Abu Dabbab snorkelling trip from Marsa Alam

Seagrass and green turtles in a small group

  • 6 hours
  • Small group
  • Guide in Spanish · English
  • Updated Oct 2026

Overview

Abu Dabbab Bay lies north of Marsa Alam and is known for its seagrass beds, where green turtles feed. You walk into the water straight from the beach, with no boat needed.

You make two snorkel sessions with an instructor in a small group. Turtles are seen often, but they are wild animals and nobody can promise they will appear. If you do meet one, keep your distance, do not touch it and do not follow it.

Lunch is served on the beach between sessions. Beach access has a fee paid separately [verify].

Highlights

  • Snorkelling from the beach, no boat needed
  • Seagrass beds where green turtles feed
  • Reef along the sides of the bay
  • Groups of up to 12 with an instructor
  • Lunch on the beach

Timeline

08:00Hotel pickup

We pick you up from your hotel in the Marsa Alam area and drive north along the coast road.

Marsa Alam
09:00Arrive at Abu Dabbab and briefing

You get your gear and the instructor explains how to behave around turtles: keep your distance, no touching and no chasing.

Marsa Alam
09:30First swim over the seagrass

You walk in from the beach and swim over the seagrass in the middle of the bay, where turtles usually feed.

Marsa Alam
11:15Lunch on the beach

Lunch and a rest in the shade before going back in.

Marsa AlamLunch
12:15Second swim on the reef

A second swim, this time along the reef on one side of the bay.

Marsa Alam
13:15Back to the hotel

We take you back to your hotel, arriving around 14:00.

Marsa Alam

Included / Not included

Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Marsa Alam area
  • Snorkel gear: mask, snorkel and fins
  • Spanish- or English-speaking snorkel instructor
  • Lunch on the beach
  • Bottled water

Not included

  • Abu Dabbab beach access [verify]
  • Wetsuit
  • Sunbeds and umbrellas
  • Tips for the instructor

Prices and notes

Adult
$60 · per person
Child
$33

Sample price per person. Beach access is paid separately [verify].

Practical information

Duration
6 hours
Group
Small group · 2 to 12 people
Guide in
Spanish · English
Departure days
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Season
Runs all year. From December to March the water is cooler and a wetsuit is a good idea.
Start times
08:00 · Hotel pickup
Pickup areas
Marsa Alam and Port Ghalib, Coastal hotels north of Marsa Alam, Coastal hotels south of Marsa Alam
Minimum age: 6
Activity level: Easy

What to bring

  • Swimwear and a towel
  • Reef-friendly sunscreen
  • Water shoes for walking in from the shore
  • Cash for beach access

Cancellation

[Sample text: cancellation terms pending owner approval.] Day excursions: ask for the terms when you request a quote. [pending]

FAQ

Will I definitely see turtles?

We cannot promise it. Turtles are often seen at Abu Dabbab, but they are wild animals and sightings vary from day to day.

Can I touch or photograph the turtles?

You can take photos without flash and from a distance. Do not touch them, follow them or block their way when they come up to breathe.

Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes. You enter from the beach in calm water and the instructor stays with the group throughout.

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