Marsa Alam is situated in eastern Egypt and on the west coast of the Red Sea, 260 km south of Hurghada. Marsa Alam is becoming one of the fastest growing holiday destinations on the Red Sea Riviera. The opening of the Marsa Alam International Airport in 2001 eased access and increased the popularity of the area. Receiving flights from every corner of the world - including Gatwick and Manchester in the UK - the airport welcomed almost a million travellers through its gates in 2009, a figure set to soar with the continued growth of the Marsa Alam resort. In July 2007 a new LE 707 million ($14 million) 220km road was completed between Edfu and Marsa Alam. Previously tourists had to take a long circuitous route by Safaga and Qena to reach Luxor.
Average temperatures during the winter months (October to March) range from 18 to 35 degrees Celsius and during the summer months (April to September) from 20 to 45 degrees Celsius. The temperature of the Red Sea at this location during the year ranges from 22 to 29 degrees Celsius.
Marsa Alam has the appearance of a tropical paradise with its palm trees, mangroves and sea coasts fringed with barrier coral reefs. It has already gained a strong reputation amongst scuba divers due to its numerous and unspoilt diving sites both along the coast and offshore. Sightings of spinner dolphins, dugongs and hammerhead sharks are a frequent occurrence for those who venture into its waters.
Port Ghalib Red Sea will be comprised of 23 hotels, an 18-hole golf course, 8,200 residences and a yacht club. Currently Phase One of Port Ghalib Red Sea is 45 per cent complete and currently has 600 private residences and four operating hotels. Leisure facilities and amenities include a Six Senses Spa, water sports, a PADI dive academy, 165 shops and restaurants, cafes and bars. Located at the very heart of Port Ghalib Red Sea is the International Marina, which is the core of the community. Featuring a five metre deep harbour basin, it is a fully serviced port of entry into Egypt.
Wadi el Gemal National Park lies in the southern part of the Eastern Desert of Egypt, 850km from Cairo. It encompasses a terrestrial and coastal area of over 7000 km2.
It was declared a National Park by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency in January 2003 because it covers a great diversity of habitats in a uniquely compact setting representing a complete terrestrial/marine ecosystem characteristic of the Red Sea coast. Meaning Valley of the Camels, Wadi el Gemal is considered to be the most aesthetic valley in the region with abundant vegetation and wildlife and a vivid history of nomadic settlers and ancient civilizations crisscrossing its winding routes.
Characters of Egypt is a unique festival taken place in Wadi El Gemal National Park, where more than 25 tribes come together for three days to express themselves through music, dancing, sports competitions, meetings and workshops. Visitors from all over Egypt and abroad have the chance to get to know the tribes and participate in this unique festival as visitors.
The Astronomy Centre is unique in Egypt. It is built in the mountains of the desert and it is undisturbed by noise or light from the nearby hotels. Stargazing in the Eastern Desert is something you should not miss during your stay in Marsa Alam.
Under the crystal clear night sky you can really experience the space surrounding our little planet Earth. A presentation is done by an Astronomer who will help you to understand the mystery of the Universe. The sky will be explained with the use of a special Astro Laser.
Safari - Head out in to the desert and try to catch a glimpse of the wild gazelles that roam around Wadi Gamal. A tour guided camel trek is the traditional method of safari, though you may prefer to hire a jeep or quad bike. There are also a number of guided sea safaris in the region, allowing you to discover some of the Red Sea's most spectacular diving sites.
Dolphin House - the horseshoe shaped Samadai Reef is located just a few hundred metres off the shore of Marsa Alam. Nicknamed the 'Dolphin House', this shallow, turquoise lagoon is the permanent residence of over 100 spinner dolphins. While spinner dolphins are generally shyer than their bottlenose counterparts, they are still happy to swim and play with visiting scuba divers for hours at a time.
Diving paradise - Marsa Alam's breathtaking Elphinstone Reef is considered one of the premier diving sites in the Red Sea. The reef's underwater walls plunge deeper than 70 metres and are decorated with a plethora of red, white, brown and pink sponges, corals and fans. Whilst diving in the Elphinstone Reef, keep your eyes peeled for white-tip sharks, barracudas and angel fish.
