Is Abu Dabbab Bay in Egypt worth visiting for sea turtles, dugongs and coral reefs?
Based on 2 discussions with 4 participants · Last activity: 4 days ago
Based on 2 discussions with 4 participants · Last activity: 4 days ago
TL;DR
Abu Dabbab is mainly worth visiting for its sea turtles, which are often seen feeding in the seagrass areas. Dugong sightings are possible but never guaranteed, while opinions on the coral quality vary.
Think of Abu Dabbab primarily as a turtle-snorkelling site rather than a coral-only reserve: turtles are commonly spotted feeding over the seagrass beds.
There is a chance of seeing a dugong at Abu Dabbab, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed part of the trip; sightings depend on luck and sea conditions.
If sea turtles are your priority, Abu Dabbab may be more appealing than Sharm El Naga. Travelers particularly highlight turtle encounters rather than coral viewing.
Reviews of Abu Dabbab’s corals are mixed: some visitors find it less impressive as a coral destination, while others report attractive reef sections. Go mainly for the marine life and treat the coral as an added bonus.