Marsa Alam (Abu Dabbab and Elphinstone)

Match the Site to the Diver

• Use Abu Dabbab, Marsa Egla, and house reefs for checkout dives, buoyancy resets, camera practice, and easier second dives.
• Reserve Elphinstone Reef for the day when you are well rested and diving with a team that listens.

Shark and Wall Protocol

• CDWS shark guidance says do not chase, harass, or touch sharks.
• Keep noise and activity low, control buoyancy, and avoid erratic movement.
• If a shark approaches closely, take a slow vertical position, keep eyes on the animal, and do not turn and flee.
• CDWS guidance also advises staying at least 5 m deep near active offshore shark encounters and says snorkelers should not enter areas with likely oceanic whitetip sightings.

Boat-day Basics

• Carry an SMB and audible surface signal.
• Confirm pickup procedure before entry.
• Hydrate aggressively in summer and take wind chill seriously in winter.

Dive Medical Support

• CDWS lists Marsa Alam Baromedical at Marsa Shagra as a key local hyperbaric facility, with 24/7 chamber support on site.
• CDWS also lists Marsa Alam Deco International at Port Ghalib Hospital.
• Port Ghalib Hospital adds a practical medical anchor near the airport and marina corridor.

Practical Planning

• Carry dive accident insurance that explicitly covers hyperbaric treatment and evacuation.
• Keep your insurer's hotline saved offline.
• If you have any decompression sickness concern after an Elphinstone day, stop diving immediately and activate medical support early rather than waiting to see if symptoms fade.