From €45 / adult
Half day
Duration
Half day (4–5 hrs)
Group size
1–20 people
Availability
Daily
Difficulty
Easy
Languages
English, German, Italian
Minimum age
3+ years
Abu Dabbab is the easiest place on the coast to snorkel with sea turtles. This calm, crescent bay just north of Marsa Alam has a sandy, shallow entry and resident green turtles grazing on the seagrass — no boat, no deep water, no experience required.
It’s the ideal trip for families and first-time snorkelers. Float quietly above the meadows and you may share the bay with a turtle, a guitarfish, or — if the day is kind — the rare and gentle dugong.
Short transfer north to Abu Dabbab Bay (about 30–40 minutes).
Fit your snorkeling gear and get tips on finding the turtles responsibly.
Enter from the beach and explore the seagrass meadows and reef edges with your guide.
Relax on the beach, swim again, or grab a drink at the café.
Transfer back to your hotel.
Morning light is best for turtle spotting, so pickups are usually early-to-mid morning.
Is your hotel included? Check pickup areasFree cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable. If we cancel due to weather or safety, you receive a full refund or a free reschedule.
Google reviews of the bay
Hexe
Local Guide · July 2026
The beach there is great, sloping gently into the sea. In the sea there is a larger reef, great for snorkeling or diving.
Google review
abdo sherif
Local Guide · June 2026
I had a fantastic experience at Abu Dabbab Beach. This is truly one of the most beautiful beaches I have visited. The beach is clean, well maintained, and perfect for spending a relaxing day by the sea. The drinks were excellent and fresh, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The underwater world here is incredible. I saw a stunning variety of colorful fish and beautiful coral reefs full of life, making the snorkeling experience unforgettable. Unfortunately, I wasn't lucky enough to spot any sea turtles during my visit, but the marine life and scenery were still absolutely breathtaking Everything about the place was amazing from the crystal clear water and breathtaking underwater scenery to the overall atmosphere and facilities. I highly recommend Abu Dabbab Beach to anyone visiting Marsa Alam. Whether you love snorkeling, marine life, or simply relaxing by the sea, this place is a must-visit destination.
Google review
Riccardo Bolis
Local Guide · June 2026
A very well organised beach with easy access to the sea and a coral reef you can enjoy straight from the beach. Lots of tropical fish to see just snorkeling; we also saw a sea turtle.
Google review
Marco Milani
Local Guide · May 2026
A beautiful beach with a crystal-clear sea where, with a bit of luck, you can see rays and turtles. Lots of different fish, but we didn’t meet the clownfish.
Google review
Andrey Tokenomist
Local Guide · May 2026
A great place for lovers of the underwater world and snorkeling! Sea turtles, jellyfish, rays and lots of different fish! We had a great time as a whole family)
Google review
Petzy273
Local Guide · April 2026
Such a beautiful dive spot. The turtles even have names. Everything is so colourful underwater. A very well-kept beach and dive spot. No rubbish lying or blowing around. Absolutely amazing, and it must / should be preserved.
Google review
Questions & answers
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Green turtles live in the bay year-round and sightings are very common, especially in the morning. They’re wild, so nothing is guaranteed, but few guests leave disappointed.
It’s the best beginner spot on the coast — shallow, calm, sandy-bottomed and entered straight from the beach. Life jackets and pool noodles are available.
Yes. Turtles often graze close to shore in waist-to-chest-deep water, so you rarely need to go far or deep.
Keep a respectful distance of about 2–3 metres, never touch or chase them, and let them surface to breathe. Your guide shows you how to observe responsibly.
Yes, children 3+ enjoy the shallow bay with a parent and life jacket. It’s one of our most family-friendly trips.
Lunch isn’t included, but there’s a beach café on site for snacks and drinks. You’re welcome to bring your own too.
They’re optional but handy for the sandy-and-seagrass entry. Reef-safe footwear also protects the seagrass and your feet.
Beyond turtles, look for guitarfish, rays, colourful reef fish and — rarely — a dugong grazing the meadows.
Yes, round-trip transfers from Marsa Alam and Port Ghalib are included.
Yes — it pairs well with a desert safari on another day, or ask about a combined snorkel-and-safari package.
Before you go
Many Marsa Alam hotels sit on their own coral reef, so some of the best snorkeling of your holiday starts at the end of the jetty. Here is how a Marsa Alam house reef works, how to get in and out safely, how to read currents and flags, and what to look out for.
Port Ghalib marina is the place for an evening stroll near Marsa Alam: a waterside promenade of cafés, seafood restaurants and shops, just a few kilometres from the airport. Every one of our trips picks you up from Port Ghalib hotels, so it also makes an easy base for the week.
Dugongs are shy, seagrass-eating sea cows, and Marsa Alam is one of the few places in Egypt where you might meet one. Sightings are rare and never guaranteed. Here is what they are, where they feed and how to behave if you are lucky.
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Tell us your dates and hotel — we’ll craft the perfect itinerary and confirm everything in minutes.
