Marsa Alam lies on the West Coast of the Red Sea. Its tropical appearance, bright blue seas and superb beaches makes this the perfect holiday destination. Its popularity has soared since its International Airport was built in 2001. Diving in Marsa Alam is the most popular watersport, due to the fantastic coral reef and unspoilt diving sites where dolphins and sea turtles swim freely.

Places of Interest
In the desert around Marsa Alam, wild gazelles exist in small numbers and a trip to Wadi Gimal is a must if you want to see them! The oldest part of Marsa Alam, named Quesir, lies between the Port and Sultan Selim, and is steeped in history. A trip to Cairo is a must to see the amazing Pyramids and the Museum of Cairo for all its antiquities.

Activities
Watersports, with the majority of it being diving, are the most popular activity once on holiday in Marsa Alam. Desert trekking, camel rides, quad biking and many day trips are also widely available throughout resort.

Diving
Marsa Alam dive sites, being further away from the larger resorts, are virtually untouched and less crowded. The amazing colours of the coral reef attract divers time and time again. In the summer months the water temperature can hit an astonishing 30°C, making it perfect for a day of diving. Winter months are considerably cooler but with a wet suit, diving is still possible, but beware the sea is a lot rougher and the wind speeds are higher during the winter months.

Food & Drink
Marsa Alam has a very strong local character and offers a large choice of local eateries serving traditional Egyptian cuisine to suit all budgets. There is also a large choice of a la carte restaurants within the high category hotels.

Nightlife
Marsa Alam is a much quieter and more relaxed resort than Sharm El Sheikh. Hotels may have exciting party evenings or oriental shows with belly dancers, piano bar and occasionally a theme party. Barbecues on the beach or cocktails by the pool are very common though.

Shopping
Shopping in Marsa Alam is restricted to hotels, boutiques and mini markets. However, for the shopaholics out there a trip to El Quesir is a must for those perfect presents.

Currency
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound, but sterling is widely accepted. However, please carry cash with you as ATM’s are not widely available and traveller’s cheques are not accepted in Marsa Alam.

Useful Information
Please be aware many major attractions charge for the use of a camera or video, and using a flash is strictly forbidden.

Language
Arabic is the official language of Marsa Alam, however, English is widely spoken in resort.

Flight Time
From London to Marsa Alam is approximately 5 hours 35 minutes.

Time Difference
GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Friday in April to last Thursday in September

Health & Visa Information

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