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Marsa Mubarak, Turtles & Dugongs, Marsa Alam
A protected bay famous for resident green turtles and a chance of dugong encounter.
Boat trip7hUp to 40 guestsPay on arrival OK
Nothing to pay now
From
€60€45
per adult
Two animals, a few specific bays
Where to See Turtles and Dugongs in Egypt
Turtles are widespread along the Egyptian coast. Dugongs are not. Both come down to seagrass: where there are meadows in shallow sheltered water, there are grazing animals, and in practice that means a short list of bays in Marsa Alam rather than anywhere you happen to snorkel.
- A trip planned around one animal you want to see
- Weak swimmers who need standing depth nearby
Quick answer
Quick answer: for turtles alone, Marsa Mubarak is the calmest and shallowest option. For a genuine chance at a dugong as well, Abu Dabbab is the bay to book, and there is no equivalent in Hurghada or Sharm.
Best if you want
- A trip planned around one animal you want to see
- Weak swimmers who need standing depth nearby
- Photographers who want animals, not crowds
Recommended bookable trips
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Abu Dabbab, Snorkel with Dugongs, Marsa Alam
One of the few places on Earth where you can swim with the rare and gentle dugong.
Boat trip7hPay on arrival OK
Nothing to pay now
From
€55
per adult
Marsa Mubarak or Abu Dabbab
Marsa Mubarak is a sheltered bay with seagrass close in, which makes it the easier snorkel and the better choice for children or anyone who prefers not to be far from shallow water. Abu Dabbab has the larger meadow, the resident turtles and the dugong reputation, and it is the longer day of the two.
How to behave around a grazing animal
A dugong that keeps getting crowded stops feeding and leaves the bay, which costs everyone who comes after you. Stay above and to the side rather than in front, never block the route to the surface, and do not touch. The same applies to turtles. Guides brief this before you get in, and boats that ignore it are why some bays have gone quiet.
Questions before you book
Can I see turtles without going all the way to Marsa Alam?
Yes, turtles turn up on reefs near Hurghada and Sharm too, just not reliably and not in numbers. If a turtle would be a nice bonus, book any island or reef day. If a turtle is the reason for the trip, go to a seagrass bay in Marsa Alam where they are resident rather than passing through.
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.