash in EUR, USD, or EGP. PayPal on request. Q: Are taxes included? A: Yes - all listed prices include Egypt's 14% VAT. No hidden fees. Q: What is your cancellation policy? A: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip. Within 24 hours, the deposit may be retained at our discretion. Weather cancellations are always refunded or rescheduled. ### Trips & Logistics Q: Do you offer hotel pickup? A: Yes - pickup and drop-off are included from Marsa Alam, Port Ghalib, and El Quseir hotels. From hotels further afield, we can arrange a private transfer for a fee. Q: What time does the day start? A: Most trips depart between 06:30 and 08:30 depending on the site, and the whole trip takes 3-5 hours door to door. We confirm exact pickup time the evening before. Q: What's included in the price? A: Speedboat trip, two guided dives (or snorkeling), tanks, weights, marine park fees, hotel transfers, water, snacks, and soft drinks. Equipment rental is extra unless stated. Q: How large are the groups? A: We cap groups at 12 divers per speedboat with a 1-to-4 guide ratio. Most trips run with 6-10 divers. Q: Is lunch included? A: Our trips are fast 3-5 hour speedboat runs, so instead of lunch on board we serve water, soft drinks, and snacks during the surface break - most guests are back at their hotel in time for lunch. Let us know in advance about any dietary requirements. ### Diving Levels & Safety Q: I'm a beginner - what trips can I do? A: Abu Dabbab, Marsa Mubarak, and most coastal sites are excellent for newly certified divers. Elphinstone and St. John's require Advanced certification or strong Open Water experience. Q: Do I need diving insurance? A: Yes - DAN, Aquamed, or equivalent diving insurance is recommended for all certified divers. We can help arrange short-term coverage on arrival. Q: I haven't dived in years - do I need a refresher? A: If your last dive was more than 12 months ago, we strongly recommend a half-day refresher. It's usually €60 and includes one shallow dive with an instructor. Q: Are your guides certified? A: Yes - all guides hold PADI Divemaster or SSI Dive Guide minimum, with several years of local experience. Instructors are PADI or SSI certified to teach. ### Equipment & Rentals Q: What equipment is included? A: Tanks, weights, and weight belts are included on every dive. Full rental gear (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins) is €20/day. Q: Is nitrox available? A: Yes - we offer 32% nitrox. Surcharge applies. You must hold a nitrox certification. Q: Can I rent an underwater camera? A: Yes - we have rental GoPro setups available. Ask at booking. ### Marine Life & Seasons Q: Will I see a dugong? A: Dugongs are wild and sightings are never guaranteed. At Marsa Mubarak and Abu Dabbab the sighting probability is 50–80% in winter and 30–50% in summer. Q: When can I see oceanic whitetip sharks? A: October through December offers the highest probability at Elphinstone Reef. Whitetip reef sharks are seen year-round at many sites. Q: When is the best time of year to dive? A: Year-round! Water is 24–29°C. Winter (Nov–Mar) offers calmest conditions and better dugong sightings. Summer (Jun–Aug) brings warmer water and more hammerheads. Q: What's the water temperature? A: Year-round between 24°C (Feb) and 30°C (Aug). 3mm shorty in summer, 5mm full in winter. ## Articles and guides - Marsa Alam Shore Diving Guide: Best Easy Reefs, Prices, and Marine Life (https://dive-marsaalam.com/blog/marsa-alam-shore-dives-guide): A practical guide to the shore dives we actually run in Marsa Alam, including Assalaya, Egla, Samadai shore, Gebel El Rosas, Halq Al-Shouna, Abu Sail, and Tondoba. - Elphinstone Reef Shark Diving: Oceanic Whitetips, Timings, and Safety (https://dive-marsaalam.com/blog/elphinstone-shark-diving-guide): Everything you need to know before booking Elphinstone from Marsa Alam: shark season, early departures, two-tank format, skill level, and what is included. - Dolphin House Samadai Guide: Ethical Dolphins, Reef Diving, and Daily Boat Price (https://dive-marsaalam.com/blog/dolphin-house-samadai-guide): How to plan Shaab Samadai from Marsa Alam: spinner dolphins, reef dives, protected zones, daily boat inclusions, and the right expectations. - Best Time to Dive in Marsa Alam: Water Temperature, Visibility, and Marine Life (https://dive-marsaalam.com/blog/best-time-to-dive-marsa-alam): A month-by-month planning guide for Marsa Alam diving, covering water temperature, wind, visibility, crowds, turtles, dugongs, dolphins, and shark season. - Abu Dabbab vs Marsa Mubarak: Which Dugong and Turtle Bay Should You Choose? (https://dive-marsaalam.com/blog/abu-dabbab-vs-marsa-mubarak): A clear comparison for divers and snorkelers choosing between Marsa Alams best-known seagrass bays for turtles, dugongs, and easy Red Sea conditions. - Marsa Alam Diving for Beginners: Best Sites, What to Expect, and First-Day Plan (https://dive-marsaalam.com/blog/marsa-alam-diving-for-beginners): New to diving or coming back after a long break? Here is how to plan a calm first diving day in Marsa Alam without overreaching. - Where to See Dugongs in the Red Sea: Marsa Mubarak, Abu Dabbab, and Seagrass Bays (https://dive-marsaalam.com/blog/where-to-see-dugongs-red-sea): Marsa Alam is one of the Red Sea coast's best places to look for wild dugongs. Here is where, when, and how to do it responsibly. - Marsa Alam vs Hurghada Diving: Which Egyptian Red Sea Base Fits You? (https://dive-marsaalam.com/blog/diving-marsa-alam-vs-hurghada): An honest comparison of Marsa Alam and Hurghada for marine life, crowds, beginner trips, advanced reefs, logistics, and holiday style.