When we think of Egypt, images of ancient temples, pyramids and the Nile immediately come to mind. Yet, Egypt’s coastlines, both along the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, offer much more: new yacht marinas and pristine islands that are increasingly welcoming both yachts and cruise passengers.
On the Mediterranean coast, there is Marassi Yachts Marina on the North Coast. Along the Red Sea, several islands are well known among diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, particularly in the area around Hurghada, including Giftun, Shaker, Al Akhaween and Hamata. These islands offer pristine environments, rich marine life, extensive coral reefs, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking natural scenery, making them ideal destinations for divers and tourists looking to spend a relaxing day at sea on board a yacht. Egypt’s Red Sea coast is also home to elegant and modern marinas such as El Gouna, Port Ghalib and Soma Bay. Recently, the Egyptian government has opened up new opportunities for cruise ships to visit these islands and yacht marinas by anchoring offshore and transferring passengers by tender boats, allowing them to spend the day exploring these peaceful and beautiful destinations. Last year, Port Ghalib successfully welcomed AROYA Cruise passengers on 10 calls, receiving a total of 7,923 passengers.
It is precisely this combination of pristine nature, crystal-clear waters, luxury resorts and modern marinas that makes Egypt’s Red Sea coast one of the most exciting emerging destinations for international and cruise tourism.
Among these destinations, Port Ghalib stands out as an integrated tourism complex overlooking the Red Sea, located near Marsa Alam International Airport. Inaugurated in 2002, Port Ghalib was conceived as a major destination dedicated to tourism and leisure, combining accommodation, entertainment, shopping, nautical activities and a modern international marina. The development stretches along approximately 18 kilometres of coastline and covers a total area of around 32 million square metres.
Its location is one of its greatest strengths. Port Ghalib lies between Al Quseir and Marsa Alam, just a few kilometres from Marsa Alam International Airport. This proximity creates a natural link between air and maritime tourism, making the destination particularly accessible to international travellers. The Egyptian Ministry of Transport also recognises Port Ghalib International Marina as an official port of entry into Egypt.
At the heart of Port Ghalib is its Marina. Since its opening, the marina has developed into one of the area’s leading private maritime facilities, offering services for visiting vessels as well as a wide range of nautical amenities. The marina states that it can accommodate up to 1,000 yachts and provides services including berthing, port assistance, customs and immigration procedures, fuel supplies, fresh water, waste collection, transportation and provisioning.
In cruise tourism, however, infrastructure is only one part of the experience. A successful cruise destination must give passengers a compelling reason to leave the ship and explore the surrounding area. This is precisely where Port Ghalib offers a particular advantage. Unlike a port that serves primarily an industrial or transport function, Port Ghalib is integrated into a broader tourism environment. Around the marina are hotels, restaurants, shops, leisure facilities and a wide range of activities, creating a destination that can be experienced both from the sea and from the land. For cruise passengers, therefore, Port Ghalib is not simply a place to dock, but a genuine gateway to a territory rich in experiences.
For those arriving in Port Ghalib aboard a cruise ship, one of the destination’s main strengths is the variety of experiences that can be enjoyed even during a relatively short stay.
The Red Sea is one of the world’s best-known destinations for diving and snorkelling, and its rich marine life is one of Port Ghalib’s main attractions. Cruise passengers can take part in snorkelling and diving excursions, discovering the coral reefs and colourful marine life for which this part of Egypt is famous. The marina itself offers diving-related services and can arrange excursions and activities at sea. For travellers arriving in Egypt on a cruise, this provides an experience very different from the country’s traditional cultural attractions: instead of visiting an archaeological site, they can spend their time in port exploring the underwater world of the Red Sea.
The sea is not merely the backdrop to Port Ghalib: it is one of the main ways in which to experience the destination. Boat excursions, water taxis and various nautical activities allow visitors to see the coastline from a different perspective. At the same time, experiences are available for those who simply want to enjoy the sea without necessarily taking part in diving activities. Port Ghalib can therefore cater to a variety of interests, from diving enthusiasts and families to travellers looking for a more relaxed excursion.
The landscape around Marsa Alam extends far beyond the sea. Beyond the resorts and coastline lies the Egyptian desert, offering a completely different dimension to the destination. Port Ghalib’s excursion services include desert safaris and guided tours, allowing visitors to combine the experience of the Red Sea with an adventure through the surrounding landscape.
For cruise passengers, this combination of sea and desert is particularly appealing: during a single stop, it is possible to experience two of the natural environments that most characterise southern Egypt.
Not every cruise passenger wants to take part in a demanding excursion. Some simply prefer to stroll, relax, have lunch or go shopping without venturing too far from the ship. Port Ghalib is designed to accommodate this type of experience as well. The waterfront and Corniche are home to restaurants, entertainment venues and boutiques.
The result is a destination capable of offering considerable flexibility: passengers can choose between an organised excursion and a more leisurely day spent around the marina.
Port Ghalib’s geographical location also makes it possible to organise longer excursions. The marina provides transportation services for airport transfers and overland excursions, while the destination also offers connections to Luxor and other locations of historical and natural interest across Egypt.
This aspect is particularly interesting from a cruise-tourism perspective, as it allows Port Ghalib to fulfil a dual role: to be a tourist destination in its own right, while also serving as a gateway to southern Egypt.
What makes Port Ghalib particularly interesting is the combination of elements that would normally be found in separate destinations.
There is the marina, providing the maritime infrastructure and services required by visiting vessels. There is the resort, with hotels, restaurants and entertainment facilities. There is the natural environment, characterised by coral reefs, beaches and desert landscapes. And there is the airport, located just a few kilometres away and capable of connecting the destination with major international markets. Together, these elements create an integrated tourism model.
For cruise passengers, this means being able to shape a highly personal experience. Those interested in marine life can choose a diving or snorkelling excursion; adventure seekers can head into the desert; families can opt for the waterfront; while those simply looking to relax can stroll along the marina, enjoy lunch and go shopping before returning on board.
Port Ghalib is emerging within the Red Sea tourism landscape as a destination that combines maritime infrastructure with a comprehensive range of tourism services. The marina represents its principal point of access, while the coastline and the activities available allow cruise passengers to discover the surrounding area during their stay.
Its geographical position and the integration of the port, tourism services and airport connections help make Port Ghalib a destination well suited to inclusion in Red Sea cruise itineraries.
Giorgia Lombardo