Dive Site: Shaab Marsa Alam

About Shaab Marsa Alam

Shaab Marsa Alam is a highly regarded dive site in the Red Sea, distinguished by its exceptional accessibility and diverse underwater topography. Just a short 10-minute boat ride from Marsa Alam marina, it provides a comprehensive diving experience suitable for various skill levels. The site is particularly famous for its drift diving, where moderate currents gently guide divers along a thriving reef system. The underwater landscape is characterized by magnificent coral gardens, showcasing a rich variety of hard and soft coral formations that shelter numerous smaller reef inhabitants. Adding an intriguing historical dimension, a small wreck lies on the south side of the reef, serving as an artificial habitat that attracts a unique collection of marine species. This blend of natural reef beauty and historical exploration within a single dive makes Shaab Marsa Alam a compelling destination. Depths at Shaab Marsa Alam reach up to 40 meters, allowing advanced divers to explore deeper sections while less experienced divers can comfortably enjoy the shallower, vibrant areas. The site seamlessly combines opportunities for both reef and wreck diving, delivering a compact yet comprehensive adventure in the Marsa Alam region, with varied marine interactions in a manageable area. Expect encounters with parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse, scorpionfish, and stingrays. Dolphins, sea turtles, and crocodile fish are also common sightings, enriching the vibrant marine experience.

Dive site facts: Shaab Marsa Alam

Depth

5–40 m

Current

Moderate

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

22–31°C

Entry

Boat

Level

All levels, drift diving experience helpful

Dive type

Drift, reef, wreck

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Marsa Alam

Coordinates

25.0772, 34.93635

Conditions & Currents

Shaab Marsa Alam is primarily known for its moderate currents, making it an excellent site for drift diving. These currents typically trace the contours of the reef, allowing divers to glide effortlessly along the vibrant coral gardens. While generally mild, currents can vary, so divers should be prepared for potential changes, especially when planning a route around the wreck on the south side. Entry is usually via boat, and a controlled descent with attention to current direction is advisable. Visibility is generally excellent, often reaching up to 30 meters or more, providing clear views of the extensive marine life and reef structures. Divers should always monitor their air consumption and consider the drift aspect for their dive plan, ensuring a comfortable and safe ascent and surface pickup.

Marine life & sighting chances

Parrotfish

common

Napoleon Wrasse

common

Scorpionfish

common

Stingray

common

Sea Turtle

common

Dolphin

common

Crocodile Fish

common

Lionfish

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Moray Eel

common

Pufferfish

common

Triggerfish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Shaab Marsa Alam typically commence with a boat entry, often initiating a drift dive due to the moderate currents. Divers descend along the reef's outer edge, exploring the vibrant coral gardens that define the site's beauty. The depth gradually increases, allowing for exploration down to 40 meters, though much of the rich marine life is found in shallower sections. A key point of interest is the small wreck located on the south side of the reef, which serves as a thriving artificial habitat. Divers can spend time exploring its structure and the diverse species it attracts before continuing their drift along the reef. The turn point is often dictated by air consumption and current conditions, with a slow ascent following the reef wall. The safety stop is commonly performed in the calmer, shallower waters of the reef top, allowing for a final appreciation of the reef's inhabitants before a boat pickup.

Underwater photography

Shaab Marsa Alam is well-suited for underwater photography, particularly for wide-angle shots of its extensive coral gardens and the wreck. The excellent visibility, often exceeding 30 meters, provides ample light penetration, making natural light photography effective in shallower areas. For the vibrant soft corals and reef inhabitants, a wide-angle lens is ideal, capturing the expansive beauty of the reef. When approaching the wreck, consider a macro lens for detailed shots of the smaller creatures that have colonized its structure. Strobes are recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and fish, especially at greater depths or on overcast days. Maintain good buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate corals and to achieve clear, steady shots, particularly during the drift.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Elphinstone Reef

  Iconic offshore reef known for pelagics and strong currents, suitable for advanced divers.

• Samadai Reef (Dolphin House)

  Famous for encounters with wild spinner dolphins in a sheltered lagoon.

• Abu Dabbab

  Known for dugongs, sea turtles, and guitar sharks.

• Fury Shoals

  Region of pristine reefs with abundant hard and soft corals.

• Daedalus Reef

  Remote marine park reef offering pristine corals and hammerhead sightings, accessible by liveaboard.

• Brothers Islands

  Marine protected area with deep walls, pelagic sharks, and wrecks, accessible by liveaboard.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Shaab Marsa Alam is typically via short boat trips from Marsa Alam marina, with transfer times as little as 10 minutes. International travelers generally fly into Hurghada Airport (HRG) or Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF). From these airports, resorts and liveaboards arrange transfers to the departure points. While some sites in the Red Sea require liveaboard access, Shaab Marsa Alam is commonly visited as a day trip from local resorts or as part of a liveaboard itinerary that explores nearby Marsa Alam sites. Most liveaboard itineraries in the Southern Red Sea, which often last 7 nights/8 days, focus on remote offshore sites, but shorter excursions can easily incorporate local dives like Shaab Marsa Alam.

Safety & environment

Diving at Shaab Marsa Alam generally presents moderate conditions, but divers should be aware of potential currents during drift dives. It is crucial to have appropriate certification for the planned depth and to be comfortable with drift diving techniques. Always dive with a reliable buddy, carry a surface marker buoy (SMB), and be proficient in its deployment. Comprehensive dive insurance, including coverage for hyperbaric treatment and evacuation, is highly recommended for all divers in the Red Sea. The nearest recompression chamber is typically located in Marsa Alam or Hurghada. Listen carefully to your dive guide's briefing regarding current conditions and designated pickup points.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Shaab Marsa Alam FAQ

Liveaboards diving Shaab Marsa Alam

These liveaboards may visit Shaab Marsa Alam on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

DUNE Longara

Egypt

30 guests

$149/day

JP Marine

Egypt

28 guests

$108/day

Snefro Pearl

Egypt

12 guests

$150/day

Snefro Love

Egypt

20 guests

$154/day

Sindalahs

Egypt

26 guests38 m

$155/day

Hammerhead II

Egypt

20 guests

$171/day

Blue Liveaboard

Egypt

24 guests43 m

$171/day

Odyssey

Egypt

26 guests40 m

$184/day

Discovery I

Egypt

20 guests

$103/day

Star Jet

Egypt

28 guests35 m

$145/day

SS Serena Dreams

Egypt

18 guests33 m

$168/day

Amelie

Egypt

12 guests23 m

$115/day