Marsa Alam Beach Trip: The Best Spots to Visit in Egypt’s Red Sea Gem

If you’ve ever daydreamed of turquoise blue waters, golden sands, and magical Egyptian sunrises, then a Marsa Alam beach trip should be on your radar. 

Located right on Egypt’s southern Red Sea coast, this once-sleepy fishing town has blossomed into one of the region's most beautiful holiday destinations.

Marsa Alam is home to pristine beaches and plenty of things to do, yet it remains quiet enough to still feel exclusive. With its mix of soft stretches of sand, lively snorkelling reefs, and the kind of friendly locals who'd volunteer to share their favourite food spots with you, Marsa Alam is the perfect blend of cosy relaxation and beach-side fun. 

When you’re in town, make sure to base yourself at Novotel Marsa Alam Beach Resort, where a private beach, four swimming pools, and panoramic Red Sea views set the tone for an unforgettable stay.

The resort's exterior is designed in a warm coloured earth tone, blending beautifully with the surrounding desert and coastline. This Egyptian-Nubian aesthetic makes it a great place for family photos and Instagrammable selfies. 

There’s also a beautiful Moroccan-inspired spa offering some of the most relaxing massages and wellness packages this side of the Red Sea. Food lovers can also indulge at the resort’s multiple restaurants, from casual poolside dining to international and local cuisine.

Whether you’re lounging on the private beach or ordering room service, Novotel Marsa Alam Beach Resort is the ideal home base for exploring Marsa Alam beaches. 

Over the years, Marsa Alam has become one of Egypt’s most captivating Red Sea escapes. Unlike Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh – which attract visitors year-round – Marsa Alam is more of a destination for those in the know.

The best beaches in Marsa Alam offer peaceful stretches of sand and clear blue waters, where you can spot colourful fish right on the shoreline. The atmosphere here is laid-back, with days revolving around relaxing, snorkelling and other water activities, or sampling coastal cuisine.  

It goes without saying: Marsa Alam is also a diver’s dream. Many of the best beaches in Marsa Alam double as launch points for snorkelling and scuba diving, where you’ll find coral reefs teeming with colourful fish, dolphins, and even sea turtles.  

If you’re curious to explore some of the best beaches in Marsa Alam, look no further. This is your guide to the best spots in Marsa Alam for snorkelling, relaxing, or simply enjoying marina-side vibes. 

If there’s one spot that always pops up in conversations about Marsa Alam beaches in Egypt, it’s Abu Dabbab Beach. It’s located a little further out – about a 50-minute drive from Novotel Marsa Alam Beach Resort.

But this wide sandy bay is loved for its calm, shallow waters and resident sea turtles. It’s also a safe and fun spot for both novice swimmers and families with young children, so you don’t have to worry about bringing along the little ones. 

Abu Dabbab’s real claim to fame is its underwater marine life – and its less-crowded ambience. Snorkellers often spot dugongs (yes, real-life sea cows!), gliding peacefully through the sea-grass.

The beach also has plenty of amenities, including sunbeds and umbrellas. You can easily spend a whole day here alternating between swimming, lounging, and enjoying a plate of grilled calamari with your toes in the soft white sand.  

If you’re looking for a beautiful Marsa Alam beach to explore, Port Ghalib Beach is a great spot. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Novotel Marsa Alam, but the scenic coastal drive is worth every minute.

This beach offers soft golden sands, clear blue waters, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or snorkelling. 

The nearby marina adds a nice touch, with beach cafés and small eateries where you can sample fresh seafood or grab some ice cream.

The combination of natural beauty, calm waters, and charming surroundings makes Port Ghalib Beach worth the day trip for lively marina vibes and relaxation. 

One of the highlights of Novotel Marsa Alam Beach Resort is its private beach. The beach offers a serene atmosphere perfect for morning swims, sunset strolls, or simply soaking up the sun. 

Beyond lounging, the resort also has its own experiences. The Novotel Reef House is ideal for beginner snorkellers and divers, with calm, shallow waters home to colourful fish and soft corals. This is the perfect introduction to the Red Sea’s vibrant underwater world.

