Marsa Egla
A sheltered shore-diving bay north of Marsa Alam, with two fringing reefs separated by a central seagrass meadow. Easy beach access, coral formations and varied marine life offer diving and snorkelling for different experience levels.
Quick Facts
Quick Facts
Location
Approximately 10–11 km north of Marsa Alam
Access
Shore / beach entry
Recreational Depth
Approximately 5–25 m
Experience
All levels
Current
Conditions can vary, assessed by the guide
Visibility
Depends on conditions
Famous For
Seagrass habitat, coral structures and rich reef life
Why Dive This Site?
Why Dive This Site?
Shallow Reef Diving
The shallow reef areas provide accessible diving ideal for beginners and snorkellers.
Seagrass Habitat
The central seagrass meadow separates the northern and southern reefs and provides feeding habitat for green turtles, with occasional dugong encounters possible.
Coral & Reef Structures
Coral and reef structures create a varied underwater landscape with healthy coral growth.
Rich Marine Life
A rich variety of reef fish, rays, octopus, moray eels and macro life thrives across the reef.
Accessible Profiles
The range of depths from shallow to approximately 25 m makes the site suitable for different experience levels.
Underwater Photography
The varied terrain and marine life provide good opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography.
The Dive Site
Marsa Egla
Depth
Approximately 5–25 m depending on area and profile
Dive Level
All Levels
Conditions & Currents
Conditions can vary. Generally mild in sheltered areas, with potential current on deeper sections. Visibility depends on conditions.
Dive Description
Marsa Egla is a reef and bay environment north of Marsa Alam featuring seagrass areas, reef and rock structures, and shallow and deeper sections. The approved Dive Map shows seagrass areas, reef structures, depth markings reaching approximately 25 m, and varied underwater terrain. Depths vary by area, from shallow seagrass areas to approximately 25 m on the deeper sections. The site can offer different experiences depending on whether the focus is the shallow seagrass, reef structures, or deeper areas. There is no single fixed route — the profile depends on conditions, the guide’s judgement and the selected area.
Choosing your route and planning the visit
Marsa Egla is a shore-access bay with reef on both sides and a central sandy and seagrass area. A north-side dive and a south-side dive can reveal different scenery without requiring a long journey between sites. Start by checking the entry and visibility with the guide; a sheltered bay is not a promise of suitable conditions every day. Keep the return distance within your gas plan, and remain above the seagrass without disturbing the bottom. Turtles and dugongs are possible visitors, not a scheduled part of the dive.
Location & How to Get There
Marsa Egla is a shore-diving bay approximately 10–11 km north of Marsa Alam town. It is reached by road, with a sandy beach entry providing access to the central seagrass meadow and the northern and southern reefs. The selected route depends on conditions, diver experience and the guide’s assessment.
Marsa Egla
Open in Google MapsDive Map
This map is a visual reference for the Marsa Egla site layout, not a fixed dive route or dive plan. Actual depths, conditions and the selected profile must be assessed for each dive.
Site-Specific Features
Site-Specific Features
Seagrass Habitat
A central seagrass meadow separates the northern and southern reefs of Marsa Egla. Green turtles may be encountered feeding over the seagrass, while occasional dugong sightings are possible but never guaranteed. Divers and snorkellers should avoid standing on or disturbing the seagrass.
Reef & Coral Structures
Fringing reefs line the northern and southern sides of the bay. Their coral formations and reef slopes provide the main reef-diving areas, with hard and soft corals and varied reef fish.
Shallow Areas
The shallow areas provide accessible diving and snorkelling, ideal for beginners and mixed groups. The rich shallow marine life makes these areas rewarding for photographers and wildlife observers.
Deeper Reef Sections
The reef slopes extend into deeper water, offering additional routes for divers with appropriate qualifications and experience. The profiles described on this page reach approximately 25 m, but this is not the absolute maximum depth of the site. Actual depth and conditions depend on the selected route.
Dive Profiles
Dive Profiles
Shallow Reef & Seagrass Dive
Depth Range
Approximately 5–12 m
Reef Zone
Central seagrass meadow and shallow sections of the northern or southern reef.
What to Expect
A relaxed shore dive exploring the central seagrass meadow or shallow sections of one of the lateral reefs. Green turtles may be encountered feeding over the seagrass, while reef fish, rays and other marine life can be observed around the coral and sandy areas. An occasional dugong encounter is possible but never guaranteed.
Current Considerations
Usually mild in the shallow areas. Conditions can vary and the guide determines the plan.
Marine Life Focus
Reef fish, turtles, blue-spotted rays, octopus, shallow reef and seagrass life.
Experience Implications
Suitable for all levels including beginners and snorkellers. Buoyancy and calm observation are the key skills.
Reef Structures & Deeper Profile
Depth Range
Approximately 12–25 m
Reef Zone
Northern or southern reef slopes and coral formations, with deeper sections selected according to diver qualifications and conditions.
What to Expect
A reef dive exploring coral formations and sloping terrain along one of the bay’s lateral reefs. The selected route may remain within 18 m or extend towards approximately 25 m for appropriately qualified divers. Reef fish, rays and other reef life may be encountered. The actual maximum depth and no-decompression limits must be determined for the specific dive, not inferred from the site map.
