Tauchen Marsa Alam

Tauchen Marsa Alam is a German-speaking dive centre situated in Tondoba Bay, just north of Marsa Alam. The centre is positioned to provide easy access to some of the most significant marine environments in the area, ranging from protected dolphin habitats to deep-water reefs.

The school is a PADI, SSI, and CMAS dive centre, catering to a wide spectrum of divers. From beginners taking their first underwater lessons to professional-level Divemasters, the focus remains on high-quality, personalised service that avoids the feel of mass tourism.

The centre is run by a German-speaking team, ensuring clear communication for those who prefer instruction in German. English is also spoken throughout the facility, making it accessible for international divers.

The teaching philosophy is built around small groups, ensuring that you receive individual attention from your guide. This approach is particularly effective for their specialised excursions, such as those focused on observing dolphins in their natural habitat.

The training programme is comprehensive, covering all major certification levels through PADI, SSI, and CMAS. Beginners can start with the Junior Open Water Diver or standard Open Water Diver courses, while more experienced divers can progress through Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and eventually Divemaster.

Specialised training is also offered to refine specific skills. These include Nitrox certification, Deep Diver, and Wreck Diver courses, as well as CMAS-specific programmes such as the 10-day CMAS course.

The centre utilises speedboats and Zodiacs to reach the offshore sites. These vessels allow for efficient transit to the reefs, including the more distant locations like Elphinstone Reef.

Nitrox is available on these trips, allowing for extended bottom times on many of the local excursions.

Full equipment hire is available on-site, including various sizes of wetsuits, regulators, and fins. For those who prefer to bring their own kit, the centre has the facilities needed to make their stay comfortable.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to optimise their profiles. For night dives, torches are available for hire to ensure you can navigate the reef after sunset.

The reefs around Marsa Alam are defined by their vibrant coral structures and a high density of colourful fish. You will regularly encounter various species of parrotfish and fusiliers moving through the water column.

Large pelagics are a significant draw for the area. Depending on the site, you may encounter sharks, including white tip reef sharks, particularly on deeper reefs such as Elphinstone.

The area is also famous for its charismatic megafauna. You can observe sea turtles and dugongs in the seagrass meadows, while the protected lagoons of Sha'ab Samadai and Shaab Sataya provide regular opportunities to see dolphins.

Diving in this region offers a variety of environments, from shallow reef flats to deeper offshore walls. Visibility typically ranges between 7 and 25 metres, providing clear sightlines for both macro and large animal observation.

While many sites are accessible via shore dives, the offshore reefs require boat transit to reach the deeper sections and the most significant current-swept sites.