Marine Life & Conservation
Dugongs in Egypt's Red Sea: where they live and how they're protected
Dugongs are seagrass-grazing marine mammals, and in the Egyptian Red Sea most sightings come from Marsa Abu Dabbab near Marsa Alam, a sheltered bay with one of the region's largest seagrass patches. HEPCA says there is minimal information on their numbers. Threats include coastal development, boat strikes and fishing nets, so the bay bars motorboats and limits visitors.
By 71 Guardians · Published 19 Oct 2026
Where do dugongs live in Egypt?
HEPCA identifies Marsa Abu Dabbab as home to most of the region's dugong sightings — a sandy, sheltered bay with extensive seagrass.
How many are there?
HEPCA says there is minimal information on dugong distribution and abundance along the Egyptian and African Red Sea, and gives no population estimate.
What threatens them?
Coastal development, herbicide run-off from landscaping, pollution from boats, collisions with boats, entanglement in fishing nets, and the stress of hundreds of daily visitors.
How are they protected?
- A zoning line bars motorised boats from the bay; overnight safari moorings were removed.
- Visitors enter from shore only, and numbers of snorkellers and divers are limited.
- Red Sea Protectorate rangers are stationed at the bay.
- Never touch dugongs or turtles.
Frequently asked questions
Can I dive with dugongs from Hurghada?
Abu Dabbab is near Marsa Alam, far south of Hurghada; ask us about road-transfer trips.
Are sightings guaranteed?
No — they're rare, wild animals.
Questions before you dive with us?
Message our team on WhatsApp — we're divers in Hurghada and happy to help.
Chat with us on WhatsAppSources
- Red Sea Dugongs — HEPCA