Marsa Alam

Right, if you want to discover Egypt's best-kept secret before everyone else catches on, Marsa Alam's absolutely where you need to be! This gorgeous spot on the southern Red Sea coast has been flying under the radar for years, but it's quickly becoming the place to be for anyone who wants pristine diving, untouched beaches, and that "undiscovered paradise" feeling.

Diver's dream unlike anywhere else

Marsa Alam's got some of the most mental diving in the entire Red Sea - and that's saying something! The waters here are crystal clear and absolutely teeming with marine life that'll blow your mind. We're talking hammerhead sharks at the world-famous Elphinstone Reef, swimming with dolphins, snorkelling with sea turtles, and if you're proper lucky, you might even spot a dugong (basically a sea cow - how brilliant is that?). The coral reefs here are so pristine they make other places look like they've been picked over. Plus, the green sea turtles at Abu Dabbab Bay actually come right up to the shore to say hello - you won't get that kind of close encounter in the crowded waters of Sharm or Hurghada!

Remote and relaxed without the madness

The best bit about Marsa Alam is that it's still got that authentic, laid-back Egyptian vibe without all the tourist chaos. The town itself is small and unassuming, but that's exactly the charm - you get to experience proper local life with markets selling spices and handicrafts, plus restaurants serving brilliant traditional Egyptian food. It's about 300km south of Hurghada, so it feels properly remote and exclusive. No aggressive touts trying to drag you into shops every five minutes, no beaches packed with sunbeds fighting for space, and dive sites that aren't crowded with dozens of boats!

Natural wonderland on your doorstep

When you're not underwater exploring coral reefs, you can venture into the surrounding desert landscapes and visit Wadi el-Gemal National Park - a massive 5,000 square kilometre protected area with mangroves, mountains, and wildlife including gazelles, Nubian ibex, and wild donkeys. Plus, the beaches here are absolutely stunning - places like Abu Dabbab and Sharm el Luli have crystal-clear shallow waters perfect for families, while still being wild enough to feel like your own private slice of paradise.

Since the international airport opened in 2001, luxury resorts have been popping up along the coast, but it's still got that "discovered it first" feeling. Basically, if you want to experience the Red Sea the way it was meant to be - unspoiled, authentic, and absolutely spectacular - get to Marsa Alam before everyone else figures out how brilliant it is! 🐢🦈