Marsa Alam is famous for some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Egypt, which are stunning in their natural, almost pristine nature. The first place that deserves special attention is the main beach of Marsa Alam. It is a vast strip of golden sand that gently transitions into the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. Unlike crowded beaches in Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh, here you can enjoy peace and space. The beach is partially developed - in some places you will find deck chairs and umbrellas, but it still retains its natural charm. This is an ideal place for both families with children and couples looking for romantic views. The water at the shore is shallow and calm, which promotes safe swimming, while at the same time just a dozen meters from the shore you can admire the colorful coral reefs and their inhabitants.

The absolute gem of the region is Sharm el Luli, often referred to as the 'Egyptian Maldives'. Located about 60 kilometers south of the center of Marsa Alam, this bay delights with its turquoise waters and white, soft sand that resembles powdered sugar underfoot. The landscape is complemented by the desert hills surrounding the bay, creating an amazing contrast of colors. Sharm el Luli is a place where nature remains virtually untouched by man - there is no tourist infrastructure, which only adds to the authenticity and charm of the place. The bay is part of the Wadi El Gemal National Park, which ensures the protection of this unique ecosystem. The shallow lagoon with crystal clear water creates ideal conditions for snorkeling even for beginners. Here you can observe colorful fish that swim up almost to the very shore. It is advisable to bring your own snorkeling equipment, drinking water and snacks, as there are no stores or restaurants on site.

Another magical place is Abu Dabbab (locally known as Aba dubab), a bay located about 30 km north of the center of Marsa Alam. This place is especially famous for the opportunity to meet sea turtles and dugongs (sea cows) in their natural habitat. Abu Dabbab's beach is well developed, with access to basic amenities, making it more tourist-friendly than wild Sharm el Luli. The bay is protected by a coral reef that creates a natural barrier to waves, making the water calm and safe even for inexperienced swimmers. The sand here is lighter and finer than on Marsa Alam's main beach, and the water takes on amazing shades of blue and turquoise.

Less well-known, but equally charming, is El Kaf Bay. This is a place for those who appreciate peace and privacy. El Kaf is a small bay with a sandy beach surrounded by rocky formations that create a picturesque setting. The water here is crystal clear and the coral reef is close to shore, making it easy to explore the underwater world. Unlike more popular destinations, El Kaf is rarely crowded, even during the peak tourist season. It's the perfect place for a relaxing day away from the hustle and bustle, where you can enjoy the beauty of Egypt's coastline in silence.

Comparing these places, each has its own unique character and strengths. Marsa Alam's main beach offers the best infrastructure and is the most easily accessible, making it a good choice for families with children or those who value convenience. Sharm el Luli impresses with the most pristine landscape and the most beautiful sand, but requires a longer trip and preparation of your own supplies. Abu Dabbab is the golden mean - offering both amenities and a unique natural experience with the opportunity to encounter rare sea creatures. El Kaf, on the other hand, is a secret paradise for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy peace and quiet.

It's worth remembering that access to some of these places may require an entrance fee, especially if they are part of protected areas. Prices are usually moderate, and the funds go to protect these unique ecosystems. The best time to visit the beaches of Marsa Alam is early morning, when the temperature is pleasant and the beaches are less crowded, or late afternoon, when you can enjoy spectacular sunsets over the desert landscape.

Marsa Alam is not only beautiful beaches, but above all one of the best regions for diving and snorkeling in the world. The coral reefs in this area of the Red Sea are among the best preserved and most biologically diverse marine ecosystems on the planet. The main underwater attraction of the region is the spectacular coral reef that stretches along the entire coast of Marsa Alam. This underwater wonderland hides more than 1,200 species of fish and more than 250 types of coral, creating an extraordinary mosaic of colors and shapes. The reef is accessible almost directly from shore in many places, making it ideal for both experienced divers and novice snorkeling enthusiasts.

One of the best places to explore the underwater world is the aforementioned Abu Dabbab Bay. This place is famous not only for its beautiful beach, but especially for the opportunity to meet green and chinstrap turtles, which regularly visit these waters. The biggest attraction, however, is the chance to see a dugong, also known as a sea cow - a rare marine mammal that feeds on the sea grass that grows on the bottom of the bay. Abu Dabbab is one of the few places in the world where you can encounter these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. The reef in this bay is relatively shallow, making it accessible even to those without diving experience.

For more advanced divers, the real paradise is the area known as Coral Reef, located a little further offshore. This site is characterized by an abundance of hard and soft corals, creating underwater gardens of amazing shapes and colors. Shoals of colorful fish can be found here, including parrotfish, fiddlers, moray eels and sometimes even reef sharks. Depths here range from a few meters to tens of meters, allowing you to explore different levels of the reef and observe the ecosystems that change with depth.

Also worth mentioning is Elphinstone Reef, located farther offshore but accessible by boat tours. This elongated reef, rising more than 70 meters from the depths, is considered one of the most beautiful in the entire Red Sea. Its walls drop vertically into the depths, creating a spectacular underwater landscape. Elphinstone is famous for its ability to encounter large pelagic fish, including hammerhead sharks and oceanic whitetip sharks, especially during the months of October through December. Due to strong currents and considerable depth, this site is recommended only for experienced divers.

For those who want to start their diving adventure or improve their skills, there are several professional dive centers in Marsa Alam. Coral Reef Divers is one of the most reputable, offering a full range of PADI courses, from basic to instructor level. The center has experienced instructors who speak many languages, including often Polish, which is a big help for Polish tourists. The equipment is modern and regularly serviced, ensuring the safety of even novice divers. Coral Reef Divers organizes both shore dives and boat trips to more remote dive sites.

