Abu Dabour

Marsa Abu Dabour is a sheltered, sandy-bottomed bay near Marsa Alam on Egypt's Red Sea coast, sitting on the house reef of a beach resort and distinct from the better-known Marsa Abu Dabbab roughly 5 km away. The bay is framed by fringing reef to the north and south, with scattered coral pinnacles rising from the sand. On the south side a shallow canyon leads into a cavern and swim-through that opens onto the outer reef, while the north side extends toward an eel garden at around 18–20 m depth. An artificial reef near the jetty has developed into a concentration point for schooling glassfish. Maximum depth is 16 m and the site is dived year-round.

The site holds a strong mix of macro and larger life. Resident species include Napoleon (humphead) wrasse, giant morays, eagle rays, blue-spotted rays, and lionfish, while the sand and rubble harbour bent-stick pipefish, scorpionfish, and other cryptic animals. Turtles pass through regularly. Whale sharks and spinner dolphins are occasional visitors only and cannot be counted on.

Inside the bay there is little to no current, and visibility runs around 25 m, making Abu Dabour suitable for beginners under guided supervision. Water temperature ranges between 20–30 °C. Jetty access is typically calmer in July–August and October–November when northerly winds ease; in windier conditions surface swell can make exit harder, and the site may be closed under a red flag. The south-side cavern and swim-through is a genuine overhead environment and should only be entered with a guide and proper lighting.