Safety · Destination Guide
Easy wildlife bays on shore, advanced shark walls offshore
Marsa Alam ranges from easy shore wildlife sessions to fully exposed offshore wall dives, so site selection matters. Use licensed operators, do not let group pressure push you onto Elphinstone if the briefing feels beyond your current comfort, and take wildlife rules literally. Conservation here is not just branding: park authorities, beach management, and dive-sector regulators all publish explicit behavior rules.
Elphinstone is not a casual add-on
Expect current, open-water ascent management, surface drift, and zodiac pickups. Follow the shark briefing exactly, keep your SMB ready, and do not overextend depth or bottom time trying to force a pelagic encounter.
Wildlife distance rules are enforced
At Abu Dabbab, touching, chasing, feeding, or closely approaching turtles, dugongs, or coral is prohibited under the official beach rules, with penalties starting from EUR 500.
Heat and dehydration can ruin good diving
The biggest problem in summer is often not underwater. It is the boat deck, transfer van, and beach exposure between dives. Carry water, shade your head, and pace long multi-dive days carefully.
Official park material tells visitors not to collect rocks or natural material, drive off marked tracks, fish, hunt, feed wildlife, write graffiti, pollute water sources, or disturb turtle nesting sites.
Official Abu Dabbab terms prohibit touching, chasing, feeding, or closely approaching sea turtles, dugongs, or coral formations. The same rules prohibit collecting shells, stones, sand, or marine organisms, and penalties start from EUR 500.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when elphinstone is not a casual add-on. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marsa Alam Baromedical | Hyperbaric chamber and dive emergency support | +2 01224362222 | 24/7 emergency line |
| Marsa Alam Deco International at Port Ghalib Hospital | Hyperbaric chamber and dive emergency support | +2 012 219 0383 | Emergency contact |
| Egypt Ambulance | National medical emergency service | 123 | 24/7 |
| Egypt Police | National police emergency line | 122 | 24/7 |
| Wadi El Gemal Park Office | Protected-area coordination | (065)344-5981 / 372-0227 | Office hours vary |