Discovery Tours Egypt
Day TourMarsa Alam

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.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

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

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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

  1. 01

    Arrive in the water early, as the turtles are most active in the morning

  2. 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.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 05What if I have to cancel?
    Cancel three days or more before and we refund everything. Between three days and 24 hours before, we refund half. Inside 24 hours, or if you do not appear at pick-up, there is no refund. Please tell us early if plans change.
  6. 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

Plans change? We make it easy.

  • More than 72 hours before your tour: keep the full amount as credit toward future travel with us, or take a refund.
  • Between 72 and 24 hours: keep the full amount as credit, or take a partial refund.
  • Within 24 hours of the tour, or if you don't show up, we're unable to offer a refund or credit.
  • If we ever have to cancel, for weather or anything beyond our control, you lose nothing.

Credit is valid for 12 months from your original travel date and can be used on any tour, cruise or stay with us.Read our full cancellation and refund policy

Continue reading

From the archives

Product ID: EXC-MRS-335911

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