Abu Dabbab Bay from Marsa Alam – Turtles & Dugong Snorkeling
5 hours, shared vehicle, snorkeling from the beach, equipment and beach entrance included, pick-up at 07:30. Turtle and dugong sightings are possible, not guaranteed.
The short answer
A 5-hour shared snorkeling trip from Marsa Alam to Abu Dabbab Bay: about three hours at the beach, turtles often seen, a dugong possible but rare, and gear and entrance included.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Marsa Alam · Abu Dabbab Bay
- Includes
- Pick-up and return to your hotel in Marsa Alam town, Port Ghalib or the resorts between; El Quseir on request · Air-conditioned vehicle shared with other guests · Mask, snorkel and fins · Entrance to the beach · Bottled water
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
The bay is usable all year. Mornings are best, before the beach fills and the wind picks up.
- Organized by our Marsa Alam office, part of an Egyptian company active since 1988
- Licence 718 from the ETAA, Category A, and IATA accredited
02Overview
A first look
Abu Dabbab is a shallow, sheltered bay north of Marsa Alam, and its seagrass meadow is food for green turtles. This half-day trip suits anyone who wants to see wild animals without a boat. A shared vehicle collects you at 07:30 and reaches the bay by 08:30. You wade in from the sand with mask and snorkel and swim slowly over the grass. A dugong sometimes grazes here too, though it is shy and cannot be promised. After about three hours in the bay, you have tea and a snack, and the vehicle returns you to your hotel by about 12:30 or a little later.
Background
The facts
Abu Dabbab Bay is a sheltered, shallow bay north of Marsa Alam town with a seagrass meadow that attracts green turtles. It takes about an hour by road from the main hotel areas.
Named in this entry
Abu Dabbab Bay·Green turtles·Dugong·Seagrass·Marsa Alam·Red Sea
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Snorkelers and families who want to look for sea turtles from the shore in calm water.
Maybe not, if
- Not for anyone who expects a certain dugong sighting or who wants a full day with lunch.
What lingers
- 01Snorkeling from the beach over seagrass beds where green turtles feed
- 02A chance of seeing a dugong, a rare grazing mammal, though it is never certain
- 03About three hours at the bay, with free time on the sand
- 04Mask, snorkel, fins and beach entrance included
- 05Tea and a light snack before the transfer back
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- No boat needed
- Turtles are seen on many mornings
- Short half-day format
Things to Consider
- Beach can get busy by late morning
- Lunch and sun beds are not included
Stop by stop
Detailed itinerary
- 1
The vehicle collects you at 07:30 from Marsa Alam town, Port Ghalib and the resorts between. Put your swimsuit on under your clothes and bring a towel. Be at the lobby a few minutes early.
- 2
At about 08:30 you reach the beach and meet the guide. He explains the code for the water: no touching, no chasing and no standing on the seagrass. Gear is fitted here if you have not brought your own.
- 3
You enter from the sand and swim out over the seagrass, where turtles come up for air and then dive to feed. Go slowly and keep a few meters away. If a dugong is grazing, the guide tells the group to keep calm and give it space.
- 4
Between swims you can rest on the sand, take photos or swim again. Sun beds and umbrellas cost extra. The shade is limited, so a hat and sunscreen matter.
- 5
Tea and a small snack are served at the end of the stay. Lunch is not included. Ask the guide for a recommended place to eat later in the day.
- 6
The vehicle leaves at 12:30 and drops guests at their hotels in turn. Expect to be back around 13:30, depending on the number of stops. The afternoon is free for the pool.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Pick-up and return to your hotel in Marsa Alam town, Port Ghalib or the resorts between; El Quseir on request
- Air-conditioned vehicle shared with other guests
- Mask, snorkel and fins
- Entrance to the beach
- Bottled water
- Guide
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch and drinks
- Sun bed and umbrella rental
- Personal expenses
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Arrive in the water early, as the turtles are most active in the morning
- 02
Swim horizontally and slowly, because splashing frightens the animals
Before you go
What to pack & wear
Children & families
Children below 2 go free, those aged 2 to 11 pay half the adult rate, and travelers of 12 or more pay in full. No minimum age applies. Because the bay is shallow and calm, it is one of our gentler trips for young swimmers, who should still wear a vest and stay near a parent.
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
On the ground
Where it is
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What does the price include for Abu Dabbab?
The price is per person on a shared vehicle. It covers the transfers, the guide, the snorkeling gear, beach entrance, water, tea and a snack. Children under 2 are free, ages 2 to 11 pay half and 12 and over pay the adult fare. Lunch and sun beds are not included, and our team confirms the final amount.02Will I see a turtle or a dugong?
Turtles are seen on most mornings, but nothing is guaranteed because they are wild. A dugong is much rarer and may not appear for weeks. We ask everyone to stay a few meters away, to keep their hands off the animals and never to stand on the seagrass.03Is the bay suitable for children?
Yes, the water is shallow and sheltered, which makes it one of the easier snorkeling spots on this coast. Small children should wear a life vest and stay with an adult. Let us know their ages when you send your request.04Can I snorkel if I am not a strong swimmer?
You can, because much of the bay is shallow enough to stand in. Weak swimmers can wear a vest and float over the seagrass. The guide swims alongside the group.05What if I have to cancel?
More than 72 hours ahead, keep 100% as credit toward future travel or take a 100% refund, less bank charges. Between 72 and 24 hours, keep 100% as credit or take a 50% refund. Within 24 hours, or if you don't show up, there is no refund or credit. If we have to cancel, you lose nothing.06Is this morning shared with others?
Yes, the vehicle and the guide are shared with other guests, from different hotels. On the beach you can swim at your own pace. A private version can be arranged on request if you want a quieter morning.
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how early you tell us and on the type of trip. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Continue reading
From the archives
Last updated Product ID: EXC-MRS-335911
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
You Might Also Like
Marsa AlamSamadai Dolphin House from Marsa Alam – Boat & Snorkeling
An 8-hour boat day to Samadai, called Dolphin House, a horseshoe-shaped reef about 30 minutes from the coast. Spinner dolphins often rest inside it, and sightings are likely but never guaranteed. Swimming is allowed only in the permitted zone, and life jackets are compulsory there. Lunch is served on board, and the group is shared with up to 25 guests.
From $123
Marsa AlamEdfu & Kom Ombo Day Trip from Marsa Alam – Private, by Road
A private 14-hour day by road to two Nile temples: the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the double temple of Sobek and Haroeris at Kom Ombo. You have your own vehicle, driver and Egyptologist, with lunch at a local restaurant. Entrance tickets and bottled water are included.
From $277
Marsa AlamIntro Scuba Diving from Marsa Alam – One or Two Guided Dives for Beginners
A first scuba experience for people who have never dived. After a briefing and a practice session in shallow water, an instructor takes you on one or two guided dives over a calm reef. No certificate is needed, but a basic health declaration is required. The vehicle is shared with up to 25 other guests, and the trip runs on request.
From $171