Abu Dabbab or Marsa Mubarak: Where to See Dugongs and Turtles?
Two seagrass bays north of Marsa Alam. No boat at either: you walk in from the beach.
Quick answer
Go to Abu Dabbab for the dugong: it is the bay where they feed most often. Go to Marsa Mubarak with children or beginners: you walk off sand into knee-deep water and can stand up anywhere. Green turtles live in both bays. A dugong is never certain at either.
 Abu Dabbab, Snorkel with Dugongs, Marsa Alam€55per adultSee the trip |  Marsa Mubarak, Turtles & Dugongs, Marsa Alam€45per adultSee the trip |
|---|---|
| Length of the day | |
| 7 hours | 7 hours |
| Trip starts | |
| 08:00 | 08:00 |
| Getting into the water | |
| Across a few metres of rock. Wear water shoes. | Sandy beach into knee-deep water |
| Dugongs | |
| Their main feeding bay | Now and then. Treat it as a bonus. |
| Green turtles | |
| Live in the bay and graze it daily | Live in the bay and graze it daily |
| Where it is | |
| 30 km north of Marsa Alam town | 12 km north of Marsa Alam airport |
| Children | |
| Fine once past the rocks. The bay is shallow. | From age six. They can stand up anywhere. |
| Rules in the bay | |
| Rangers keep everyone about 5 m from a dugong. No flash. | Protected zone with no motor boats, so the water stays calm |
Pick Abu Dabbab if
- the dugong is the reason you came
- you are steady on your feet over rock
- you have snorkeled before
Pick Marsa Mubarak if
- you are travelling with young children
- it is your first time with a mask
- you want turtles and the easiest way into the water
Questions before you book
What matters most around a turtle or a dugong?
Never put yourself between the animal and the surface. Both have to come up to breathe, and if a line of snorkelers is in the way it costs them energy and they leave. No touching, and stay off to the side instead of directly overhead.
Are dolphins, turtles, or dugongs guaranteed?
Wildlife sightings are possible in known areas, but nature is never guaranteed.
Need help choosing?
Send your hotel area, travel date, group size, and what you want to see. The team can point you to the closest suitable trip without inventing guarantees.