Snorkel with turtles at Abu Dabbab Bay, Marsa Alam
Overview
Abu Dabbab is a sheltered bay about 35 km north of Marsa Alam town, and it's famous for one thing: green turtles. A wide meadow of seagrass covers the middle of the bay, and the turtles come to graze on it, often just a few metres from the beach. The bay is also known for its dugongs, the gentle "sea cows" of the Red Sea. They're rare and never guaranteed, so if you see one, count yourself very lucky.
You're collected from your hotel and driven to the bay. There's no boat involved: you walk in from the sandy beach and snorkel in calm, shallow water. On the north reef, the water is just 2–8 metres deep, which makes this a good spot for families and less confident swimmers. Beyond the turtles, look for rays, guitarfish and colourful reef fish along the edges of the bay.
The beach has snack bars and sunbeds for hire, so you can take your time. Please give the turtles space: never chase or touch them.
Highlights
- Green turtles grazing on the seagrass
- Easy snorkelling straight from the beach
- Shallow north reef, good for families
- A rare chance to spot a dugong
- Hotel transfers included
What's included
- Return hotel transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Entry to Abu Dabbab beach
- Snorkelling gear (bring your own or hire it on site)
- Local tax, paid in cash on the day where charged
- Sunbed hire, food and drinks
- Guided snorkelling (can be added)
Request this activity
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Frequently asked questions
The bay has a large resident population of green turtles, so your chances are good, but they're wild animals and sightings can't be guaranteed. Dugongs are much rarer.
Yes. You enter from a sandy beach and the north reef is shallow. Children should snorkel with an adult and a buoyancy aid.
It's a long drive from Hurghada, so this trip works best if you're staying in Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib.
