Hotel in Shagra Bay, 30km north of Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Red Sea
Orca Dive Club & Eco Hotel Marsa Alam
The Orca Dive Club & Eco Hotel is a boutique luxury diving resort at Shagra Bay, 30km north of Marsa Alam, widely regarded as one of the finest diving resorts in the world. The resort has direct access to two outstanding house reefs, a world-class PADI dive center, and comfortable eco-conscious bungalows and rooms. Its location provides easy access to all the iconic Marsa Alam dive sites including Elphinstone, Abu Dabbab, and Dolphin Reef.
The Orca Dive Club & Eco Hotel sits on the shores of Shagra Bay, a sheltered inlet on the Red Sea coast of Egypt approximately 30 kilometres north of Marsa Alam town. The location is one of the most celebrated on the southern Red Sea, offering direct access to two outstanding house reefs from the resort's own jetty. The surrounding waters include Elphinstone Reef — considered one of the world's premier dive sites — as well as Abu Dabbab Bay, Dolphin House, and Shaab Samadai.
The resort is built on an eco-conscious philosophy, with accommodation in comfortable bungalows and rooms set among palm trees and desert scrub close to the shoreline. The buildings are low-rise and architecturally modest, reflecting the emphasis on environmental integration over luxury aesthetics. Accommodation categories include Sea View and Garden View rooms, as well as standard and comfort bungalows. Rooms are clean, well-maintained, and fitted with air conditioning and private bathrooms.
The dive centre is the heart of the property and operates to a high professional standard, maintaining a fleet of RIBs and traditional dhow dive boats for excursions to all the major southern Red Sea sites. PADI certifications from Open Water to Divemaster level are offered on site. Dedicated equipment rental, camera facilities, and a large equipment drying room serve committed divers.
A single restaurant and beach bar serves the resort, with a menu of Egyptian and international dishes. Meals are taken communally at large shared tables, fostering the relaxed, club-like atmosphere that defines the property. A small freshwater pool provides an alternative to the sea for non-diving intervals.
The Orca Dive Club operates with a strong sustainability emphasis: single-use plastics are minimised, marine debris collection is integrated into dive itineraries, and reef briefings are conducted before every dive to reinforce responsible underwater conduct. The resort is primarily suited to divers and serious snorkellers rather than guests seeking a mainstream resort experience. Marsa Alam International Airport is approximately 55 kilometres south of the resort.
Amenities
- house reef access
- PADI dive center
- beach
- pool
- restaurant
- wifi
- eco-friendly accommodation
- dive equipment rental
- liveaboard trips
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +20-65-370-0103
Location
Shagra Bay, Marsa Alam, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
25.3500, 34.7833 — View on map
Highlights
- Direct jetty access to two outstanding house reefs at Shagra Bay, among the finest on the southern Red Sea
- Large professional PADI dive centre with daily boat dives to Elphinstone, Abu Dabbab, and Dolphin House
- Eco-conscious bungalow accommodation integrated into the desert and shoreline environment
- Liveaboard dive trips to deep southern Red Sea sites including the Brothers Islands and Daedalus Reef
- Communal dining culture creating a convivial club atmosphere popular with experienced divers
Tips
- Book well in advance as the resort fills quickly with returning dive guests, particularly from October to April.
- The nearest ATM is in Marsa Alam town, 30km south — bring sufficient cash for incidentals and equipment purchases.
- Early morning dives (typically departing 07:00) reach Elphinstone Reef before the day-trip boats arrive from Hurghada.
- Snorkelling equipment is available for hire from the resort shop; bringing personal equipment ensures a better fit.
- Guests with dietary restrictions should inform the hotel before arrival as the single restaurant menu is limited.
FAQ
Is the Orca Dive Club suitable for non-divers?
The resort is primarily oriented toward diving guests. Non-divers can snorkel from the jetty, relax on the beach, and use the pool, but the limited entertainment and activities reflect the dive-focused character of the property.
What certification level is needed for diving at Elphinstone?
Elphinstone is recommended for Advanced Open Water divers and above, given the strong currents and depth involved. The resort's divemasters assess all guests before assigning site-specific dive groups.
How far is the resort from Marsa Alam Airport?
Marsa Alam International Airport is approximately 55 kilometres south of the resort. Private transfers can be arranged through the hotel at the time of booking.
Are liveaboard trips bookable directly through the resort?
Yes. The Orca Dive Club can book liveaboard trips to deep southern Red Sea sites. Guests often combine a shore-based stay with a liveaboard extension covering Brothers Islands, Daedalus, and Rocky Island.
Accessibility
The resort's bungalow pathways are unpaved in places, which may present difficulty for wheelchair users or guests with mobility aids. The beach approach involves sand and cobble sections. Guests with specific mobility requirements are strongly encouraged to contact the resort directly before booking to discuss practical arrangements.
When to visit
October to May offers the best diving visibility and most consistent water conditions at Shagra Bay. Manta ray sightings are most common between November and March. Summer months are extremely hot in this part of the southern Red Sea, though diving conditions remain viable year-round for dedicated divers.