New Year's Eve in Marsa Alam
Charter flight, all-inclusive hotel and transfer, with the turn of the year on the southern Red Sea.
New Year's Eve in southern Egypt, on the Red Sea: all-inclusive resorts, turtles at Abu Dabbab and over 20°C by day, away from the crowds.
Marsa Alam is the quieter part of Egypt's Red Sea coast: large resorts, light-sand bays and some of the richest reefs in Egypt, a few steps from the beach. At the end of December it is around 23°C during the day, and the sea is about as warm. In winter Egypt is on the same time as Romania, so midnight comes at the same moment as at home.
The packages include a charter flight from Bucharest straight to Marsa Alam airport, all-inclusive accommodation or the meal plan you choose, transfer and 7 nights, with departures on 28 and 29 December and the return in the first days of January. The hotels are in Marsa Alam, El Quseir, Port Ghalib and Shams Alam, and you see the price of each one in the offer, before you pay.
Top attractions in Marsa Alam
The turn of the year at the resort
In Marsa Alam, New Year's Eve is spent almost entirely at the hotel: the resorts are far apart and the town is small. On 31 December they hold a gala dinner, music and a party, sometimes compulsory, either included in the price or paid separately. Port Ghalib, with its marina and restaurants, is the only place to go out in the evening.
The turtles of Abu Dabbab
In Abu Dabbab bay, sea turtles graze on the seagrass a few metres from the shore, and with luck you may see a dugong. You go in straight from the beach with a mask and snorkel. Marsa Mubarak, further north, is another bay known for its turtles.
Reefs and dolphins
Marsa Alam is the starting point for Egypt's southernmost reefs. The day trip by boat to Sataya reef, known as the “dolphin house”, is the most popular; divers head to Elphinstone, one of the best-known reefs in the Red Sea. In winter the water stays around 23°C.
Ancient Egypt on a day trip
Luxor, with the temples of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, is a few hours' drive across the desert. The day trip leaves the hotel very early and returns in the evening. It is long, but it is the only way to see the pharaohs' temples from a holiday in Marsa Alam.
Everything you need to know about Marsa Alam
New Year's Eve weather
Days are usually 22–25°C and sunny, while evenings cool to 14–16°C and are often windy. Bring something warm for New Year's Eve outdoors and for the boat. The sea is around 23°C, so you can swim.
Where to stay
Port Ghalib if you want the marina and restaurants close by. El Quseir, an old port town to the north, closer to Hurghada. The resorts around Marsa Alam and Shams Alam for peace and quiet and reef bays; many are tens of kilometres from town.
Flight and visa
The charter flight lands straight at Marsa Alam airport, and the airport–hotel transfer is included. For Egypt you need a passport valid for at least six months and a tourist visa, which you can buy on arrival at the airport or online before you travel.
Money and tipping
At all-inclusive hotels you hardly need any money. For trips and tips, bring euros or dollars in small notes; tipping is a strong custom in Egypt. You can book trips at the hotel or with local agencies; agree the price first.
Frequently asked questions about Marsa Alam
- What does the Marsa Alam New Year's Eve package include?
- The return charter flight from Romania, accommodation at the hotel you choose with the meals in the offer (usually all inclusive), the airport–hotel–airport transfer and TravelTheme assistance throughout the trip. You can see exactly what each hotel includes in the offer, before you pay.
- Is the New Year's Eve dinner included?
- It depends on the hotel. In Egypt many hotels hold a compulsory gala dinner on 31 December: at some it is included in the price, at others it is paid separately at the hotel. If you want to know in advance, write to us before you book and we will check for the hotel you have chosen.
- When do I leave and when do I come back?
- Departures from Bucharest are on 28 and 29 December, returning after 7 nights, in the first days of January. You can see the dates with seats and the price of each one at the top, under “Nearest departure dates”, or choose them in the search.
- Can I fly from a city other than Bucharest?
- Yes, depending on the date. Over New Year there are also flights to Marsa Alam from Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara and Iași. Choose your departure city in the search to see the dates and prices for each.
- Can I pay only a deposit?
- For bookings made well in advance you can pay a 25% deposit and the rest by the date shown in your confirmation. At checkout you will see whether your booking can be paid with a deposit; closer to departure, payment is made in full.
- Marsa Alam or Hurghada?
- Marsa Alam is quieter, with secluded resorts and richer reefs, good if you want the sea, snorkelling and rest. Hurghada has more going on in town, with restaurants and places to go out on New Year's Eve. The weather is almost the same; Marsa Alam is slightly warmer.
- What documents do I need for Egypt?
- A passport valid for at least six months from your entry into Egypt and a tourist visa, which you can buy on arrival at the airport or online before you travel. Check the current requirements before you travel.