Marsa Alam
Kitesurfing in Marsa Alam: a guide for first-time visitors
Why a sheltered Red Sea lagoon suits learning, what a kitesurfing day in Marsa Alam looks like, how to get there and which questions to ask any kite school.
About KiteMood Marsa Alam
About KiteMood: your kitesurfing school in Marsa Alam
KiteMood is an IKO-approved kitesurfing school on a protected lagoon in Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt. Here is who we are, where we teach and why this lagoon is such a good place to learn.
KiteMood Marsa Alam
Who we are: a kitesurfing school in Marsa Alam
KiteMood is an IKO-approved kitesurfing school in Marsa Alam, on the Red Sea coast of Egypt. We teach in the south of Marsa Alam, on a lagoon that is one of the best places to learn to kitesurf.
We are professional kitesurfing and surfing instructors, with many years of experience training riders.
KiteMood at a glance
- Location
- South of Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt
- School
- IKO-approved kitesurfing school
- Instructors
- Professional kitesurfing and surfing instructors
- Spot
- Protected lagoon with flat water, suitable for all IKO levels
- Lessons
- IKO Discovery, Intermediate and Independent levels
- Wind
- Very high wind chance all year round
IKO
IKO-approved, from beginners to advanced riders
KiteMood is approved by IKO, the International Kiteboarding Organization, and is one of 130 IKO-approved locations worldwide where you can learn kitesurfing. We follow IKO guidelines in all our lessons, and all our instructors are trained and certified by IKO.
We use the IKO Kiteboarding Training Path, whose recreational category has four groups: Discovery, Intermediate, Independent and Master. We give lessons for the first three.
Our lagoon is a spot for all IKO levels. Our courses include Level 1 – Discovery, Level 2 – Intermediate and Level 3 – Advanced.
Why we recommend this lagoon for beginners
If you are learning to kitesurf, this is where we recommend you start. The sections below explain the space, the water and the wind you can expect.
The rush of riding a kite
Few things match the feeling of gliding across the water on the power of the wind. Your technique changes constantly with the wind and the weather, so kitesurfing never gets boring.
It is a never-ending learning curve that brings many sensations at once: nerves, excitement and adrenaline.
What a good beginner kitesurfing spot needs
A beautiful setting, a clean beach, flat water, warm weather and steady wind make a great spot for beginners.
Every kitesurfing spot has slightly different conditions. Some suit beginners better than others, but almost every spot gives beginners the chance to practise and improve. If you want to learn in good conditions, our lagoon in the south of Marsa Alam is one of the best places to do it.
The spot
Our lagoon: sheltered water behind the coral reef
The Blue Lagoon Resort is one of the main kitesurfing centres on the Red Sea, thanks to its huge lagoon, sheltered by a coral reef about 800 metres from the shore. The lagoon changes very little with the tide.
Inside the reef the water is flat, and over the reef there are small waves. That makes it a good spot both for practising manoeuvres and for riding longer distances. It is a big playground, with a standing area and water that ranges from flat to choppy.
Find KiteMood in Marsa Alam
We are in the south of Marsa Alam, by the lagoon. Load the map to see exactly where to find us.
WX78+MMJ, Marsa Alam Road, Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt+20 100 328 0081info@kitemood.comMessage us on WhatsAppOpen in Google MapsThe interactive map loads only when you ask for it, which keeps this page fast.
Learn to kitesurf in a beginner-friendly lagoon
The lagoon is a great spot for learning kitesurfing. Here is why.
Lots of space
The lagoon is huge, so there is plenty of room to learn and practise.
Flat water
The water is flat, which is great for learning and for freestyle.
A big standing area
There is a big standing area, which helps when you are just starting out.
Steady wind
The wind is quite stable, which is good for learning and progressing.
Good to know before you come
A few practical points about the water, the reef and getting here.
Sheltered water
The coral reef shelters the lagoon, and the tide changes it very little.
Wear shoes
We recommend shoes for beginners. Dead coral on a strip of rocky sand can be dangerous if you have to cross it.
Getting here
Your airport transfer is usually arranged with your accommodation.
