Abu Dabbab & Marsa Mubarak: Diving with Dugongs
Abu Dabbab & Marsa Mubarak: Where to See Dugongs & Sea Turtles
When divers and snorkelers dream of Marsa Alam, two names consistently top the list: Abu Dabbab and Marsa Mubarak. Both bays are famous for their extraordinary marine life — above all for dugongs and sea turtles. This guide explains the exact difference between the two sites, what you can realistically expect, and how to maximize your chances of a sighting.
What Is a Dugong — and Why Are They Here?
Dugongs are the marine relatives of manatees — gentle herbivores that feed exclusively on seagrass and can live up to 70 years. Marsa Alam is today one of the last places in the world where regular dugong sightings in the wild are possible — because extensive, intact seagrass meadows still exist here, while elsewhere they have disappeared through coastal development and boat traffic.
The IUCN lists dugongs as vulnerable. Diving with dugongs in Marsa Alam is therefore not just an experience — it is a privilege that should never be taken for granted.
Abu Dabbab: The Classic Site
Abu Dabbab is the better-known of the two bays and the most visited dugong site in Egypt. That makes it more accessible — but also busier.
What to expect:
- Seagrass meadow accessible directly from the beach — no boat required
- Year-round sea turtle sightings — almost guaranteed
- Dugong sightings: several times a week, especially in early morning
- Depth: 5-15 meters — ideal for snorkelers and beginner divers
- Calm, clear conditions with excellent visibility
The reef at Abu Dabbab is worth seeing in its own right — with coral gardens, Napoleon wrasse and a wide variety of reef fish. For a full overview of the area's best sites, read our Marsa Alam dive sites guide.
Marsa Mubarak: Higher Dugong Chances
Marsa Mubarak is known among local guides as the more reliable dugong site — less touristy but with more consistent wildlife encounters.
What to expect:
- Two resident dugongs live here regularly and are encountered more often than at Abu Dabbab
- Sea turtles are also frequently observed
- Quieter conditions — fewer boats, more undisturbed behavior from the animals
- Depth: 3-12 meters — ideal for snorkelers and divers of all levels
- Slightly more remote than Abu Dabbab — accessible by boat from our base
Anyone specifically seeking dugongs who is willing to travel a little further is frequently rewarded at Marsa Mubarak.
Abu Dabbab vs. Marsa Mubarak — Direct Comparison
| Abu Dabbab | Marsa Mubarak | |
|---|---|---|
| Access | From the beach | By boat |
| Depth | 5-15m | 3-12m |
| Dugong frequency | Several times/week | Higher — 2 resident animals |
| Sea turtles | Very frequent | Frequent |
| Tourist numbers | Medium-high | Low |
| For snorkelers | ✅ Ideal | ✅ Ideal |
| For divers | ✅ Good | ✅ Good |
Are Sightings Guaranteed?
No — both bays are wild animal habitats, not aquariums. Dugongs are not a permanent exhibit. The chances are good, but nothing can be guaranteed.
What we can say: our guides know the animals' movement patterns, the best entry time (early morning is almost always better), and the quietest zones within each bay. That maximizes the probability — but no one can guarantee it. Scuba World Divers is rated 6.0/6.0 — Excellent on HolidayCheck — in part because we always keep a respectful distance during wildlife encounters.
Rules of Conduct for Dugong Diving
Dugongs are shy animals. For a sustainable sighting experience, clear rules apply:
- No touching — even if the animals approach close
- No sudden movements — swim calmly, no vigorous fin kicks
- Maintain appropriate distance at all times
- Never position yourself between a dugong and the surface — dugongs must surface to breathe
These guidelines apply to all PADI certified guides and instructors at our bases.
What Else Is There to See?
Abu Dabbab and Marsa Mubarak are just two of the extraordinary dive destinations around Marsa Alam. For those who want to experience more:
- Dolphin House / Marsa Samadai — resident dolphin population, perfect for snorkelers and divers alike
- Elphinstone Reef — world-famous shark dive site for Advanced-certified divers
- House reefs Marsa Alam — direct beach access to coral reefs at every base
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Abu Dabbab without diving?
Yes — snorkeling is particularly popular here and suitable for all ages. Children from age 8 can experience their first underwater moments with the PADI Bubblemaker program.
What time of year is best for dugong sightings?
Year-round, with no clear seasonal peak. For a complete overview of the best travel times, read our Best Time to Dive Egypt guide.
Are these sites suitable for beginners?
Absolutely — shallow, calm water and gentle current make both bays ideal for first-time divers. If you don't yet have a certification, read our beginner's guide to diving in Marsa Alam.
How long is the boat ride to the sites?
From our Iberotel Costa Mares dive center, both bays are reachable in 10-20 minutes — one of the shortest transfers of any dive base in the region.
Can I combine dugong diving with a Dolphin House visit?
Yes — many of our guests combine Abu Dabbab or Marsa Mubarak with a Dolphin House visit on the same day. Ask our team at the Iberotel Costa Mares base about current day trip options.
Do I need an Advanced certification for Abu Dabbab?
No — the depths of 3-15 meters are well within reach of the PADI Open Water Diver certification. For deeper reef sections and sites like Elphinstone, the Advanced Open Water course is recommended.
Dive Abu Dabbab & Marsa Mubarak with Scuba World Divers
Our base at Iberotel Costa Mares in Marsa Alam is the closest of our centers to both bays — with regular day trips and experienced, multilingual guides. Full details on excursions and pricing are in the Marsa Alam dive guide or our PADI course cost guide for Egypt 2026.
Book online and save 10% — at all our locations in Marsa Alam, Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Soma Bay and Sahl Hasheesh.