Marsa Alam
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Until very recently, Marsa Alam (Arabic: مرسى علم) was a small fishing village in Egypt, on the west coast of the Red Sea. However, it has rapidly increased in popularity, and since the opening of its International Airport back in 2001, it has started to become yet another favourite holiday destination on the Red Sea Riviera. In fact, most informed observers believe that it is destined to become as popular a resort as Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada, within the next few years. However, its airport is still small and, as of May 2007, had only one departure gate.
Marsa Alam is situated near the Tropic of Cancer where the Arabian Desert meets the Red Sea, and it has the appearance of a tropical paradise with its palm trees, mangroves and sea coasts fringed with barrier coral reefs. It has already gained a strong reputation amongst scuba divers due to its numerous and unspoilt diving sites both along the coast and offshore. Sightings of spinner dolphins, dugongs and hammerhead sharks are a frequent occurrence for those who venture into its waters.
Marsa Alam also has some inland attractions, such as the Emerald Mines and the Temple of Seti I at Khanais, near also is Marsa Alam Airport.
Average temperatures during the winter months (October to March) range from 18 to 35 degrees Celsius and during the summer months (April to September) from 20 to 45 degrees Celsius. The temperature of the Red Sea at this location during the year ranges from 22 to 29 degrees Celsius.
[edit] Gallery of Wildlife
 Dugong off Abu Dabab beach |
 Dugong "rolling" on sea floor |
[edit] External links
- Equinox Resort Marsa Alam Diving Wind Surf Kite Surf and Excursions
- On the Red Sea, as Hotels Go Up, Divers Head Down The New York Times on diving in Marsa Alam (April 8th, 2007)
- Marsa Alam Gallery
- Red Sea Spinner Dolphins
- Marsa Alam Guide
- Diving in Marsa Alam
- UK Marsa Alam Guide
- Marsa Alam Dugon
