Marsa Alam in Winter 2026/27: Diving and Snorkelling Guide
Winter diving and snorkelling around Marsa Alam: reefs, dolphin and dugong areas and their rules, water temperatures, Port Ghalib liveaboards, El Quseir and airport transfers.
Why Marsa Alam works for winter diving
Marsa Alam, on Egypt's southern Red Sea coast, is a diving and snorkelling destination that stays open all winter, from November to March. The reefs start right off the beach at many resorts, and Marsa Alam Airport (RMF) puts you within about an hour of most of the coast.
Winter is quieter than the Christmas and Easter peaks suggest. Outside the holiday weeks, dive boats are less crowded and the light on the reef is clear. The trade-off is wind: northerly winds are common in winter, so some boat trips and offshore sites can be cancelled at short notice.
Water and air temperatures from November to March
Sea temperatures in the southern Red Sea are generally mild in winter. Expect water roughly in the mid-20s °C in November, dropping to around 21–23 °C in January and February, the coolest months. Daytime air temperatures are usually in the low to mid 20s °C, but evenings and early boat departures feel cold, especially in the wind.
Most divers use a 5 mm wetsuit in midwinter, often with a hood or vest; snorkellers who stay in for a long time will also appreciate a shorty or a thin full suit. Pack a windproof jacket and a warm layer for the boat ride back.
Reefs and marine life areas to know
- House reefs
- Many resorts between Port Ghalib and the south of Marsa Alam have their own reef with a jetty or entry point. They are the easiest way to snorkel every day without booking a boat.
- Abu Dabbab bay
- A sheltered bay with seagrass where green turtles feed. Dugongs have been seen here in the past, but sightings are rare and never guaranteed. Keep your distance, do not chase or touch animals and follow the guides' instructions.
- Samadai reef (Dolphin House)
- A horseshoe-shaped reef where spinner dolphins often rest. It is a protected site: access is managed with zones and visitor limits, and some areas are closed to swimmers. Go only with a licensed operator and accept that dolphins may not appear.
- Elphinstone and offshore reefs
- Offshore reefs with steep walls and currents, suited to experienced divers. Winter winds can make the crossing rough, so these trips depend on the daily sea conditions.
Port Ghalib, liveaboards and El Quseir
Port Ghalib is a marina development just a few minutes from the airport, with hotels, restaurants and the departure point for many liveaboard safaris to the southern Red Sea. If you are joining a liveaboard, check the boarding time with your operator: some boats let guests board the evening before departure, others only on the day.
El Quseir, about an hour north of the airport, is an old port town with a historic fort and a calmer, more local feel. The resorts around it suit travellers who want reef diving without the busier resort strips.
Marine protection rules apply along the whole coast. Do not stand on coral, do not feed fish, use reef-friendly sunscreen and take all litter back with you. Rules for dolphin and dugong areas can change during the season, so ask your dive centre before you go.
Getting from Marsa Alam Airport to your hotel
The coast is long and hotels are spread far apart. From Marsa Alam Airport, Port Ghalib is about 10 minutes away, El Quseir about an hour, and resorts in the Marsa Alam area take from around 45 minutes to well over an hour depending on how far south they are.
Many flights arrive in the evening, and some resorts are on quiet desert roads with few services. A private transfer booked with HotelTaxi takes you directly to your hotel or marina, with no stops at other hotels. If you travel with your own diving equipment, declare it when you book so a vehicle with enough space is sent.
For the return trip, add the drive time to the airport check-in time and plan an extra margin. Most dive agencies also advise a surface interval of at least 18 hours, often 24 hours, before flying, so schedule your last dive accordingly.
Winter checklist for Marsa Alam
- Book early for holidays
- Christmas, New Year and the February school holidays are the busiest weeks. Reserve hotels, liveaboards and dive packages early.
- Last dive before flying
- Leave at least 18–24 hours between your last dive and your flight home.
Frequently asked questions
Is Marsa Alam too cold for snorkelling in winter?
No, but it is cooler than summer. Water is usually around 21–23 °C in January and February, so many snorkellers wear a thin wetsuit. Sheltered house reefs are often the most comfortable option on windy days.
Can I swim with dolphins at Samadai?
Samadai is a protected reef with zones, visitor limits and closed areas. Licensed boats can take you there when it is open, but sightings are not guaranteed and you must keep your distance from the animals.
How long is the drive from Marsa Alam Airport to Port Ghalib?
About 10 minutes. Resorts further south along the Marsa Alam coast take from about 45 minutes to over an hour, and El Quseir is about an hour away.