6
Audited Sanctuaries
Egypt, Oman, Zanzibar, Cape Verde
4
Resident Species
Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley
23-29°C
Water Temperature
Warm desert and tropical sea waters
90%
Sighting Rate
Marsa Alam & Daymaniyat Islands
Regional Overview & Marine Geography
From the Red Sea’s coral drop-offs to the pristine Daymaniyat atolls in the Gulf of Oman and the turquoise lagoons of Zanzibar, the Middle East and Africa offer unique encounters with some of the world’s largest resident Green turtles (Chelonia mydas).
In Marsa Alam (Egypt), expansive shallow seagrass meadows at Abu Dabbab Bay shelter giant Green turtles measuring over 1.5 meters, alongside rare resident dugongs (sea cows).
Key Geographic Zones
1. Egyptian Red Sea (Marsa Alam)
- Top Encounters: Abu Dabbab Bay, Marsa Mubarak, and Elphinstone Reef.
- Access: Sandy walk-in shore entry and daily dive zodiacs.
2. Sultanate of Oman (Muscat & Ras Al Jinz)
- Top Encounters: Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve and Ras Al Jinz Turtle Sanctuary.
- Access: Day speedboats from Al Mouj Marina (Muscat).
3. East Africa & Atlantic Islands (Zanzibar & Cape Verde)
- Top Encounters: Mnemba Atoll (Zanzibar), Tofo Beach (Mozambique), and Shark Bay (Sal, Cape Verde).