Abu Dabbab Beach Snorkeling Day Trip from Hurghada

Summary

Swim with Turtles & Dugongs at Abu Dabbab Bay

You get to swim with wild turtles and maybe spot a dugong at Abu Dabbab Beach. It’s a relaxed day with lots of snorkeling, good food, and easygoing guides—perfect if you want something different from Hurghada’s usual scene.

What’s the experience like?

The drive south from Hurghada starts early—honestly, I barely finished my coffee before we were already rolling past the city’s edge. The road to Abu Dabbab is long but you’ll catch glimpses of the desert waking up, and if you’re lucky, a breeze sneaks in through the window. By the time we pulled up to the beach, the sun was already warming the sand and you could hear waves slapping gently against the shore.

Our guide handed out umbrellas—pick one close to the water if you want to keep an eye on your stuff. There’s a salty tang in the air and, weirdly enough, I caught a whiff of grilled fish from a nearby snack hut. We joined a small group for our first snorkel out by the northern reef. The water’s clear enough that you can spot parrotfish darting around even before your mask fogs up. After a bit, we took a break—some folks grabbed sodas at the little kiosk while others just flopped under their umbrellas.

The second snorkel was what I’d been waiting for: turtles gliding right below us, slow and unbothered, and then—if you’re lucky—a dugong munching on seagrass in the middle of the bay. Our guide (he’s been coming here for years) pointed out which patches of grass they like best. Lunch came around noon; nothing fancy but filling—rice, chicken, salad—and plenty of bottled water to go around. We had free time after that; some people napped or wandered along the shoreline looking for shells until it was time to pack up at four and head back north.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full Day Snorkeling at Abu Dabbab Beach

• Pickup from Hurghada early morning
• Snorkel at southern or northern coral reefs
• Relax or have a drink
• Snorkel to see turtles and dugong
• Lunch around midday
• Snorkeling until 16:00
• Return to Hurghada

Top questions

How long is the drive from Hurghada to Abu Dabbab?

It takes about three hours each way by minibus, depending on traffic and stops.

Is snorkeling gear provided or do I need my own?

Snorkeling equipment is available at Abu Dabbab Beach as part of your tour package.

Can kids join this trip? Is it safe for families?

Yes! Families are welcome—there are shaded spots for kids and strollers are fine on most paths.

What if I don’t see any turtles or dugongs?

Turtles are usually spotted daily but dugongs are wild animals so sightings aren’t guaranteed.

What’s included

Your day covers round-trip transfers from Hurghada, entrance fees for Abu Dabbab Beach, lunch at midday, plus bottled mineral water all day long. Snorkeling gear’s included too—you just need your swimsuit and some sunscreen!