Overview
The protected area covers 600 square kilometres of coast, reef and desert, and the mangrove belt along the shoreline is the northernmost in the world — the trees survive on salt water and desert heat, and shelter the fish nursery that feeds the reef. Bedouin of the Muzeina live within the reserve. The hotels sit outside the mangrove zone, on a windy stretch that suits kitesurfers.
Highlights
Walk the mangrove boardwalk in the reserve at low tide; the roots and the shorebirds are the point. The wreck of the Maria Schroeder lies visible on the reef offshore. The wind that makes the bay poor for calm swimming makes it one of Egypt’s best kite spots.