About the Village

A visit to Marsa Alam would not be complete without a stay at Marsa Shagra. It is one of the most well-known destinations in Marsa Alam and was established more than 30 years ago as a diving camp. It occupies a stunning location in the Southern Red Sea with one of the most beautiful House Reefs in the region. Although the village has changed a lot since 1990, the concept and atmosphere remains the same, offering a chance for our guests to experience the incredible natural resources that the Red Sea has to offer, both on land and underwater.

The village is centrally located for exploring Marsa Alam’s highlights which are all focussed on nature-based enjoyment. Desert excursions, trips to Wadi El Gemal National Park, El Nayzak Beach, Qulaan Lagoon, Sharm el Luli and Ras Hankorab are all within easy reach. Our sustainable tourism model was established by our founder Mr Hossam Helmy back in 1990 and has meant that access to Marsa Shagra is exclusive and limited to the number of people that the house reef can tolerate.

A range of accommodation options are available, from our traditional tents on the beach which let you experience Marsa Shagra as it used to be, through to our new Superior Deluxe Chalets with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and unbeatable views of the sea and mountains. Meals are served in our iconic buffet restaurant which caters to all tastes and requirements, with additional a la carte options available. There is no better way to start your day than with breakfast overlooking the house reef! End your day with a traditional Gabana or Beer at our Bawadi Bedouin Cafe, surrounded by friends, new and old.

Scuba divers and snorkelers enjoy unlimited use of our house reef which is accessible from the beach by a sheltered, convenient entry point taking you directly to the underwater world. Certified divers may dive independently and unguided according to their certification, giving complete independence and freedom in your diving plans. The house reef stretches over 2km to the north and south and zodiacs are available during daylight hours to allow you to explore every corner of it. As well as the house reef, world famous dive sites such as Elphinstone and Abu Dabab off-shore reefs are just a short distance away. With depths of more than 40m at the fringing reef, Marsa Shagra an ideal playground for free divers who enjoy practicing their skills in a sheltered environment which is rich in marine life. Many also choose to take development sessions with our AIDA instructor or join one of our free diving excursions which offer the chance to free dive with dolphins, dugong, through canyons and on wrecks.

Clear your mind at our Yoga Shala, the ultimate space for yoga, under the guidance of our yoga instructor at sunrise and sunset, or through independent meditation and practice.

Marsa Shagra offers a slice of peace away from the hustle and bustle of the modern-day world, giving you time and space to enjoy true nature and relax. 

If you've never visited the southern Red Sea, Marsa Shagra is definitely the place to begin.