Abu Dabbab

Abu Dabbab (Marsa Abu Dabbab) is a wide, shallow sandy bay near Marsa Alam on Egypt's Red Sea coast, one of the most accessible dive sites in the area and one of the few places in Egypt where dugong sightings are a genuine possibility. The bay is characterized by lush seagrass beds across the sandy bottom, with healthy coral formations running along the bay's sides. Depths range from 5 m to 18 m (maximum recorded 19.2 m), and the sheltered, protected setting keeps conditions calm with minimal to no current in the main bay, though current picks up at the bay mouth and outer reef.

The terrain centres on flat seagrass beds that attract the site's signature animals: green sea turtles feed on the grass and rest on the sand, and dugongs, though rare, are spotted here with enough regularity to draw dedicated visitors. Guitar sharks and blue-spotted rays are found on the sandy bottom, the rays sometimes buried and venomous, so careful fin placement matters. Octopus, clownfish, reef fish, and rich macro life inhabit the coral garden areas along the bay sides.

Entry is directly from shore, making this a true bay dive with easy shore access and no boat required to reach the main dive area. Visibility is typically good, running 15–25 m, and is clearest between November and April. Water temperature ranges from 22–30 °C, and the site is diveable year-round. The protected bay makes it well suited to beginners and all experience levels, including snorkelers and underwater photographers.