The Dugong (Dugong dugon) is a large marine mammal that resembles a manatee. These gentle giants are a rare sight in the Red Sea, and Marsa Alam offers some of the best opportunities to encounter them.

Physical Characteristics:

Size: Can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) in length.
Coloration: Grayish-brown.
Diet: Primarily feeds on seagrass.

Behavior:

Solitary: Often seen alone or in small groups.
Slow-Moving: Known for their slow and deliberate movements.
Herbivorous: Feeds on seagrass, making them important for maintaining healthy seagrass beds.

Why You Should See Them:

Gentle Giants: Their docile nature makes them a popular sight for divers and snorkelers.
Unique Appearance: Their streamlined

Why Marsa Alam is a Dugong Haven:

Abundant Seagrass Beds: Marsa Alam boasts extensive seagrass beds, providing a rich food source for dugongs.

Protected Marine Areas: Many areas in Marsa Alam are designated as marine protected areas, ensuring the safety and well-being of dugongs.

Calm Waters: The calm waters of Marsa Alam create an ideal environment for dugongs to thrive.

Best Dive Sites for Dugong Encounters:

Abu Dabbab: This popular dive site is famous for its large population of dugongs. You can often see them grazing on seagrass beds or resting on the sandy bottom.
Marsa Mubarak: This protected bay offers calm waters and beautiful coral reefs, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving with dugongs.

Tips for Responsible Dugong Encounters:

Maintain a Safe Distance: Avoid touching or harassing the dugongs.
Do Not Chase or Pursue: Let the dugongs approach you naturally.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protect the marine environment by using sunscreen that is safe for coral reefs.
Dive Responsibly: Practice good buoyancy control and avoid touching or damaging the seagrass beds.
Support Conservation Efforts: Contribute to organizations working to protect dugongs and their habitats.

Conservation Efforts:

Dugongs are facing numerous threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and accidental entanglement in fishing gear. It’s crucial to support conservation efforts to protect these gentle giants and their habitats. By practicing responsible tourism and supporting conservation organizations, we can help ensure the survival of dugongs for future generations.