Marsa Alam: Things to Do in Egypt's Pristine Paradise

Marsa Alam is a different kind of beautiful - often dubbed Egypt's unspoiled paradise, and for good reason. Whether you're planning a laid-back family escape or an adventure-packed getaway, there are plenty of things to do in Marsa Alam for everybody.
 

Fittingly, marsa means "port" or "anchorage" in Arabic. Once a sleepy fishing village, Marsa Alam historically served as a modest trading post, linking commerce between the Red Sea and the Nile Valley. Today, it's turned into a traveller's paradise, often called one of Egypt's most beautiful beaches by local travel blogs, including the popular @ThisisCairo on Instagram.
 

For a truly memorable getaway, base yourself and the family at the Novotel Marsa Alam Beach Resort, where you’ll wake up to stunning views of the Red Sea and towering palm trees. You'll have access to four swimming pools, including a kid-friendly pool and a tranquil indoor option, plus a relaxing spa and fitness centre. The resort also has some delicious dining options, from La Palme, the main buffet restaurant, to La Veranda, the Mediterranean à la carte spot, and Sea Breeze, the beachfront grill. There's also 24-hour room service if you'd prefer to dine in. 
 

To help you plan the perfect trip, we’ve curated the ultimate "Marsa Alam what-to-do" list, featuring Marsa Alam sightseeing along roads less travelled.

Nestled along vibrant turquoise waters and pristine white sands, Marsa Mubarak is easily one of the best beaches in Marsa Alam. Just a 45-minute drive from Novotel Marsa Alam Beach Resort, the journey to this stunning beach offers some Marsa Alam sightseeing options along the way. 
 

With the sea on one side and majestic mountains on the other, even the scenic drive to and from Marsa Alam is an experience your family will always cherish.
 

This day trip includes pick-up and drop-off from Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib, photo stops, swimming, snorkelling alongside sea turtles, and even sailing. You’ll also get to enjoy a 1-hour lunch on board. Booking online is quick and easy, with a fee applied.
 

Local tip: If you want to avoid the midday heat and see the sea turtles up close and personal, start your trip in the early morning. The graceful turtles love to bask in the sun before noon.

Perfect for adrenaline seekers and poolside loungers who somehow got talked into it, a 2-hour quad adventure is one of the top things to do in Marsa Alam. Quad bike tours should be booked ahead of time, with some trip organisers offering pick-up from the Novotel Marsa Alam Beach Resort.
 

Camel rides are also available on most excursions for an extra fee. While some might find them a bit cliché, camel rides are a fun and memorable part of any Egyptian holiday.
 

Although the Egyptian sun promises a bronze tan worth bragging about, we recommend being sun safe by wearing sunscreen, breezy clothes, and sunglasses.

Explore key protected areas, which include Wadi El Gamal National Park, Satayah Reef (also known as the Dolphin House), and the offshore Daedalus Reef - all top Marsa Alam attractions.
 

Wadi El Gamal, meaning “Valley of the Camels,” is more than just a national park. It was given this name for the herds of camels that can be seen gathering to drink from the area's seasonal riverbeds – a peaceful scene that adds to the park’s soulful desert charm.

The park is still home to the indigenous Ababda tribe, and if you run into them, they may offer you a cup of their traditional Bedouin coffee or give you recommendations on things to do in Marsa Alam. With deep respect for Mother Earth, the Ababda people are true guardians of their homeland. Thanks to them, many natural Marsa Alam attractions remain untouched.
 

The park is also known for its rare acacia trees, ancient Roman mining sites, and the elusive Nubian ibex. This wild, desert-dwelling goat is known for its dramatic curved horns. Its sand-coloured camouflage makes it nearly invisible against the desert terrain, hence its nickname - “the ghost of the mountains.” 
 

At Satayah Reef, you can swim and snorkel amongst spinner dolphins and also see other marine life, including sharks, stingrays, and colourful coral reefs. The best time to visit is in the early morning before the day boats arrive. That’s when the dolphins are most relaxed and the reef is quiet – it’s like a scene out of a movie. A booking fee applies.
 

Daedalus Reef, also known in Arabic as Abu El-Kizan, is reserved for more veteran divers. Home to various marine life, including hammerheads, clown-fish, and grey reef sharks, Abu El-Kizan is known for its strong currents and depth. The best time to visit the standalone reef and other diving sites is between April and October, when visibility is at its peak and the water is warmer.

The scenic drive to El Quseir takes you along the Red Sea coast just north of Marsa Alam. This 5,000-year-old town - once known as Myos Hormos - was a key trading hub linking the Red Sea to the Nile.
 

For a bit of Marsa Alam sightseeing, check out El Quseir Fort or Shaykh El-Farran Mosque, both of which offer a glimpse of Egypt’s Ottoman-era architecture.
 

El Quseir, which is about 130 kilometres from Marsa Alam, also makes an ideal detour if you’re travelling to or from Hurghada. You can stop for some fresh seafood at El Fardous Restaurant or Fish House, both of which are within walking distance from El Quseir Fort.
 

Home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the Red Sea, El Quseir offers a more laid-back atmosphere compared to more lively Red Sea towns like Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh. 

Marsa Alam is well-known among locals for its pristine and peaceful beaches, where powdery sands meet the turquoise waters of the Red Sea.
 

For a picture-perfect escape, head to the private beach at Novotel Marsa Alam Beach Resort, which is hands-down one of the best beaches in Marsa Alam, and it's just steps away from most rooms at this relaxing resort. With sunbeds lining both the pools and the shoreline, this is the perfect spot for sipping mocktails and some laid-back lounging. Marsa Alam Airport is only 35 to 40 minutes away, so getting here is easy. 
 

There's also a kids club here that the young ones can enjoy, as well as different watersport activities.

When the sun sets, Novotel Marsa Alam Beach Resort comes alive. As one of the best spots for nightlife in Marsa Alam, the resort leads the way with live music, evening shows, and relaxed dining that’s perfect after a day of Marsa Alam sightseeing. If you're a foodie, you can also check out nearby restaurants and tradtional eateries.
 

For an authentic taste and diverse menu the whole family can enjoy, locals recommend the tucked-away seafood grill South Lagoon in Marsa Alam. Here you can savour freshly caught grilled hammour (grouper) or Roz Sayadeya, meaning “fisherman” rice - it’s a flavourful dish cooked with caramelised onions and Egyptian spices.
 

You can also try Elmashrabiah, a cosy spot famous amongst locals for its traditional Egyptian dishes like minced molokhia leaves (a rich dish usually stewed with chicken) or a slow-cooked lamb shank served with fragrant rice.
 

These local dining spots offer the comforting, home-style flavours that make Marsa Alam attractions even more memorable. There are many local and international options on the menu.

Marsa Alam’s remote location and clear desert skies offer some of the best views of shooting stars in the Red Sea region. A favourite spot for Marsa Alam sightseeing and night adventures is the desert plateau near Wadi El Gamal National Park, where the starry sky unfolds with clarity.

For a free celestial show, head into the desert after dark with the family to enjoy breathtaking views of the Milky Way and frequent shooting stars. It's the best way to wrap up your trip before saying goodbye to this Red Sea paradise.