Egypt Discovery
ExcursionMarsa Alam

Abu Dabbab Bay Turtles and Dugong Snorkelling Trip

5 hours, shared transfer, snorkelling from the beach, beach entry and kit included.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

A 5-hour shared morning trip from Marsa Alam to Abu Dabbab Bay, with snorkelling from the beach over seagrass where turtles feed and a dugong may appear.
  • New

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations
Marsa Alam · Abu Dabbab Bay
Includes
Hotel transfers in Marsa Alam town, Port Ghalib and the resorts between (El Quseir by request) · Air-conditioned transport, shared with other guests · Mask, snorkel and fins to borrow · Entry to the beach · Drinking water in bottles
Guide languages
English

Best time to go

Early mornings are quietest and often calmest. Spring and autumn are comfortable for beach time.

  • IATA accredited operator, open since 1988
  • A Marsa Alam team on hand locally

02Overview

A first look

This is a five-hour shared morning at Abu Dabbab Bay, a sheltered bay with a sandy beach. You walk into the water and snorkel over the seagrass beds, where green turtles graze. A dugong sometimes visits too. Both are wild, so sightings are possible but never guaranteed. A guide stays with the group, and you have free time on the sand as well. Beach entry, kit, water and a light snack are included, and you are back at your hotel around lunchtime.

Background

The facts

Abu Dabbab Bay is a sheltered, sandy bay north of Marsa Alam town. Seagrass beds just off the beach draw green turtles and, occasionally, a dugong.

Named in this entry

Red Sea coast

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • Families, beginners and anyone who wants wildlife snorkelling without a boat.

Maybe not, if

  • Not for travellers who want deep reef diving or a guaranteed dugong.

What lingers

  • 01Snorkelling from the beach over the seagrass where green turtles feed
  • 02A chance of seeing a dugong, though sightings are possible and never guaranteed
  • 03Calm, shallow water in a sheltered bay, good for beginners
  • 04Free time on the sand to swim, relax or take photos
  • 05Tea and a light snack after your swim
  • 06Beach entry, kit and a guide all included

Honest assessment

The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.

Highlights

  • Snorkel straight from the beach, no boat needed
  • Calm bay that suits beginners
  • A real chance of turtles

Things to Consider

  • The bay can be busy at weekends
  • A dugong cannot be promised

Stop by stop

Detailed itinerary

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The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Hotel transfers in Marsa Alam town, Port Ghalib and the resorts between (El Quseir by request)
  • Air-conditioned transport, shared with other guests
  • Mask, snorkel and fins to borrow
  • Entry to the beach
  • Drinking water in bottles
  • A guide with you at the bay

Not included

  • A tip for your guide
  • A meal and any drinks
  • Sun beds and parasols hired at the beach
  • Money for your own purchases

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Arrive in the water early to find fewer people

  2. 02

    Do not stand on the seagrass, as it is the animals' food

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

The Abu Dabbab trip is free for under-2s, half fare for ages 2 to 11 and full fare from age 12. The Abu Dabbab trip lasts 5 hours, so think about what your children enjoy and can manage.

These fares are a guide, as prices and departure move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days you have in mind.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How is the price for the Abu Dabbab trip worked out?
    You pay a per-person figure for the Abu Dabbab trip, which covers the items listed as included. Our team confirms the figure for the Abu Dabbab trip after you send a request, and until then it is provisional. The Abu Dabbab trip runs under our ETAA Licence 718 (Category A) and IATA accreditation, and flights to Egypt are not part of what we sell.
  2. 02Where do you collect from, and when?
    For the Abu Dabbab trip, hotels in Marsa Alam town, Port Ghalib and the resorts in between are covered, with El Quseir on request. The first collection for the Abu Dabbab trip is at 07:30. For the Abu Dabbab trip, tell us your hotel and room number when you send your request, and we will confirm the time.
  3. 03Can children join the Abu Dabbab trip, and what do they pay?
    Yes. On the Abu Dabbab trip, children under 2 travel free, ages 2 to 11 pay half the adult fare, and ages 12 and over pay the full adult fare. Tell us each child's age on your the Abu Dabbab trip request and we will check the details with the operator.
  4. 04Will I see a dugong at Abu Dabbab?
    Possibly, but we cannot promise it. Dugongs and turtles are wild animals. Turtles are seen on many mornings, while a dugong is a bonus. Please keep your distance and never touch or chase the animals.
  5. 05What happens if my plans for the Abu Dabbab trip change?
    Cancelling the Abu Dabbab trip three or more days before the date brings a full refund. Between three days and 24 hours before the Abu Dabbab trip, you get half back. In the last 24 hours before the Abu Dabbab trip, or if you do not appear for collection, the money cannot be refunded. If the port authority stops boats because of weather, we move the Abu Dabbab trip to another date or refund it.
  6. 06Is this a good trip for non-swimmers and children?
    The bay is sheltered and shallow near the shore, which suits beginners and children who are comfortable in water. Weaker swimmers should say so to the guide. Beach time is shared with other guests, so the bay can be busy at weekends.

If plans change

Plans change? We make it easy.

  • More than 72 hours before your tour: keep the full amount as credit towards a future holiday with us, or take a refund.
  • Between 72 and 24 hours beforehand: hold on to the whole amount as credit, or have part of it refunded.
  • Within 24 hours of the tour, or if you don't turn up, we're unable to offer a refund or credit.
  • Should we ever have to cancel, because of the weather or anything else beyond our control, you won't lose a penny.

Credit stays valid for 12 months from your original travel date and can go towards any tour, cruise or stay with us.See the complete terms for cancelling and refunds

Continue reading

From the archives

Product ID: EXC-MRS-335911

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