Current Considerations
Conditions can vary on the deeper sections. The guide assesses whether this profile is viable on the day.
Marine Life Focus
Reef fish, blue-spotted rays, moray eels, lionfish, pipefish, macro life.
Experience Implications
Open Water divers can follow suitable routes within their training and depth limits, normally up to 18 m for PADI Open Water. Routes extending towards 25 m require appropriate deeper-diving qualifications, experience and conditions, such as PADI Advanced Open Water or an equivalent qualification. Every dive must remain within the diver’s certification, training and planned no-decompression limits.
Conditions & Currents
Conditions at Marsa Egla can vary. The shallow and sheltered areas are generally mild, while the deeper reef sections may experience more current. No fixed current direction is established for this site. The guide assesses conditions on the day and selects the profile accordingly. Divers should be prepared for variable conditions and follow the guide’s assessment.
Who Is This Site For?
Marsa Egla is suitable for a broad range of experience levels because the different areas provide different depths and profiles. Beginners and Open Water divers can enjoy the shallow seagrass and reef areas. Experienced divers can explore the deeper reef sections reaching approximately 25 m. Snorkellers are welcome in the shallow areas where conditions permit. Families and mixed groups can share the same trip. Underwater photographers will find subjects ranging from reef fish and turtles to macro life and coral details. Not every profile is appropriate for every certification level — the guide determines the plan based on conditions and the group.
Marine Life
Marsa Egla
Green Turtle
Green turtles feed on seagrass meadows in shallow sheltered bays, particularly at Abu Dabbab.
Blue-spotted Ray
Blue-spotted rays are often seen resting on sandy bottoms near reef edges.
Octopus
Octopus may be found on reef edges and sandy areas, especially during late afternoon and night dives.
Moray Eels
Moray eels may be found in crevices and holes along the reef edge, often seen during day and night dives.
Lionfish
Lionfish may be encountered around reef edges and coral formations, especially during dawn, dusk and night dives.
Pipefish
Pipefish may be found among seagrass and reef edges, rewarding patient macro observation.
Green Turtle
Possible
reef-fish
Characteristic
Blue-spotted Ray
Possible
Octopus
Possible
Moray Eels
Possible
Lionfish
Possible
Pipefish
Possible
macro-life
Possible
Wildlife encounters can never be guaranteed. These are wild animals in their natural habitat.
Wildlife Etiquette
DO: Maintain neutral buoyancy. Keep a respectful distance from all wildlife. Allow animals to move freely. Avoid reef contact. Protect seagrass.
DO NOT: Chase. Touch. Surround. Block. Feed wildlife. Damage coral or seagrass.
These guidelines are essential for responsible diving at Marsa Egla — respecting the reef and its wildlife is the only way to keep it healthy.
When to Dive
Marsa Egla can be visited throughout the year, subject to conditions. No specific seasonal wildlife pattern is established for this site. Seasonal variations may affect conditions and wildlife activity. Water temperatures range from approximately 22°C in winter to 30°C in summer.
Underwater Photography
Marsa Egla offers good opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography.
For wide-angle work, the reef structures, coral formations, seagrass landscapes and any larger marine life are the primary subjects. The varied underwater terrain provides interesting compositions.
For macro, the reef edges, seagrass areas and coral structures support pipefish, small reef fish, lionfish and macro subjects. Patient, slow observation produces better results than active pursuit.
Responsible photography is essential. Maintain neutral buoyancy at all times. Do not touch, chase or block any marine life. Avoid reef and seagrass contact and do not damage coral. Allow wildlife to determine the distance. The goal is to photograph behaviour as it unfolds naturally.
Safety & Practical Information
Listen carefully to the guide’s briefing before entering the water. Conditions can vary between the shallow areas and the deeper reef sections. Stay within the planned profile and maintain appropriate buoyancy. The Dive Map indicates a maximum depth of 25 m with a no-decompression profile — these are site reference information, not a substitute for the dive plan. Protect reef and seagrass structures — avoid contact with coral and seagrass. Respect all wildlife. Surface signalling equipment (SMB) should be carried where appropriate to the dive plan. Follow the guide’s instructions at all times.
Planning your visit
Suitable for all levels
Snorkelling and diving
Shore or boat access depending on operator
Maximum depth approximately 25 m
Location: approximately 10–11 km north of Marsa Alam
Access: shore or boat depending on operator
Suitable for all levels
Snorkelling available
Gallery
Marsa Egla
FAQ
Marsa Egla
Marsa Egla is a reef and bay environment north of Marsa Alam featuring seagrass habitat, coral structures, shallow and deeper sections, and rich marine life. It offers accessible diving and snorkelling for all levels.
Sources and editorial review
Content reviewed on 20 October 2026. Conflicting descriptions are identified in the text. Sea conditions and access arrangements require local confirmation.
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A sheltered shore-diving bay north of Marsa Alam, with two fringing reefs separated by a central seagrass meadow. Easy beach access, coral formations and varied marine life offer diving and snorkelling for different experience levels.
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