Abu Dabab

Abu Dabab (also spelled Abu Dabbab) is one of the most famous dive and snorkel sites in the Marsa Alam region of Egypt’s southern Red Sea, renowned for its resident dugongs, large green and hawksbill sea turtles, and extensive seagrass meadows.

Overview

Abu Dabab Bay — sometimes called Turtle Bay or Dugong Bay — is a sandy-bottomed bay with extensive seagrass beds in its centre, fringing coral reefs along its edges, and a small accessible beach. The combination of seagrass habitat and sheltered bay conditions makes it one of the very few sites in Egypt where dugong (Dugong dugon) can be reliably encountered. Local dive guides report identifying two resident dugongs that visit the bay most frequently, though the population using the area is larger.

The bay hosts more than 100 resident turtles. Green sea turtles graze on the central seagrass meadows; hawksbill turtles are found around the reef structures where they feed on coral and sponges. The site is considered suitable for all experience levels due to its shallow depth, sheltered conditions, and absence of significant currents.

Dive Profile

• Depth: 0–15 m over seagrass; reef edges to ~20 m
• Current: Minimal in sheltered bay
• Entry: Shore or boat; beach entry available
• Visibility: Good in calm conditions (15–25 m on reef)
• Suitable for: All levels including snorkellers

Marine Life

• Dugong (Dugong dugon): regularly sighted in seagrass meadows; not guaranteed but frequently seen
• Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas): abundant; graze on central seagrass
• Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): around reef sections
• Reef fish: parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, grouper, moray eels on reef sections

Photography

The shallow seagrass areas with dugongs and turtles in natural light are ideal for underwater photography. Early morning light gives the best conditions before boat traffic increases.

Sources: Sambo Divers — Abu Dabbab Bay, PADI — Abu Dabbab 1, Snorkel Around the World — Abu Dabbab. Last updated 2026-05-17.