Diving in Marsa Alam with Grand Divers
Marsa Alam is a paradise for divers looking for calm waters, rich marine life, and top Red Sea spots without crowded sites. Most dives here take place from the shore, which means easy entry, long dives, and plenty of time to explore coral gardens. For more distant sites, we depart by speed boat or by boat, so you’ll enjoy a different diving style and atmosphere every day.
We prefer accommodation in Port Ghalib, from where it’s just a short hop to the best reefs in the area. Every day we’ll take you to a different site – depending on the weather, group preferences, and where our favorite underwater inhabitants are currently residing.
Marsa Alam is an ideal home for turtles, which we see so often here that we almost greet them by name. With a bit of luck, you might also encounter a dugong, a local celebrity peacefully grazing on seagrass in the bays. And if you love big fish, get ready – the chance of encountering a shark here is higher than anywhere north of Hurghada.
Legends of the region
Elphinstone – dramatic wall, intense blue colors, hammerheads and oceanic whitetips,
Abu Dabbab 5 – sunny canyons where young sharks find refuge, full of soft corals and other life
Shaab Samadai (Dolphin House) – a large ring-shaped reef accessible by boat. A place where spinner dolphins are often found. Dives are made on the outer walls and in the canyons.
and many other reefs full of gorgonians, barracudas, and schools of mackerel.
Whether you’re a fresh Open Water diver or an experienced one, Marsa Alam will show you something new every day. Clear sea, rich sites, minimal disturbances, amazing atmosphere… simply diving you’ll love.
Prices in the Marsa Alam price list are valid for a group of at least 4 divers. For smaller groups, we price the trip individually.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does a typical diving day in Marsa Alam look like?
In the morning, we depart from Port Ghalib to the chosen site – depending on the weather and program, either by boat, from shore, or by speed boat. Typically, two daily dives are made, with a necessary break in between. Soft drinks are available free of charge. Lunch is only offered for boat dives. We return to accommodation in the afternoon, when we also plan the next day.
Is diving in Marsa Alam suitable for less experienced divers?
Yes. Most shore sites have easy entries, stable conditions, and are suitable for fresh Open Water divers. However, more exposed sites like Elphinstone are intended for advanced and experienced divers.
If you are unsure, we will recommend suitable sites based on your first few days of diving.
How do we get to the individual sites?
From your accommodation, you will be picked up by a car or a small bus (with a capacity of 14 people), which will transport us to the diving site, or where we board the boat/speed boat. Bay sites are accessible from the shore, while more distant reefs like Abu Dabbab 5 are visited by speed boat.
Shore-accessible sites are mostly within a 10–30 minute drive. Speed boat sites like Abu Dabbab 5 or Marsa Mubarak are 20-30 minutes from Port Ghalib. Full-day boat trips (e.g., Sataya Reef) take longer, but are comfortable excursions with food and breaks.
Do you provide accommodation?
Yes, we try to accommodate all divers in the group in one place; it’s social, communal, and practical. There are several places available, and we adjust our choice based on their availability and our needs.
The accommodation price is determined by the provider and may vary slightly by season. Some of them also include half-board.
However, if you prefer to arrange your own accommodation, that’s also fine with us. Please try to find a place near Marina Port Ghalib, so we are not too far out of the way. If you do stay further away, we will arrange extra transfers.
What should I bring?
Divers:
passport (photo is sufficient)
diving license (photo is sufficient)
equipment
Non-divers:
passport (photo is sufficient)
Recommendations for everyone
towel or poncho
thin hat or scarf/cap – it can be windy, but also strong sun
warmer clothing recommended from November to May, as the perceived ambient temperature can be 10 degrees lower after water activities
eco coral-friendly cosmetic products
water bottle – stay hydrated!
Do I need special equipment or is basic gear enough?
Basic recreational gear is perfectly sufficient, but pack an SMB (Surface Marker Buoy). For some sites, a thicker wetsuit (3-5 mm) is recommended, as we will also be moving through narrow canyon spaces. A flashlight might also be useful for wrecks and canyons. Anyone without their own equipment can rent it.
How many divers are in one group?
We typically dive in small groups — a maximum of 5 divers per divemaster/instructor. For more challenging sites (e.g., Elphinstone), the group is even smaller, to ensure the briefing and the dive itself are clear and safe.
Do you have further questions about diving in Marsa Alam?
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