Marsa Alam Tours & Excursions 2026-2027

For most visitors it comes down to three trips: a turtle snorkel at Marsa Mubarak or Abu Dabbab, a boat day to the dolphins at Samadai reef or around the Hamata islands, and a desert safari at sunset with a Bedouin dinner. If you have a spare day and love history, add Luxor. Divers should not leave without a day at Elphinstone.

See all snorkeling trips, dolphin trips and desert safaris.

It depends on what you want from the holiday. Marsa Alam is quieter, the reefs start closer to the beach and it is the best part of the Red Sea for turtles, dugongs and dolphins. Hurghada has more nightlife and restaurants and shorter drives to Luxor and Cairo. For snorkeling and wildlife, Marsa Alam usually wins. We run excursions in both resorts.

Spinner dolphins rest at Samadai reef, known as the Dolphin House, and at Sataya further south. Part of Samadai is protected, so swimming is only allowed in marked zones. Green turtles graze on the seagrass at Marsa Mubarak and Abu Dabbab, often in shallow water. Dugongs live there too but are rarely seen. Wildlife is wild, so no sighting is ever guaranteed.

See all dolphin trips from Marsa Alam and turtle snorkeling trips.

Luxor is about four to five hours from Marsa Alam by road, each way. The day trip leaves very early, usually between 4 and 5 am, and you are back late in the evening. In one day you see Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's temple with an Egyptologist guide. If that feels too long, a two-day trip with a night in Luxor is more relaxed.

See all Luxor tours from Marsa Alam.

Yes, by plane. Cairo is more than 700 km away, so the realistic option is a day trip with a domestic flight. You see the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum with a guide and fly back the same evening. Some travelers prefer two days so they can take it slower.

See all Cairo tours from Marsa Alam.

Yes. Wadi El Gemal National Park starts south of Marsa Alam and covers desert valleys, mangroves and a long stretch of coast. Inside the park is Sharm El Luli, a white-sand bay with shallow turquoise water that people often call the Maldives of Egypt. Both are a comfortable half-day or full-day trip by road, and the water at Sharm El Luli is calm enough for children and beginners. Message us on WhatsApp and we will tell you which trip goes there on your dates.

See all things to do in Marsa Alam.

The semi-submarine is the easiest: kids watch the reef through the glass and nobody gets wet. A short morning at a turtle bay works well for children who can swim with a life jacket, and a desert evening with a camel ride is always popular. The long Nile days to Luxor or Aswan suit older children better. Tell us how old your children are and we will suggest the right trips.

See the submarine trips from Marsa Alam.

Yes. An intro dive needs no licence: an instructor explains the basics, then takes you down in shallow water next to the reef. Licensed divers can join daily dives. Elphinstone reef, famous for oceanic whitetip sharks, is for experienced divers only because of its strong currents.

See all diving tours from Marsa Alam.

Marsa Alam is one of the quietest resort areas in Egypt. Most visitors stay in beach resorts along the coast, and excursions run with licensed guides and drivers who pick you up at your hotel. As on any holiday, book with a known local company and follow your guide's advice in the water and the desert. Before you travel, check the latest UK government travel advice for Egypt.

Trips run all year. October to April is the most comfortable time for desert safaris and Nile days, with warm days and cooler nights. The sea is around 22 °C in winter and reaches 28 to 29 °C in late summer, when the boat days are at their best. In July and August, plan desert trips for the evening.

It depends on the trip. A morning quad tour starts from €35 per adult and the Super Safari with jeep, quad and camel from €45. The Luxor day trip by bus is from €90, and Dendera and Abydos from €140. Every category shows the price per adult with what is and is not included, so you know the total before you book. Hotel pickup is always included.

Yes, pickup from your hotel and back is included on every excursion.

Book on WhatsApp: +20 120 290 5255. Send us your hotel, the date and the number of adults and children. We confirm your places and pickup time, and you pay on the day in euros or dollars. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before.