Plenty of kitesurfers around
There are lots of kitesurfers at the spot, and some of them are travelling solo too, so it is easy to meet people.
Wind and water at a glance
- Wind direction
- Cross to cross-onshore
- Strong days
- A high percentage of days with 20 knots or more
- Wetsuit
- Long all year; long or shorty in summer
Wind all year round in Marsa Alam
The lagoon is windy almost all year round. If you want to pick your months, here is what to expect. Check the wind forecast for current conditions.
Mid-May to June, September to mid-October
The highest wind probability of the year.
January to March, November to December
Stronger wind but a lower wind probability.
July and August
Extremely hot, and the wind is very steady.
A typical windy day
Life in Marsa Alam is all about eat, kite, sleep, repeat. When the wind is good, you usually have the whole day to kite.
From around 10:00
The wind starts to blow.
Through the day
The wind usually gets stronger, picking up around 14:00.
In the evening
The wind goes down again.
See the lagoon from above
Watch kitesurfing on the turquoise lagoon at KiteMood Marsa Alam.
KiteMood Marsa Alam – intro video
Where to stay near the lagoon
There is a range of accommodation around the lagoon, and most hotels nearby are only a short walk away. Some are basic, such as tents, while others are luxurious and more expensive.
The resorts in front of the lagoon are run by an Italian tour operator. They are not cheap, but they offer a variety of high-quality services during the day and in the evening.
Three resorts in front of the lagoon
They differ in the quality of the structure and the services they offer.
Floriana Emerald Lagoon
The cheapest of the three resorts.
Blue Lagoon Resort
The middle option, between the Floriana Emerald Lagoon and the Dream Lagoon.
Dream Lagoon
The most exclusive of the three resorts.
Special offer
A special offer for the Dream Lagoon
Are you looking for accommodation in Marsa Alam near a kitesurfing centre, inside a luxurious resort?
Contact us and ask about a special discount on a stay at the Dream Lagoon.
A kitesurfing holiday in Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam and the Blue Lagoon Resort make a great holiday for kitesurfers. Crystal-clear water, a vast lagoon and steady wind suit both beginners and more experienced riders. The relaxed atmosphere and excellent cuisine make it even more special, and after a busy day on the water you can get ready for the next day's kitesurfing.
The lagoon feels endless and is known as a freestyle heaven, with lots of space, flat water, downwind options and a very high chance of wind.
Life at the lagoon
Kitesurfing in Marsa Alam: quick answers
Is the Marsa Alam lagoon good for beginners?
Yes. The lagoon is huge, with lots of space, flat water and a big standing area. The wind is quite stable and good for learning and progressing.
When is the best time to kitesurf in Marsa Alam?
The lagoon is windy almost all year round. The highest wind probability is from mid-May to June and from September to mid-October. From January to March and November to December the wind is stronger but less likely. In July and August it is extremely hot, and the wind is very steady.
Which wetsuit do I need?
A long wetsuit works all year round. In summer you can choose between a long wetsuit and a shorty, because it gets warm during the day.
Should beginners wear shoes in the lagoon?
Yes, we recommend shoes for beginners. Dead coral on a strip of rocky sand can be dangerous if you have to cross it.
Can I come to KiteMood on my own?
Yes. Your airport transfer is usually arranged with your accommodation. There are also lots of kitesurfers at the spot, and some of them are solo travellers too, so it is easy to meet people.
Where can I stay near the lagoon?
There is a range of accommodation around the lagoon, from basic (tents) to luxurious and more expensive, and most hotels nearby are only a short walk away. If you would like a luxurious resort, contact us about our special discount on a stay at the Dream Lagoon.
Learn more about kitesurfing here
A first-timer guide to Marsa Alam and an explanation of the IKO levels we teach.
Learning
IKO kitesurfing levels explained: what each one means
What the five IKO kitesurfing levels mean, what you can do at each one, and how your certification helps when you rent equipment or change schools.
Ready to learn on the Marsa Alam lagoon?
Tell us when you are coming and what you would like to learn. You can reach us through the contact page, on WhatsApp or by email.