6 days of diving in Marsa Alam: explore 12 sites in the Red Sea
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationRed Sea / Marsa Alam
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AgeFrom 10 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions57.24 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
English
Arabic
German
In a few words
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Red Sea for an intensive underwater adventure in Marsa Alam . This 5-day trip, designed for divers from Open Water level upwards, offers a comprehensive itinerary of 12 dives among coral gardens and breathtaking drop-offs.
From your very first bubbles on the local reef , you hone your skills before heading out to legendary dive sites by speedboat . The experience reaches its peak during day trips to the mythical reefs of Elphinstone and Dolphin House , where encounters with pelagic wildlife and dolphins promise unforgettable memories.
Based in Marsa Mares , this program combines technical skill with breathtaking scenery. You'll explore a pristine environment, alternating between dives in turquoise bays and offshore excursions to hone your skills in complete safety. Among untouched coral reefs and exceptional biodiversity, enjoy a smooth progression within one of the most beautiful marine sanctuaries on the planet. A true sporting immersion dedicated to underwater enthusiasts seeking thrills.
The highlights
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12 varied dives including house reef, speed boat, coastal reefs and legendary sites
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Exploring Elphinstone, one of the most famous reefs in the Red Sea (advanced level)
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Full day at Dolphin House with possible wild dolphin watching
Photos
Sport
Level
Scuba diving
In figures
Diving
- 2 average daily practices
- Maximum depth: 30 m
Management
French
English
Arabic
German
All dives are led by a team of experienced, multilingual, and PADI-certified professionals. The Marsa Mares center adheres to strict safety standards, using modern equipment that is regularly inspected and maintained. Each dive begins with a comprehensive briefing covering procedures, site conditions, and specific safety instructions.
Speedboat and boat dives are organized according to weather conditions to ensure optimal safety. Offshore sites, particularly Elphinstone, require specific conditions and may be modified if necessary. The center is equipped with oxygen, first aid kits, and emergency protocols that meet international standards.
Group sizes are intentionally limited to ensure personalized underwater instruction. The guides have extensive knowledge of the dive sites and tailor the dives to the group's skill level to guarantee comfort, safety, and enjoyment. Diver safety remains the top priority at every stage of the trip.
Program
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Arrival
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival at your accommodation and free time.
Day 1 -
Orientation & House Reef
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 2
- Maximum depth (in m) 30 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The day begins with a check dive (9:30 am) on the house reef to verify your buoyancy, comfort, and equipment. In the afternoon, you'll depart by speedboat for Fayrouz Garden, a calm site with coral reefs and sand, ideal for a gentle introduction to the program.
Day 2 -
Slopes and canyons
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 2
- Maximum depth (in m) 30 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Two dives at varied sites: Gamila in the morning with its coral-rich reefs, and Korafi, a more technical cove with rock formations and elusive marine life. A day focused on observation and precision.
Day 3 -
Coral gardens and seagrass beds
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 2
- Maximum depth (in m) 30 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Explore Hamra and then Marsa Shoona, alternating between sand, seagrass beds and coral gardens. You will discover a rich biodiversity including juvenile fish, rays and camouflaged species.
Day 4 -
Elphinstone (2 dives)
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 2
- Maximum depth (in m) 30 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
An exceptional day on the legendary Elphinstone Reef. Vertical walls, coral plateaus, and a high concentration of pelagic life. Opportunities to observe sharks, barracudas, and other large marine species. This site is reserved for experienced divers and is subject to conditions.
Reserved for advanced divers (minimum 50 dives and Advanced Open Water Diver certification recommended) due to current and depth conditions. If a participant does not meet these criteria, the dive will automatically be replaced with an alternative site suited to their skill level, ensuring a safe and consistent experience.
Day 5 -
Dolphin House (full day)
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 2
- Maximum depth (in m) 18 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Boat trip from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm with two guided dives in a horseshoe-shaped reef. Opportunity to observe dolphins in their natural habitat, as well as a wide variety of marine life. Lunch included on board.
Day 6 -
Reef and speedboat
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 2
- Maximum depth (in m) 30 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The day begins at 9:30 am with a dive at Marsa Alam's House Reef. This site, accessible from the shore, offers a calm and relaxing dive, ideal for enjoying the corals and local marine life. In the afternoon, a second dive is scheduled for 2:00 pm by speedboat to a site chosen according to weather conditions. This second dive allows you to discover an offshore reef with beautiful marine diversity and generally a gentle current.
Day 7
Note
The programme organisation can be adapted according to weather and sea conditions in order to guarantee safety and the best possible diving experience.
The order of dives, the sites visited and the times can therefore be modified by the dive center depending on the wind, the sea and local conditions.
In case of adverse conditions, certain specific outings (such as exposed sites in the open sea) may be replaced by alternative dives on more protected sites, without loss of the total number of planned dives.
Accommodation
Access
The stay takes place at the Marsa Mares center, ideally located directly on the beach of the JAZ Costa Mares, JAZ Elite Amara, and JAZ Elite Riviera hotels, approximately 8 km from Port Ghalib. Access is easy and direct for guests staying at these establishments, with daily departures from the beach or the dive center's jetty.
For guests staying at other hotels within a 15 km radius, a free transfer to the dive center can be arranged. The center boasts modern facilities including preparation areas, briefing rooms, secure storage areas, showers, and direct boat access.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 12 reef dives
- Basic equipment included: 12L bottle, belt and weights
- Lunch and soft drinks on the boat for full-day excursions
- Accommodation according to the chosen package
- Accommodation according to the chosen package
The price does not include
- Flights
- The tourist tax
- Personal expenses
- National park fees: €8/day
- Diving permit fee: €7/day
- The tourist tax
Options
- Diving guide : CHF76.84 / person
- Private dive guide per day : CHF45.74 / unit
- 6-day equipment : CHF153.69 / person
- Boat trip to Dolphin House : On request
- Fast boat : On request
- Minibus excursion (shore dive) : On request
- Elphinstone : On request
- Flex fare and insurance
- Meals according to the chosen package
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
The Sandra team
A leading diving provider in the Red Sea since 2015, this diving expert operates from eight strategic sites, from El Gouna to Marsa Alam. Sandra offers an exceptional experience in the heart of Egypt's underwater biodiversity, combining rigorous safety protocols with top-of-the-line equipment.