For more advanced sea lovers, the Novotel Coral Reef offers guided excursions to deeper reefs, which are home to schools of tropical fish, coral gardens, and even the occasional sea turtle. 

That’s not all – just off the shore lies a sunken boat wreck, a fascinating site for snorkellers and divers to explore. This wreck is teeming with marine life, offering a snapshot of the Red Sea ecosystem in miniature, from darting fish to corals growing along the hull.

Together, the private beach, Novotel Reef House, Novotel Coral Reef excursions, and nearby boat wreck create a rich mix of relaxation and adventure. 

For travellers craving something a little quieter and further out, Marsa Mubarak is the perfect spot. This secluded cove is a haven for divers and snorkellers who want to experience reefs away from the crowds. Schools of tropical fish glide here around vibrant corals, and lucky swimmers may even get to see dolphins and sea turtles. 

While Marsa Mubarak has fewer onshore amenities compared to Port Ghalib or Abu Dabbab, tour operators in town often include it on day trips, complete with transport and lunch. You can book many of these excursions online for a fee. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger and soak in the natural beauty of the Red Sea. 

Part of Marsa Alam’s charm lies in its ability to make you feel truly rejuvenated. Whether you’re lounging under a palm tree, strolling along warm white sand, or floating around in the Red Sea's healing blue waters, this quiet destination encourages you to slow down and enjoy the moment. 

Many local beach spots embrace wellness, offering yoga sessions at sunrise, spa treatments with ocean views, or even simple mindful walks along secluded stretches of sand.

At Novotel Marsa Alam Beach Resort, it’s also easy (and highly encouraged!) to indulge in a little wellness on your holiday. Here, you can start with a refreshing swim in one of the four pools, enjoy a seaside massage at the spa, and end the day with sunset views on the private beach, fully recharged and stress-free. 

Activities like paddleboarding or snorkelling count toward relaxation too! Simply sampling local cuisine while sitting on a sun-drenched terrace is also part of the holistic experience at Marsa Alam beaches in Egypt.

The combination of physical activity, fresh air, and the unique beauty of the Red Sea will leave you feeling calmer and more connected to Egypt’s beauty. 

Some of the best beaches in Marsa Alam include Abu Dabbab, Port Ghalib Beach for marina-side vibes, Marsa Mubarak, and Novotel Marsa Alam for its private beach and easy access to the reef. Each offers something unique, from marine life encounters to calm, pristine sands.

Yes, Marsa Alam is absolutely worth visiting. Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are livelier and offer a buzzing nightlife, while Marsa Alam is known more for its tranquil beaches, colourful reefs, and laid-back coastal charm. 

Top snorkelling and diving spots in Marsa Alam include Abu Dabbab, Marsa Mubarak, and Novotel’s own Reef House and Coral Reef excursions. Guests can explore colourful fish, coral gardens, turtles, and even a nearby sunken boat wreck at Novotel Marsa Alam Beach Resort. Many local operators also offer guided trips to offshore reefs for advanced snorkellers and divers. 

The best time to visit Marsa Alam is from October to May, when temperatures are warm but comfortable. Summer in Marsa Alam can get very hot, though the Red Sea remains inviting for water activities if you don’t mind the heat. 

Yes. Beaches like Abu Dabbab have calm, shallow waters ideal for children, and Novotel Marsa Alam Beach Resort offers a kids’ club, family pools, and a private beach, making it easy for families to relax while enjoying the Red Sea. Families will also love the activities – that’s why we’ve put together this guide to highlight things to do in Marsa Alam with kids, from beach games to paddleboarding. 

Novotel Marsa Alam Beach Resort is an excellent base in Marsa Alam, featuring a private beach, four swimming pools, onsite dining options, and easy access to the resort’s Reef House. It combines comfort, wellness, and marine adventure, making it the ideal base for exploring Marsa Alam beaches in Egypt.