Best Spots to See Sea Turtles While Diving in Marsa Alam – The Gentle Guardians

There is a unique tranquility that settles over a dive when a sea turtle glides into view. With a grace that belies their ancient wisdom, these magnificent reptiles effortlessly navigate the underwater world, their presence a serene and humbling reminder of the ocean’s enduring beauty. Marsa Alam has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the world’s premier destinations for encountering sea turtles. The region’s vast seagrass meadows and protected bays provide the perfect haven for these gentle creatures. For divers seeking a truly special and peaceful encounter, knowing the Best Spots to See Sea Turtles While Diving in Marsa Alam is the first step toward a magical journey with Sambo Divers.

The Sea Turtles of the Red Sea

While a number of sea turtle species inhabit the Red Sea, two are most commonly seen by divers and snorkelers:

  • Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas): The most frequently sighted species, the green sea turtle is a large herbivore with a beautiful, smooth shell. As their name suggests, their diet of seagrass and algae can give their body fat a greenish hue. In Marsa Alam, they are often found peacefully grazing on the vast seagrass beds, rising to the surface for air with a slow, deliberate grace. The IUCN classifies the green sea turtle as Endangered, making every encounter a precious and important event.
  • Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): Recognizable by its beautifully patterned shell and pointed, hawk-like beak, this smaller turtle prefers to feed on sponges and other invertebrates found on coral reefs. While more reclusive than the green sea turtle, a patient diver may spot one resting on a coral head or gracefully swimming through a reef tunnel. The Hawksbill is listed as Critically Endangered, highlighting the extreme importance of its protection.

The Top Turtle Havens of Marsa Alam

  • Marsa Alam’s unique geography, with its numerous sheltered bays, provides the perfect habitat for these creatures. Here are some of the most reliable sites for a sea turtle encounter:
  • Abu Dabbab: No list of turtle spots is complete without Abu Dabbab. This famous, sprawling bay is a veritable sanctuary for sea turtles, and a sighting is almost guaranteed. Its extensive seagrass beds are a veritable feast for green turtles, and it’s not uncommon to see several of them peacefully grazing at the same time. This site is also famous for its resident dugong, so you may be lucky enough to see two of the ocean’s most gentle creatures on the same dive.
  • Marsa Mubarak: Very similar in its protected, bay-like nature to Abu Dabbab, Marsa Mubarak is another top destination for turtle sightings. Its lush seagrass fields are a reliable feeding ground for both green sea turtles and the elusive dugong. A day trip here offers a serene experience, where divers and snorkelers can watch these magnificent animals at their leisure.
  • Sha’ab Marsa Alam: For a quieter experience, the healthy reef of Sha’ab Marsa Alam provides a fantastic opportunity to see turtles in a more natural, undisturbed setting. Here, turtles can often be found resting on or near the coral, a peaceful spectacle for those who take the time to look.

The opportunity to see a sea turtle is a special one. It’s a chance to connect with a species that has roamed the oceans for over 100 million years. Their peaceful demeanor and ancient presence make for a humbling experience. With Sambo Divers, you’ll be guided to the Best Spots to See Sea Turtles While Diving in Marsa Alam by experts who are as passionate about these creatures as you are.