WELCOME TO MARSA SHAGRA

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.

A range of accommodation options are available, from the traditional tents on the beach through to the new Superior Deluxe Chalets with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and unbeatable views of the sea and mountains. Meals are served in an 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 the 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. 

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.

DAY 1: FLIGHT TO MARSA ALAM OR HURGHADA

There are daily flights to Marsa Alam and Hurghada. Upon arrival, our local partner will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the accommodation.  Marsa Nakari is one of Marsa Alam’s best kept secrets. It is a charming village in a quiet location 18km south of Marsa Alam city.  It has a rustic charm, giving a truly natural feel which is in-keeping with its surroundings which allows our guests to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the Red Sea’s natural resources, away from mass tourism.

DAY 2 – 6: PADI OPEN WATER COURSE

Padi Open Water Course is the world’s most popular diving course and has introduced millions of people to the underwater world. The Padi Open Water Certificate allows you to dive for a lifetime all over the world to a maximum depth of 18 meters. The course lasts approximately 4 days. We first start with theory lessons followed by exercises in shallow water (max. 2m). Once we have mastered the exercises and theory, we explore the fantastic underwater world of the Red Sea. Don’t forget to celebrate after the course to visit Port Ghalib, a luxurious port town on Marsa Alam where we go to a nice restaurant on the beautiful harbor.

Conditions and Preparation:

Swimming skills are  required to pass the course, but you can practice these at home in your local swimming pool.

• Health: A medical questionnaire must be completed. In some cases a doctor’s note may be required.
• Swimming skills: You must complete a swimming test consisting of 200 meters continuous swimming or 300 meters swimming with mask, snorkel and fins, and 10 minutes of treading water.

Theoretical knowledge

The training also includes a theoretical part. To enjoy your trip more, you can take the online course from home. Both online e-Learning and certification are included in the trip.

• Self-study: Online e-Learning or studying with a teaching package, including a manual and videos.
• Local Sessions: Discussion of the five chapters on diving theory, safety, equipment and planning.
• Tests: At the end of each chapter a knowledge overview and a final test.

Confined Water Dives

During the training you will first practice the basics in a shallow piece of water, so that everyone can adapt and feel comfortable at their own pace before we dive a little deeper. These exercises are done in a shallow piece of sea water, where you can always stand up whenever you want.

• Number of dives: Five dives in shallow water environment.
• Exercises: Mastery of basic diving skills such as mask clearing, breathing techniques, assembling and disassembling equipment, simulating emergencies, and checking buoyancy.

Open Water Dives

This is of course why we do it. Scuba diving provides access to an unknown world full of colorful corals, exotic fish, and unique sea creatures. It is an opportunity to see and understand marine life up close. Underwater it is quiet and peaceful, which gives a feeling of calm and relaxation. The lack of distraction ensures intense focus and mindfulness. After the Open Water Course you can dive worldwide with your buddy to a maximum of 18 meters.

• Number of dives: Four dives in a natural environment, such as a lake or the ocean.
• Goals: Apply the learned skills in a real diving environment, improve self-confidence, enjoy the underwater world and gain experience in open water.

DAY 7: DAY OFF OR OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

We always include a safety margin one day before the return flight, so that you can enjoy a well-deserved day of rest! For those who can’t get enough of it, you can always book optional activities. A day trip to Luxor, Quad Bike desert trip, horse riding, an Astrology evening or a visit to Wadi El Gemal National Park are among the options.
You can also combine some excursions during your diving days.

DAY 8: RETURNFLIGHT

After a week this wonderful trip is over. Today we fly home. You will not soon forget this experience and location!