Shark attack in Egypt: the dated facts
Sharks live in the Red Sea, and incidents involving people are rare. Rare is not a guarantee, and incidents have happened, so authorities and tour operators ask visitors to follow local advice. This page keeps incidents separate by date and place and shows which rules apply.
If you plan water days, you can combine the facts here with Marsa Alam diving trips and snorkeling trips that follow a briefing and group limits. A guided group with a safety briefing is a better frame than swimming alone from a pier.
What happened in Marsa Alam on 29 December 2024
A dated incident, told without speculation.
The incident
The environment ministry announced two affected foreigners: one died and one was injured. It happened in deep water outside the bathing area, in the north of Marsa Alam. An investigation was announced. The shark species was not named, so avoid any claim about it.
The temporary restriction
The ministry ordered a closure of 2 days from Monday 30 December 2024 in the affected area, with no swimming from the jetties. Local decisions at the time covered further areas for different periods. All of this was temporary, and none of it describes a ban today.
Hurghada is a different place
A fatal tiger shark attack on a tourist near Hurghada in June 2023 is a separate case from another resort area. Do not mix it up with Marsa Alam.
The situation today
The 2024 measures were temporary and do not describe the current situation. No bay can be labelled shark-free, and beach operators and hotels give the notices that apply that day. Ask before you swim.
Our pick: a guided snorkel trip
A group trip with a certified snorkel guide at two reefs, which suits this page because you swim with someone who knows the bay.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Guided Red Sea trips with a safety briefing
Snorkeling, diving and dolphin trips, with live prices and availability.
Oceanic whitetip shark in the Red Sea
The oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) is a tropical and subtropical species of the open ocean. It has light tips on its fins, which gives the name. It is not the same animal as the whitetip reef shark, which lives at reefs.
Descriptions of the species do not give a safe swimming technique. Do not rely on tips from a fact sheet. The reliable measure is to follow the briefing and the instructions of your guide.
Safety rules for swimming, snorkeling and diving
Practical steps that apply to every trip.
Join the briefing
Egypt's diving and water sports chamber (CDWS) requires an environmental briefing before a boat trip and before you enter the water. Listen to it, and ask about the conditions of the day.
Keep to the group size
Organised open-water snorkeling groups are limited to 12 guests per guide, checked against the passenger list before departure. Worse conditions can call for smaller groups.
Follow the notices of the beach
Swim in the marked areas and follow lifeguards and flags where they exist. Ask the operator or hotel whether any area is closed.
Do not feed or chase animals
Feeding, touching and chasing marine life are not allowed and can change how animals behave. Keep your distance from sharks, rays and other large animals.
Check the boat
UK marine safety guidance from February 2025 pointed to structural and operational shortcomings on some inspected Red Sea liveaboards. Ask for the safety briefing and check lifejackets, exits and emergency equipment, because online ratings do not replace a check.
Which activity needs which care?
A short comparison.
| Activity | Main point | Ask first |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming from a hotel beach | Marked bathing areas only | Is any area closed today? |
| Snorkeling from a boat | Briefing and a group of up to 12 per guide | Who guides the group, and where do we enter? |
| Diving from a boat | Briefing and the experience level of the site | What is the safety briefing and the emergency plan? |
| Swimming in deep water outside the marked area | The 2024 incident happened in deep water outside the bathing area | Stay inside the marked bathing area |
For most visitors, the safest choice is a guided boat trip with a briefing and a limited group, and swimming only in the marked areas of a beach.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages for the water.
Shark safety in Marsa Alam: frequently asked questions
Are there shark attacks in Marsa Alam?
They are rare, but incidents have happened. A dated incident on 29 December 2024 in the north of Marsa Alam involved two foreigners; one died and one was injured. It happened in deep water outside the bathing area.
Is it safe to swim in Marsa Alam?
Conditions and local notices differ by beach, and no bay can be called shark-free. Swim in the marked areas, follow lifeguards and ask the operator or hotel about closures.
Is the 2024 swimming ban still in force?
No. The closure ordered after 29 December 2024 lasted 2 days from 30 December in the affected area. It was a temporary measure.
What is an oceanic whitetip shark?
A tropical open-ocean species with light tips on its fins. It is different from the whitetip reef shark. Do not draw safety tips from a species description.
Is snorkeling in a group safer?
A guided group with a briefing and a limit of 12 guests per guide is a better frame than snorkeling alone, but it is not a guarantee. Follow your guide at all times.