Marsa Alam or Dahab: the quieter Red Sea

Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada draw most Algerian travellers heading to the Red Sea. But if what you want is peace, marine life and fewer people, two other names come up: Marsa Alam, south of Hurghada, and Dahab, north of Sharm El-Sheikh. Both are quieter, but they are not alike. Here is how to choose.

Marsa Alam: the southern Red Sea

Marsa Alam lies on the African coast of the Red Sea, about 270 km south of Hurghada. It has its own international airport, which saves the long drive from Hurghada.

• Atmosphere: very quiet. Hotels are spread along the coast in the middle of the desert, with few shops or restaurants outside the resorts. People come for the sea, not for nightlife. Port Ghalib, near the airport, is the place for a stroll.
• The sea: Abu Dabbab bay is known for its sea turtles; with a lot of luck you may spot a dugong. Further south, Wadi El Gemal National Park protects a long stretch of coast, islands and reefs.
• Trips: boat outings to the reefs and desert safaris. Luxor can be reached, but the road is long, so plan a night there. See our guide Luxor and Aswan.

Our advice: beach quality and reef access vary a lot from one hotel to another. Ask whether there is a jetty or an easy way into the sea, especially with children, and bring water shoes, because coral and sea urchins are sharp.

Dahab: the spirit of Sinai

Dahab is a small town in South Sinai on the Gulf of Aqaba, about 80 km from Sharm El-Sheikh, roughly a 1 h 30 drive. It has no airport: you arrive through Sharm El-Sheikh.

• Atmosphere: more laid-back than the big resorts, popular with divers and budget travellers.
• The sea: Dahab is one of the diving capitals of South Sinai, with sites reachable from the shore, for every level.
• The Blue Hole: this underwater sinkhole, a few kilometres north of town, is Dahab's most famous site. It is also known as dangerous: the deep arch that links it to the open sea is only for highly trained technical divers. When snorkelling, stay near the edge, with a guide.

Our advice: Dahab suits couples, groups of friends and divers. For a family with young children who want a big all-inclusive hotel with water slides, Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada are a better fit: see our comparison Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada with the family.

Marsa Alam or Dahab: which one?

• For a quiet all-inclusive stay right on the sea: Marsa Alam.
• For diving, snorkelling and a small-town feel: Dahab.
• To avoid a long transfer: Marsa Alam if you find a flight to its airport; Dahab always means the drive from Sharm El-Sheikh.
• To combine with the temples: Marsa Alam, from where you can reach Luxor, planning a night there.

When to go

From October to May the Red Sea is pleasant for swimming and diving; spring and autumn are the mildest seasons. Summer is very hot. In winter the water drops to around 22 to 24 °C, so bring a wetsuit for long dives.

Entry requirements

As a rule, Algerian travellers would need a visa to enter Egypt; conditions can change, so check them with an Egyptian embassy or consulate, or on the official website, before you travel. For health and safety, read the official advice. Nreservi does not handle visa applications.

Book your hotel in dinars

Compare hotels in Marsa Alam and Dahab on our Red Sea page. From Algeria, you pay in dinars, without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly agency. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you after payment. Before confirming, check the board basis (all-inclusive or not) and the cancellation terms. Couples should bring their family record book (livret de famille) and ask us to check the hotel's policy. Everything about payment is in our guide booking a hotel without a bank card.

See hotels in Marsa Alam

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.