Alternatively, Marsa Alam Divers is a dive center that specializes in small groups, providing a more personalized approach to clients. This place is especially recommended for those who appreciate an intimate atmosphere and individualized attention from instructors. The center also offers special programs for children and teenagers, introducing the youngest to the fascinating world of diving in a safe and friendly manner.

For those who prefer snorkeling to scuba diving, most dive centers also organize snorkeling trips to the most beautiful sites in the area. This is a great option for families with children or people who are not comfortable with full diving equipment. During such excursions, experienced guides show the most interesting sites and help identify species encountered.

Prices for diving and snorkeling in Marsa Alam vary depending on the center chosen, the type of activity and the season. In general, they can be described as moderate compared to other popular diving destinations in the world. A single shore dive is an expense of about 30-40 euros, while a full-day boat trip with two dives costs about 60-80 euros. Diving courses start at around 300 euros for a basic Open Water Diver course. It is worth noting that most centers offer discounts when you buy packages of several dives.

The best time to dive in Marsa Alam is spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November), when the water temperature is pleasant (24-28°C) and underwater visibility is best, reaching up to 30 meters. In the summer months, the water is warmest (up to 30°C), but visibility can be somewhat worse. In winter (December-March), the water temperature drops to around 22°C, which may require a thicker foam for some, but this is when you can encounter the largest pelagic fish, including whale sharks.

While Marsa Alam's underwater attractions are undoubtedly its greatest treasure, the region also offers fascinating opportunities for exploring the land and organizing excursions to learn about Egypt's culture, history and nature. One of the most fascinating sites in the area is Wadi Abo Sefeen, a picturesque desert canyon located inland. This geological gem impresses with rock formations shaped by wind and occasional rains over millions of years. Narrow passages between the canyon's high walls create amazing scenery that changes with the hike and the time of day when the sunlight falls from different angles. Wadi Abo Sefeen is where you can experience the true silence of the desert and admire the harsh but beautiful landscapes of the Eastern Desert. A trip to this canyon is usually a full-day adventure, which is often combined with a visit to a Bedouin village, where you can learn about the traditional nomadic lifestyle and taste local specialties.

For those who want to organize professional tours of the region, Marsa Alam offers several reputable travel agencies. Marsa Alam Excursions is one of the most experienced agencies in the region, specializing in tours that combine adventure and education. They offer a wide range of tours, from jeep safaris in the desert, to camel tours, to glass-bottom boat cruises that allow you to admire the coral reefs without going into the water. The agency is famous for its professional, English-speaking guides, who not only show you the most beautiful places, but also share a wealth of knowledge about the region's history, culture and nature. Marsa Alam Excursions also offers excursions to more remote but fascinating destinations, such as Luxor and Aswan, where you can admire the ancient temples and tombs of the pharaohs.

An alternative is Marsa Alam Tours, a travel agency specializing in more intimate tours for small groups. This is an ideal option for those who appreciate a more personalized approach and the ability to tailor the program to their own interests. Marsa Alam Tours offers unique experiences, such as night tours in the desert, where you can enjoy the starry skies away from the lights of civilization, or visits to lesser-known but equally fascinating places that standard tours don't reach. The office works with local communities, allowing tourists to have authentic encounters with the region's people and better understand their culture.

One of the most popular tours offered by both offices is the Eastern Desert safari. This adventure usually begins early in the morning, when the temperature is still bearable, and takes you through a variety of desert landscapes - from sand dunes to rocky plains to scenic gorges. During the safari you can see desert flora and fauna that have adapted to the extreme conditions, as well as admire spectacular rock formations shaped by wind and erosion. The tour often includes a visit to a Bedouin village, where you can sip traditional mint tea, taste local baked goods and learn more about life in the desert. Some safaris also include camel or quad bike rides, adding extra excitement to the desert adventure.

For history and culture buffs, both Marsa Alam Excursions and Marsa Alam Tours organize excursions to ancient temples in Luxor and Aswan. Although these sites are a few hours' drive from Marsa Alam, the tours are usually well organized, with comfortable transportation and experienced guides. In Luxor, you can enjoy the impressive Temple of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings with the tombs of the pharaohs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun, and the majestic Temple of Hatshepsut. In Aswan, the main attraction is the monumental High Dam and the Abu Simbel Temple, built by Ramses II. These tours usually take a full day or even two days with an overnight stay, but are well worth the effort for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian history.

For those who prefer sea adventures, both agencies also offer glass-bottom boat tours or traditional Egyptian boats called felucca. These excursions allow you to enjoy the beauty of coral reefs and marine life without diving or snorkeling, a great option for those who are not comfortable in the water or for families with young children. Cruises also often include stops in picturesque bays where you can swim, relax on the beach or try snorkeling under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Prices for tours in Marsa Alam vary depending on the type of activity, duration and season. A desert safari is an expense of 40-60 euros per person, while a full-day trip to Luxor can cost 80-120 euros. Glass-bottomed boat cruises are usually cheaper, in the range of 30-50 euros per person. It is worth noting that most agencies offer discounts for children and when booking several tours.

When comparing the offers of different travel agencies, it is worth paying attention not only to the price, but also to the details of the program, the size of the group, the language of the guide and the opinions of other tourists. Marsa Alam Excursions has a reputation as a more professional agency with more experience and a wider range of offers, but sometimes their groups can be larger. Marsa Alam Tours offers more intimate tours and a flexible approach to the program, but may have a slightly narrower offer. The final choice depends on the individual preferences and expectations of the tourist.