Sha’ab Marsa Alam, also sometimes called Shaab Marsa, is a beautiful and accessible dive site located just off the coast of Marsa Alam, Egypt, in the Red Sea. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect: Location: Sha’ab Marsa Alam is a large, bean-shaped reef situated roughly 4 kilometers southeast of Marsa Alam town. It’s a relatively short boat ride away, making it convenient for day trips. Depth and Conditions: The reef itself offers a variety of depths, ranging from shallow coral gardens at around 5 meters to deeper areas exceeding 20 meters. This variation caters to divers of different experience levels. Visibility is generally good, allowing you to appreciate the underwater world. Highlights: Diverse Reef Life: Sha’ab Marsa Alam boasts a rich and colorful coral reef teeming with various marine creatures. Expect to encounter clownfish, anemonefish, moray eels, angelfish, butterflyfish, and even occasional sightings of reef sharks or dolphins. Two Main Areas: The reef can be broadly divided into two sections: North-Eastern Coral Garden: This area is renowned for its stunning coral formations and diverse fish life. Southern Lagoon: Here you’ll find a small wreck, the “Legend,” which sank in 2002. It’s a great spot to explore for those interested in underwater wrecks. Suitability: Sha’ab Marsa Alam is generally considered suitable for divers of all levels. The shallow coral gardens are ideal for beginners, while deeper areas can be explored by experienced divers with proper guidance. The currents can be mild to moderate, so some experience is recommended for optimal diving conditions. Tips: Depending on the dive operator, you might have the option for a drift dive or a wall dive along the reef. If you’re interested in exploring the wreck, ensure you have proper wreck diving training and certification. Be aware of the currents, which can sometimes influence the dive profile. Overall, Sha’ab Marsa Alam is a fantastic dive site offering a beautiful coral reef, diverse marine life, and a shallow wreck to explore. Its accessibility and varied depths make it a great choice for divers of all levels visiting Marsa Alam.