Hotels near Nabq Protected Area

Nabq Protected Area covers 600 sq km of coastal desert and mangrove between Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab. The reserve includes the northernmost mangrove forest in the world, fringing reefs, and the wreck of the Maria Schroeder, a German cargo ship grounded on the reef in 1956 that now sits half above water. The area is much quieter than the resorts further south, with only a small Bedouin settlement at El Gharqana.

Quad bike, jeep, and 4WD safari operators run half-day trips from Sharm to Nabq for around USD 30-50, usually combined with snorkelling at the Maria Schroeder wreck and a Bedouin tea stop. Entry to the reserve is EGP 100. Independent visitors can drive in via the Sinai 1 highway, but you need a 4WD for the sand tracks.

Pro Tip: Visit at low tide (check tide times before you go) to walk between the mangroves and see the fiddler crabs that come out on the wet sand. Bring sunglasses and a buff or scarf - the wind kicks fine sand into the air on most afternoons.