Marsa Alam (Egypt) > Reviews

Advantages: Fantastic for diving/snorkling
Disadvantages: Very few other attractions

We've just come back from 1 week at Brayka Bay Reef Resort (Marsa Alum). Superb hotel - Barring no outdoor swimming pool for at least 1 month (ongoing repairs I believe). Superb if your into diving/snorkling - if no interest go elsewhere there is very little else to do. Marsa Alum town consists of one main street with a few souvenier shops - beware shop owners trying to charge excessive amounts for items to purchase - barter with them or ... Read review

Advantages: Weather, diving, underdeveloped - get away from the crowds
Disadvantages: Not if you want nightlife, or don't snorkel/dive

We went to Marsa Alam direct from Gatwick (unfortunately with Excel - read my other review!), which was a half hour transfer from where we were staying. The weather was a hot 33 degrees celsius, cooling down to needing sleeves in the evenings, and underwater was between 26-28 degrees. We stayed at an all inclusive, basic diving resort, with a beautiful reef right in front of our doorstop. It cost £650, which included flights, transfers, accommodation, ... Read review

Advantages: fish, coral, desert
Disadvantages: food, wind

Marsa Alam is a 4 hour ride from Hurghada but, don't worry, the new airport opens in November - at least this is what the locals say! Quite who will use the airport is uncertain as there are only 2 or 3 hotels in the area.Shams Alam looks great in the foyer and the rooms are quite good, however, the food is almost inedible so prepare to lose weight.The dive centre is really good and boays set off daily at 8.30 returning at 5 pm. There are dolphins ... Read review