Marsa Alam: Reef, Turtles, and Dugong in Marsa Mubarak Bay
A personal beach & reef discovery story from one of the Red Sea’s most promising new eco-luxury areas
If you search for a reef-house bay with good hotels or resorts in Marsa Alam, you’ll come across familiar names. Abu Dabbab Bay is famed for its turtles and sandy entrance, Coraya Bay is known for the best house reef snorkeling you can do daily, and Port Ghalib is often recommended as a marina hub where you can combine comfortable resort life with easy excursions to reefs across the region.
But recently, a new name has quietly started to appear on the map — one that feels different, calmer, and more connected to nature.
Where to stay in Marsa Mubarak Bay
Now, there’s a new name redefining eco-luxury in the Marsa Alam area — Marsa Mubarak Bay.
If you take a look at Google Maps, you’ll mostly see pure sandy dunes, open reef, and turquoise water. At first glance, it looks untouched. In reality, this serene coastline is becoming a hidden gem, where a new wave of boutique eco-luxury resorts in Marsa Alam is slowly emerging.
These accommodations offer direct access to Marsa Mubarak’s lagoon — a place where you can float alongside turtles, possibly glimpse the elusive dugong, and enjoy vibrant Red Sea coral gardens right at your doorstep.
This is not a mega-resort zone. It’s a calm, nature-first area, where the reef remains the main attraction. Luxury here feels quiet and intentional: no loud nightlife, no crowded beaches. Just sea, sand, and space.
Best time to visit Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is a year-round destination, but each season feels a little different.
Spring (March–May): warm and comfortable, around 25–30°C, with calm sea conditions and excellent snorkeling.
Summer (June–August): very hot, often 35–40°C, best if you enjoy heat and spend most of your time in the water.
Autumn (September–November): one of the best times to visit, with warm air of 28–33°C, calm sea, and perfect conditions for long snorkeling sessions.
Winter (December–February): cooler and windier, but still pleasant, with daytime temperatures around 20–26°C and a swimmable sea.
I visited Marsa Alam during one of the coolest months - late January. It was windy at times, but still manageable, and daytime temperatures stayed around 24–26°C. It still felt comfortable for snorkeling and traveling with kids.
If you prefer warmer weather and calmer conditions, autumn is a better choice. Also, keep in mind that days are short in winter, and your beach day is better to start early.
Where to stay in Masra Mubarak Bay, Marsa Alam
Eco-luxury resorts in Marsa Mubarak
What makes Marsa Mubarak especially interesting is a small cluster of new eco-luxury resorts, including an adults-only hotel for 16+ and family-friendly hotels. I personally stayed at Jaz Elite Riviera, and it was perfect for my little ones. One of the things I loved most was that you stay in one hotel but can easily walk through the entire area, enjoying a shared slice of this quiet bay.
Hotel has great service, food, kid’s entertainment - all you need for great vacation.
Another big plus — especially for families — is the location. The transfer from Marsa Alam airport took about 10–15 minutes, which makes a huge difference when traveling with children.
Sustainability & reef protection in Marsa Mubarak
What’s truly remarkable is how strongly sustainability is built into the experience. These resorts are not just luxury hotels — they are eco-conscious retreats that actively aim to protect the surrounding reef.
Guests are gently reminded to:
respect turtles and the dugong
avoid touching coral
move slowly and calmly while snorkeling
It never feels restrictive. It feels responsible.
Here, you’re constantly reminded that you’re a guest in the marine world, not the other way around.
Desert Safari, Camel Rides & Bedouin Experiences
Desert exploring, riding on a camel, and visiting Bedouins are additional attractions for your holidays. The closest camel riding to Marsa Mubarac bay is here:
Snorkeling the Marsa Mubarak house reef
One of the most magical things about snorkeling in Marsa Mubarak Bay is how effortless it is. You don’t need a boat. You don’t even need to swim far.
I took a mask and walked into the water from the beach, and within seconds, fish were spotted near my legs. If you don’t have a mask, you can buy or rent in a diving center near the patoon. Many people rent a mask, so you need to be first in the early morning, or try in the afternoon. If you want to stay warm in a water, wetsuits are also available there.
Turtles live in this bay. We saw them calmly feeding on seagrass, completely unbothered by respectful swimmers. There is also a resident dugong, and while sightings are never guaranteed, just knowing it lives here adds a quiet excitement to every swim.
Small reminder:
Stay eco-aware. Keep your distance, don’t chase animals, and never stand on coral. This bay stays magical only if we protect it.
Turtles & Dugong of Marsa Mubarak Bay
Swimming alongside a turtle here feels slow and peaceful. They glide through the water, doing their own thing, and you simply float nearby and observe.
The dugong (aka sea cow) is rarer — shy, gentle, and extraordinary.
If you’re lucky enough to see one, it’s usually early in the morning, quietly feeding on seagrass.
Turtles and a dugong were seen on the right side of a bay. Usually, closer to a pontoon.
Visiting Port Ghalib from Marsa Mubarak
Port Ghalib
For those staying in the Marsa Mubarak area, a visit to Port Ghalib is a great addition to the trip. The road takes approximately 15 min.
Many boat tours start from here, heading toward deeper reefs like Elphinstone, dolphin spots at Sha’ab Samadai, or back toward Marsa Mubarak for snorkeling and turtle spotting. It’s a convenient base for exploring some of the best underwater sites in the region.
Boat tour from Port Ghalib
I booked a glass-bottom boat tour with Nefertari Cruise, including snorkeling and lunch. I was with my toddler, and honestly, it was a total hit. The boat had large glass panels, and even my little one — along with school-aged kids on board — could see the reef and fish without getting wet.
The boat takes you back toward Marsa Mubarak Bay, showing you a reef that lies deeper, stopping at the best snorkeling spots and helping you spot turtles and, if you’re lucky, the dugong. I booked the morning time, which is best for underwater visibility. After the boat trip, it’s nice to take a short walk around Port Ghalib marina, do some shopping, or having a coffee before heading back.