Skip to main content

Marine Life

Discover the Incredible Wildlife of the Red Sea

From tiny nudibranchs to majestic dugongs – explore the fascinating marine life you may encounter during your dives and snorkeling trips.

WHAT YOU MAY ENCOUNTER

Blue-spotted Stingray

Commonly resting on sandy bottoms or slowly gliding through lagoons.

📍 Common ⭐ Advanced

Oceanic Whitetip Shark

Most commonly seen at Elphinstone Reef from October to December.

📍 Elphinstone ⭐ Advanced

Clownfish

Small, colorful reef fish living in sea anemones and loved by underwater photographers.

📍 Easy to spot ⭐ Advanced

Green Turtle

Frequently seen in the seagrass meadows of Marsa Egla, Marsa Mubarak and Abu Dabbab.

Common  Seagrass

Hawksbill Turtle

Often seen around coral reefs and shallow reef tops year-round.

Common  Coral Reefs

Spinner Dolphins

Highly social dolphins often seen resting in protected lagoons before heading offshore.

Samadai   Year-round

Hard Corals

The Red Sea is home to some of the world’s healthiest coral reefs with exceptional biodiversity.

Everywhere  Year-round

Dugong

Best encountered at Marsa Mubarak, Abu Dabbab and Marsa Shouna.

Rare  Seagrass

Hammerhead Shark

Occasionally encountered at Elphinstone Reef during the summer months.

Seasonal  Advanced

Eagle Ray

Frequently gliding over sandy bottoms and coral gardens year-round.

Common  Lagoon

Napoleon Wrasse

Regularly seen around healthy reefs and coral walls throughout the Red Sea.

Common  Coral Reefs

Lionfish

Commonly found around coral reefs, caves and reef overhangs.

Common  Coral Reefs

Octopus

Often hiding among rocks and coral during relaxed shore dives.

Common  Shore Dive

Moray Eel

Frequently seen peeking from reef crevices and coral formations.

Common  Coral Reefs

Pufferfish

Commonly found around coral reefs and sheltered lagoons year-round.

Common  Lagoon

Marine Life by Dive Site

Abu Dabbab

✓ Dugongs
✓ Green Turtles
✓ Blue-spotted Stingrays
✓ Octopus

Marsa Mubarak

✓ Dugongs
✓ Green Turtles
✓ Eagle Rays
✓ Large Reef Fish

Marsa Egla

✓ Green Turtles
✓ Octopus
✓ Moray Eels
✓ Lionfish

Marsa Assalaya

✓ Green Turtles
✓ Eagle Rays
✓ Moray Eels
✓ Coral Gardens

Marsa Shouna

✓ Dugongs
✓ Green Turtles
✓ Eagle Rays
✓ Coral Reefs

Samadai Reef

✓ Spinner Dolphins
✓ Green Turtles
✓ Reef Fish
✓ Hard Corals

Elphinstone Reef

✓ Oceanic Whitetip Sharks
✓ Hammerhead Sharks
✓ Barracuda
✓ Giant Trevallies

Halg El Shouna

✓ Moray Eels
✓ Lionfish
✓ Nudibranchs
✓ Octopus

Shaab Marsa Alam

✓ Green Turtles
✓ Eagle Rays
✓ Napoleon Wrasse
✓ Reef Sharks

Seasonal Highlights

🌸
Spring
March – May
  • Turtle nesting season begins
  • Coral reefs full of life
  • Excellent fish activity
☀️
Summer
June – August
  • Hammerhead Sharks
  • Large schools of fish
  • Warm water & great visibility
🍂
Autumn
September – November
  • Oceanic Whitetip Sharks
  • Frequent dolphin encounters
  • Ideal diving conditions
❄️
Winter
December – February
  • Sea turtles
  • Macro life
  • Quiet dive sites & clear water

RESPONSIBLE DIVING & SNORKELING

Simple actions make a big difference. Help us protect the Red Sea for future generations.

DO

  • ✅ Keep your distance
  • ✅ Control your buoyancy
  • ✅ Respect marine life
  • ✅ Use reef-safe sunscreen
  • ✅ Take only photos
  • ✅ Follow your guide

DON’T

  • ❌ Don’t touch marine life
  • ❌ Don’t chase animals
  • ❌ Don’t stand on corals
  • ❌ Don’t feed fish
  • ❌ Don’t collect shells or corals
  • ❌ Don’t leave trash behind

FAQ

What marine life can I see in the Red Sea?
The Red Sea is home to sea turtles, dolphins, dugongs, reef sharks, rays, moray eels, octopus, nudibranchs and hundreds of colorful reef fish.
Can I see turtles all year round?
Yes. Green and hawksbill turtles can be encountered throughout the year at many dive and snorkel sites around Marsa Alam.
Where can I see dugongs?
The best chances are at Marsa Mubarak, Abu Dabbab and occasionally Marsa Shouna, where dugongs feed in the seagrass meadows.
Are sharks dangerous?
Shark encounters are rare and generally peaceful. When treated with respect, sharks are fascinating animals and an unforgettable highlight for experienced divers.
Can you guarantee wildlife encounters?
No. Marine animals live in their natural environment, so every encounter is unique. While we visit sites with excellent chances of seeing specific species, sightings can never be guaranteed.
Can snorkelers see marine life too?
Absolutely! Many turtles, rays, colorful reef fish and even dolphins can often be seen while snorkeling in shallow water.
When is the best time to see sharks?
Oceanic whitetip sharks are most commonly seen around Elphinstone Reef during autumn, while hammerhead sharks are more likely during the summer months.
Do I need a medical certificate?
Most participants only need to complete a medical questionnaire before diving. If you answer “Yes” to certain medical questions, a doctor’s approval may be required before participating.
How can I protect the coral reefs?
Avoid touching corals or marine life, maintain good buoyancy, use reef-safe sunscreen and never leave rubbish behind.
Can I take underwater photos?
Yes! Underwater photography is encouraged, but please keep a respectful distance from marine life and never disturb animals for a photo.

Ready to Start Your Diving Adventure?

Join thousands of divers who discovered the Red Sea with Deep Adventure Diving.
BOOK YOUR COURSE