Unforgettable Snorkeling with Dugongo Marsa Alam trip 2025

May 21, 2025

As you float through the clear blue water, you will see a curious dugong. You can feel the quiet pulse as the sun dances on the surface.

Marsa Alam is one of the most beautiful places to observe these magnificent creatures up close.

Find out when to go, how to safely snorkel, and the best places to spot the creatures in this guide; let’s get into the magic and wonder of the Dugongo Marsa Alam.

Unique Features of Dugongo Marsa Alam

The features that make dugongs in Marsa Alam distinct are their twin flippers, large snouts, and forked tails.

The sirenians all have the reputation of having huge, bulbous bodies, and the dugong is not an exception.

They’re usually dark brown or dark gray in hue and have very little or no body hair.

Being able to spot a dugong Marsa Alam is a rare and memorable experience for those who love marine life since the gentle creatures of the sea are usually found feeding on seagrass within the area’s clear waters.

Best Time to Visit Dugongo Marsa Alam

To increase your chances of seeing dugongs in Marsa Alam, plan your visit between April–June or September–November.

Here’s why:

Great visibility for underwater viewing.
The water is warm (26-30°C), great for swimming.
More dugong sightings are active within the seagrass zones.
Fewer people than summer’s busy months

Tips to Swim with Dugongs in Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam dugong snorkeling guidelines

Stay 3 meters away.
Move slowly and silently.
Never touch them.
Let them come to you.

Snorkelling Tips

Utilize simple gear.
Swim flat to avoid kicking the sand.
Go with a guide who understands where to look.

Check Top 9 Marsa Alam Excursions in 2025

Safety Tips for Snorkeling & Diving with Dugongs

Don’t swim toward an unidentified dugong, if you do see one, stay still in your spot and let it be the first to come towards you if it wishes to.
Relax, swim slowly, and make sure to minimize splashing and noise.
There should not be more than 5 people within 10 meters of a dugong.
If you spot an infant mother, be sure to keep at least 5 meters away.
Be sure that no one or watercraft comes between the mother and her calves at any time.
Do not get in between a dugong and the water’s surface.
If you swim with a dugong that is close to you, be sure to stay at least 2 feet away from their tail.
If a dugong is showing indications of distress or disturbance, be sure to move it at least 50 m away.
Do not feed the dugongs, and don’t disturb feeding dugongs.
It is important that when taking pictures or filming the dugongs, you follow the guidelines.
Your safety and that of the dugongs from danger is more important than getting that perfect picture or selfie.
The touch of a dugong can cause harm, and they may transmit diseases that can be transmitted to you. It is advised not to touch them.
Do not attempt to try to ride a dugong or poke or prod the dugong.
Do not touch baby calves; ensure that you are at least 5 meters away from calves and mothers.
Never touch a dugong’s head, flippers, or tail.

Best Snorkeling & Diving Spots with Dugongs in Marsa Alam

Abu Dabbab dugong snorkeling spot

Abu Dabbab is Marsa Alam’s most well-known dugong spot and is where friendly dugongs, such as Dennis, often graze on seagrass in the shallow lagoon.

The clear, calm waters are perfect for snorkelers and novice divers to watch the gentle giants close up.

Marsa Mubarak spot

Marsa Mubarak offers a cozy dugong experience, with local celebrity Dyson frequently swimming close to shoregrass beds.

The tranquility of the bay paired with the abundance of marine life provides the perfect environment for an unforgettable snorkeling experience.

Keep an eye out for hawksbill turtles, as well as lively reef fish, which share waterways with dugongo marsa alam.

Marsa Egla spot

The Marsa Egla is a hidden treasure where lucky visitors can see a lively dugongo marsa alam among the colorful coral reefs.

The serene water of the Bay and the diversifying ecosystem allow you to have a tranquil snorkeling adventure away from crowds.

If you’re looking for dugongo marsa alam, you may find reef sharks and diverse groups of fish within the beautiful underwater world.

Marsa Asslaya spot

One of marsa alam egypt snorkeling spots nearby the Marsa Egla provides another peaceful opportunity to observe dugongs grazing in the seagrass meadows.

Early mornings in this area often provide snorkelers with tranquil and uncrowded experiences with sea life.

The clean and pristine waters of the area as well as frequent sightings of turtles are worth the trip even if the dugongs aren’t around on a particular day.

Plan Your Marsa Alam Trip with Egypt Hero Tours

Are you looking for the ultimate Red Sea adventure? Egypt Hero Tours’ Marsa Alam snorkeling Trip could be just the right option.

Our Marsa Alam Trip offers beginner and experienced snorkelers an unforgettable time of relaxation, exploration, and discovery.
This is the reason Marsa Alam Excursions are different:
Each dugongo marsa alam excursion includes a professional guide for snorkeling who will help you through each step of the way.
Enjoy a wonderful buffet meal on board, including mineral water and soft drinks.
Egypt Hero Tours provides optional diving classes for beginners and experienced divers alike.
We take care of all the logistics, including hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in air-conditioned cars, and even bringing you to your destination of choice.
The cost of a snorkeling trip marsa alam trip includes transportation, snorkeling equipment, and a guided tour, Lunch and refreshments during the unforgettable adventure.
Egypt Hero Tours guarantees a top experience with no hidden costs or unexpected charges.

Check our Marsa Alam tour and book Now!

How many dugongs are left in Egypt?

Egypt has around 30 dugongs, mainly in the vicinity of Marsa Alam, they’re threatened by the fishing nets as well as habitat destruction.

There are a few that look like “Dennis” in Abu Dabbab Bay.

How long does a dugong live ?

Dugongs live between 50 and 70 years in the wild, some can reach up to 73 years old.

They age similarly to humans, their reproduction rate is slow, with just one calf every 3 to 7 years.

This makes their populations vulnerable to threats, fishing nets and boat strikes endanger their lives.

Seagrass habitat destruction also threatens their survival, many dugongs die before reaching their full lifespan potential.

What makes Marsa Alam a special habitat for dugongs?

Most Red Sea dugong sightings have been in the waters of Abu Dabbab, a sandy-bottomed lake that is located about 30 km from the city in Marsa Alam.

Dugongs are attracted to this spot due to the high number of seagrass in shallow waters.

Do sharks eat dugongs?

Adult dugongs are not able to have predators of their own; however, young dugongs can be eaten by killer whales as well as large ocean sharks.

Where can you see dugongs in Marsa Alam?

Spot dugongs in Abu Dabbab Bay, home to Dennis, Marsa Mubarak, where Dyson lives, and Marsa Egla.

These bays are shallow and contain seagrass beds, which they feed on.

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