Nabq Protected Area
Nature
A wild stretch of the Aqaba coast north of Sharm El Sheikh, home to Sinai's largest mangrove stands, sand dunes and Bedouin fishing villages.
- Arabic name
- محمية نبق
- Type
- Protected area
- Governorate
- South Sinai
- Area
- 518 km²
- Protected since
- 1992
- Nearest city guide
- Sharm El Sheikh
- Official website
- eeaa.gov.eg
Nabq covers coastline and desert between Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab. It is a quieter alternative to Ras Mohammed, with fewer boats and a landscape that feels untouched once you pass the last hotels of Nabq Bay.
Landscape and wildlife
The protectorate’s best-known feature is its mangrove forest, the most northerly large stand of mangroves on this coast. The trees shelter juvenile fish and attract herons, egrets and ospreys. Inland lie dunes stabilised by arak shrubs, wadis and the granite foothills of southern Sinai, where red foxes, hyraxes and dorcas gazelle are occasionally seen. Offshore, a shallow reef flat leads to coral gardens, and the rusting hull of the Maria Schroeder sits beached near the shore.
What to do
- Snorkel from the shore at the designated entry points.
- Take a jeep or camel excursion to the mangroves and the Bedouin village of Gharqana.
- Walk the dunes at sunset for wide views across the Gulf of Aqaba to Saudi Arabia.
Getting there and best time
The entrance is a short drive north of Nabq Bay; most visitors come on a half-day 4×4 tour from Sharm. Strong winds are common, so morning visits are calmer. The most pleasant months are October to April; summer is hot but fine for snorkelling.
Entry fee: a small protectorate fee for foreigners (a few US dollars), usually included in tours (last checked October 2026).
Last checked October 2026. Entry fees and access rules change; check with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency or a local operator before you go. Sources: eeaa.gov.eg, en.wikipedia.org.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nabq known for?
Sinai's largest mangrove stands, the most northerly large stand on this coast, plus dunes, Bedouin fishing villages and the beached wreck of the Maria Schroeder.
Can I snorkel at Nabq?
Yes, from the shore at the designated entry points, where a shallow reef flat leads to coral gardens.
How do I get there?
The entrance is a short drive north of Nabq Bay; most visitors come on a half-day 4x4 tour from Sharm El Sheikh. Jeep or camel trips visit the mangroves and the village of Gharqana.
When is the best time to go?
October to April is most pleasant. Strong winds are common, so mornings are calmer.
How much is entry?
A small protectorate fee for foreigners, a few US dollars, usually included in tours.
