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Plan Your Trip to Marsa Alam: Best of Marsa Alam Tourism

By Management

Marsa Alam, Egypt

Thanks to the addition of an international airport in 2001, Marsa Alam is fast becoming a premium tourist destination, especially for scuba divers. The waters here are brimming with marine life and pristine dive sites. Landlubbers, don’t miss the Emerald Mines and the Temple of Seti I at Khanais.

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Marsa Alam travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Snorkeling Sites

According to forum posts, Marsa Alam offers several top-rated snorkeling spots. Travelers have highlighted Marsa Mubarak and Abu Dabab as excellent locations. Marsa Mubarak is known for its quiet environment and the chance to see dugongs, while Abu Dabab is popular for its seagrass beds and proximity to hotels.

Hotel Reefs

Some travelers said that hotels with direct access to snorkeling from the beach are preferable. Brayka Bay Resort is recommended for its excellent snorkeling directly from the beach and the protected conditions ideal for snorkeling due to its location in a bay. Another recommended spot is the jetty at Brayka Bay's sister hotel, Royal Brayka.

Additional Recommendations

For many users, Mangrove Bay and Abu Dabab's north side are also mentioned as superior snorkeling sites, offering a variety of marine life and good conditions for underwater exploration.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
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Hotel Recommendations

Some travelers recommended the ALBATROS SEAWORLD Marsa Alam as a great option for families, highlighting its suitability for children.

Activity Options

According to forum posts, Marsa Alam primarily offers diving and snorkeling activities. However, for families not interested in these, the options within Marsa Alam itself may be limited, leading to recommendations for nearby Hurghada for more diverse activities suitable for children of all ages.

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Travel Options

Some travelers suggested that private transport, especially a private van, is the most efficient option for traveling from Marsa Alam to Luxor. This method provides a direct and stress-free journey, accommodating luggage and providing door-to-door service.

Alternate Routes and Costs

According to forum posts, another alternative involves traveling by microbus to Edfu from Marsa Alam and then catching another bus from Edfu to Luxor. Additionally, while the common quotes for private vans are around $190 for a one-way trip for four passengers, some users have reported finding cheaper options or considering different routes to reduce costs.

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Visa Procedures

According to forum posts, obtaining a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Marsa Alam Airport is straightforward and recommended over the e-visa due to its simplicity. The VOA costs $25 USD and can be purchased at the Bank of Egypt stand immediately to the left upon arriving in the terminal. The process is quick, typically not requiring more than 10 minutes, and there is no need for paperwork or prior arrangements.

Luggage Services

Travelers have called out that Marsa Alam Airport offers a luggage wrapping service at a cost of 5€ per bag. This service is available at the airport, aiding passengers who wish to secure their luggage for the flight.

Sim Card Availability

For many users seeking connectivity upon arrival, it is important to note that sim cards are not available for purchase at Marsa Alam Airport. This information is crucial for travelers who might depend on immediate internet access upon landing.

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Visa Acquisition

According to forum posts, visas for Marsa Alam can be purchased on arrival at the airport. Travelers have called out that a visa on arrival is available at the Bank of Egypt kiosk in the airport for $25 USD per person.

Visa Duration and Type

Some travelers mentioned that the visa obtained on arrival is valid for 30 days and is a single-entry visa. This means if you leave the country, you will need to purchase a new visa upon re-entry.

Visa Extension

For visitors intending to stay longer, it is possible to extend the visa while in Egypt, although this process can be slightly time-consuming. However, it is noted that there is no passport office in Marsa Alam for visa extensions; the nearest location for this service is in Hurghada.

Additional Information

It was also pointed out that while an e-visa option exists, some users found it challenging due to the requirement to specify exact previous visit dates, which may not always be remembered accurately. Hence, purchasing a visa at the airport is commonly recommended for its simplicity.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.