Attraction Details
Overview
Abu Dabbab Bay
Abu Dabbab Bay is a sheltered sandy bay approximately 25 km north of Marsa Alam on Egypt’s southern Red Sea coast, internationally famous as one of the most reliable sites in the world for snorkeling with dugongs (sea cows) and sea turtles in their natural habitat. The bay’s shallow, warm, seagrass-filled waters provide the perfect feeding environment for dugongs — large, gentle, slow-moving marine mammals related to manatees that are critically endangered across most of their range — and for hawksbill and green sea turtles that regularly feed and rest on the seagrass beds.
The dugong encounters at Abu Dabbab are among the most extraordinary available anywhere in the Red Sea. Dugongs are typically 2.5–3 meters long and weigh 250–300 kg, feeding exclusively on seagrass. They are naturally curious and relatively unafraid of snorkelers who approach slowly and calmly, making close-range observation possible without disturbing the animals. Sightings are not guaranteed on every visit — dugongs are wild animals that move through the bay on their own schedule — but Abu Dabbab has the highest consistency of dugong encounters of any Red Sea site accessible to the public.
The bay’s coral reef fringe, visible from the beach, also supports abundant reef fish, rays, and the occasional moray eel — providing a full Red Sea snorkeling experience even on visits when the dugongs are not in the seagrass area. The beach itself is clean and well-maintained, with a basic beach facility providing sunbeds, shade, and refreshments.
History & Significance
Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are ancient marine mammals — related to the same terrestrial ancestors as elephants — that have inhabited the warm coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific for tens of millions of years. They were once abundant throughout the Red Sea but have been drastically reduced by hunting, boat strikes, and habitat loss. The Egyptian Red Sea population is now one of the most significant remaining dugong populations in the western Indian Ocean region.
Abu Dabbab Bay’s dugong population became known to the wider diving and snorkeling community in the 1990s as tourism developed along the Marsa Alam coast. The bay’s protected status within the Wadi el-Gemal National Park has provided some conservation benefit, limiting boat traffic and anchoring in the seagrass zone. The Egyptian government and conservation organizations have worked to establish protocols for responsible dugong-watching that minimize disturbance to the animals.
Sea turtle nesting on the bay’s beach has also been documented and partially protected — during nesting season (May to October), sections of the beach are closed at night to protect nesting females and hatchlings.
What to See
Dugong Snorkeling
Swimming with wild dugongs in their natural seagrass feeding habitat — one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters available anywhere in the Red Sea, with Abu Dabbab offering the highest consistency of sightings.
Sea Turtle Encounters
Hawksbill and green turtles regularly feeding in the shallow seagrass beds — highly probable encounters even on visits when the dugongs are elsewhere in the bay.
Coral Reef Fringe
The reef edge at the bay's mouth provides abundant reef fish, rays, and invertebrate life — a complete Red Sea snorkeling experience beyond the seagrass zone.
Sandy Beach Setting
A sheltered, clean sandy bay with warm shallow water — one of the most pleasant beach settings on Egypt's southern Red Sea coast.
Photo Gallery
Visitor Information
Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
⛔ Closed: NeverNo dress restrictions
Photography is free
Partially accessible
💡 Visitor Tips
Location & Map
🚕 How to Get There
Located approximately 25 km north of Marsa Alam on the coastal road; accessible by taxi from Marsa Alam (30 min), or as part of an organized snorkeling excursion from Marsa Alam, El Quseir, or Hurghada.
