Meet the Dugong of Marsa Mubarak: Egypt’s Gentle Sea Cow – The Story of a Sanctuary

In the pristine waters of the Red Sea, there is a place of profound tranquility where dreams of a magical animal encounter become a reality. This place is Marsa Mubarak, a wide, sheltered bay near Marsa Alam, and its most cherished resident is a rare and magnificent creature: the dugong. Known as the gentle “sea cow,” this peaceful marine mammal is a sight that fills the heart with wonder. Meet the Dugong of Marsa Mubarak: Egypt’s Gentle Sea Cow is a story of a sanctuary, a testament to the power of conservation, and an invitation to experience an encounter that is both rare and beautiful.

The Dugong: A Gentle Giant of the Sea

Dugongs are large, herbivorous marine mammals that are the only living representatives of their family. They are related to manatees, but with a key difference: they have a fluked, whale-like tail instead of a paddle-shaped one. Dugongs are slow-moving and serene, spending their days grazing on the vast seagrass meadows that blanket the seabed. They can grow up to three meters in length and weigh over 400 kilograms, yet their presence is one of complete grace and peacefulness.

Globally, dugongs are listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), with threats including habitat loss, boat strikes, and entanglement in fishing gear. This makes every sighting a precious moment and every protected sanctuary, like Marsa Mubarak, a critical part of their survival.

Marsa Mubarak: A Perfect Haven

What makes Marsa Mubarak such a special place for dugongs? The answer lies in its unique topography and thriving ecosystem. The bay is a protected area, a natural harbor with a shallow, sandy bottom. This environment is perfect for the lush seagrass beds that are the dugong’s primary food source. For these herbivores, a healthy seagrass meadow is the equivalent of a bountiful pasture, providing the sustenance they need to survive.

The bay’s sheltered nature also offers a safe refuge from strong currents, making it an ideal place for them to rest and feed without being disturbed. A sighting here is incredibly reliable, as these magnificent animals have a routine and a home they return to.

The Magic of the Encounter

The experience of seeing a dugong is entirely different from the fast-paced thrill of a shark dive or a dolphin encounter. It is a slow, quiet, and deeply personal moment. From the surface, you might first spot a ripple on the water, a patch of disturbed sand, or the sight of their large, whiskered snout breaking the surface for air. As you approach slowly and respectfully, you’ll see them in their element, using their broad muzzle to gently pull seagrass from the bottom.

Ethical guidelines are paramount here. Visitors are encouraged to observe from a distance, never to chase or attempt to touch the dugong. By remaining passive and quiet, you allow the animal to continue its natural behavior, making the encounter authentic and stress-free for both you and the dugong.

Marsa Mubarak is more than just a place to see a dugong; it is a living example of how marine conservation can work. The protected status of the bay and the commitment of local tour operators like Sambo Divers to ethical practices ensure that this beautiful sanctuary and its gentle residents will be there for generations to come.