Abu Dabbab Ithnain

Abu Dabbab Ithnain (Arabic for “Abu Dabbab Two”) is a boat-access reef dive site off Abu Dabbab Bay, north of Marsa Alam, Egypt.

Overview

Abu Dabbab Ithnain is one of several offshore reef structures in the Abu Dabbab area, accessed by day-trip boats from Marsa Alam and nearby resorts. The site lies slightly offshore from the famous bay’s seagrass beds, offering a more classic Red Sea reef experience with deeper coral slopes and a richer pelagic element than the sheltered shore entries. The reef at Abu Dabbab Ithnain forms a distinct structure that drops from a shallow plateau into deeper walls and sand channels. The combination of healthy hard corals, schooling fish, and occasional larger pelagics makes this an excellent intermediate dive.

Site Information

• Location: Abu Dabbab area, north of Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–35 meters
• Current: Moderate; can vary with wind and tidal conditions
• Best Time: October to May

Marine Life

Reef fish life is varied and abundant. Large grouper and snapper are resident, and humphead wrasse are regularly encountered. Moray eels inhabit crevices along the reef wall. Schools of fusiliers and anthias work the current. Barracuda often patrol above the reef. Turtles are possible given the proximity to the Abu Dabbab seagrass habitat. Reef sharks may be sighted on deeper sections.

Dive Profile

Descend onto the shallow plateau (5–10 m) and orient yourself on the reef structure. Follow the reef edge down the slope to 15–20 m, exploring overhangs and swim-throughs. The sand and rubble zones at depth can yield flatworms and rays. Ascend along the reef wall and complete a safety stop on the coral platform.

Entry and Exit

Access by day-trip or liveaboard boats from Marsa Alam or nearby resorts. The site is typically dived with a fixed mooring line or drift entry depending on current conditions. Giant stride entry from the boat platform is standard.

Tips and Recommendations

• Pair this site with the adjacent shore entries at Abu Dabbab bay for a full day of varied diving
• Check conditions on arrival — the open reef can carry more current than the sheltered bay sites
• Carry a reef hook for current dives; it allows extended observation without finning effort
• Photography is excellent here compared to the crowded bay — more open water and more predictable fish behaviour
• Dive guides from Marsa Alam operators know the best sections of the reef for specific species

Safety Considerations

Currents can be unpredictable offshore. Carry an SMB and follow the dive guide’s descent and ascent instructions. Ascend slowly and stay close to the reef during the safety stop in current. Monitor your air consumption carefully on drift sections.

Photography

A versatile site for both wide-angle and macro photography. Wide-angle: coral formations and schooling fish. Macro: nudibranchs, flatworms, and cryptic critters on the rubble zones. The clear Red Sea water and bright light conditions generally permit natural-light photography to good effect.

Sources: Divezone - Red Sea, Dive the World - Egypt Red Sea, Red Sea Scuba Diving, PADI - Diving in Egypt. Last updated 2026-04-04.