Marsa Mubarak, located near Marsa Alam in Egypt’s southern Red Sea, is a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers due to its diverse underwater features and abundant marine life. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect at Marsa Mubarak:
Location: It’s a 500-meter wide bay situated 3.5 kilometers south of Ras Ghalib, accessible by land or boat.
Accessibility: While land access exists, entry into the dive site can be challenging due to the fringing reef. Piers are being planned for easier access from nearby hotels.
Suitability: Marsa Mubarak is considered suitable for divers of all levels due to the presence of shallow and deeper dive areas. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling.
Dive Sites: The bay offers a variety of dive sites with unique features:
Panorama Reef: Deep pinnacles teeming with marine life like loggerhead turtles and yellowtail barracuda.
Shaab Abu Ziyad: An extensive cave system suitable for experienced divers only.
Madrassah: A favorite among underwater photographers known for its beautiful coral formations.
Seagrass Area: Home to green turtles, rays, and dugongs (also called sea cows).
El Aruk Goa: Another interesting reef teeming with marine life.
South Coral Gardens: Offer opportunities for exploring a vibrant coral ecosystem.
Marine Life: Expect to encounter a variety of marine creatures, including:
Green turtles
Dugongs
Rays
Clownfish
Anemonefish
Moray eels
Napoleon wrasse
Colorful reef fish
Other Considerations:
Liveaboards: Many liveaboard diving trips include Marsa Mubarak as a destination for check dives, ending dives, or specifically to see dugongs.
Dugong Protection: Part of the bay has been closed to boats to protect dugongs from propeller injuries.
Calm Conditions: Marsa Mubarak is known for its generally calm diving conditions.
Overall, Marsa Mubarak caters to a wide range of divers and snorkelers. The abundance of marine life, variety of dive sites, and easy accessibility make it a great choice for exploring the underwater world of the Red Sea.