Sea Turtle Egypt January – Encounter Guide & Best Sites

Shaab Abu Dabbab near Marsa Alam is famous for its large population of green and hawksbill turtles feeding on seagrass beds.

Encounter overview

Diving or snorkelling with sea turtles in Egypt during January is peak season, with an encounter probability of approximately 85% under normal conditions. Sea turtles have been navigating the world’s oceans for 100 million years. Hovering alongside one at a cleaning station or watching it graze on seagrass feels like a direct connection to deep time.

Best sites

• Shaab Abu Dabbab
• Marsa Mubarak
• Ras Mohammed

What to expect

Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) graze on seagrass and algae; hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata) feed on sponges and invertebrates. Both species use cleaning stations on coral reefs. Nesting females return to the same beaches every 2-5 years.

Water conditions in January

Water temperature in Egypt typically ranges 22-28°C. Visibility at Shaab Abu Dabbab in January is generally good; check local liveaboard or dive operator reports the week of your trip for specific conditions. Reef, wreck, pelagic is the primary dive style in Egypt.

Practical tips

Never ride or touch a turtle – it burns energy they need for migration. Shine lights away from eyes. If near a nesting beach at night, use red-filtered torches and keep noise minimal. Turtles at cleaning stations will linger for 15-20 minutes.

Getting there

Fly into Hurghada (HRG) or Sharm El Sheikh (SSH). Ras mohammed, brothers islands, daedalus reef, hammerheads, thresher sharks, whale sharks. Visa on arrival available for most nationalities; e-visa also available. Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP); USD accepted at dive operators.

Is January a good time to visit Egypt for sea turtle?

Yes – January is peak season for sea turtles in Egypt. Encounter probability is around 85% on a dedicated trip. Best sites include Shaab Abu Dabbab, Marsa Mubarak, Ras Mohammed. Check availability at Shaab Abu Dabbab as spaces fill quickly in peak months.