Abu Dabbab Beach snorkeling: Swim with turtles

Swim alongside sea turtles in the shallows, then drift over a ranked coral reef

A full-day snorkeling trip to Abu Dabbab Beach near Marsa Alam puts you in the water twice: first in the shallows where sea turtles graze, then over a coral reef ranked among the world's ten most beautiful. Hotel pickup, a snorkeling guide, equipment and refreshments are included. The trip runs six hours and departs from either Hurghada or Marsa Alam, depending on which option you choose at checkout.

The experience

After hotel pickup, you drive south toward Abu Dabbab in an air-conditioned vehicle (about 30 kilometers from Marsa Alam airport), and arrive by 9 a.m. Your guide gives a short briefing on safety and what to expect, then you enter the water for the first snorkel. The turtles live in the shallows on the right side of the beach, and you'll have an hour to watch them move through the seagrass and sand. Between snorkels, you rest on the beach or swim in the shallows without gear.

The second snorkel happens around 11:30 a.m. over the coral reef itself. This is where the reef's global ranking comes from: dozens of fish species and coral formations in water clear enough to see the bottom. Your guide stays with you both times, pointing out what lives where and answering questions underwater through hand signals and surface checks. The whole day wraps by mid-afternoon.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• snorkeling guide who speaks English, German, Czech or Arabic.
• snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• bottled water and soda.
• six hours total.

Options for this experience

2 options

From Marsa Alam: Abu DabbabGuide in 4 languages · 08:00Visit Abu Dabbab beach if you are staying in Marsa Alam, Port Ghalib, El Quseir or any hotel in the area. Pickup is included, using an air-conditioned vehicle.

From Hurghada: Abu DabbabGuide in 4 languages · 08:00Visit Abu Dabbab if you are staying in Hurghada, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Safaga or any hotel in the area. The air-conditioned vehicle pickup zone covers the whole northern area, from El Quseir city to El Gouna. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, German, Arabic and Czech

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 20

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Marsa Waves Activities

Is this one for you?Choose the Hurghada departure if you're based on the north coast. Choose Marsa Alam if you're staying closer to the Red Sea's southern resorts. Either way, the snorkeling and the turtles are the same. The difference is just the drive time and which hotel you start from.

Traveler reviews

4.88★★★★★★★★★★

60 verified traveler reviews

5 ★56

4 ★2

3 ★1

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, German, Czech and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 10 years); Infant (under 6).

Can I book this trip if I'm staying in Hurghada instead of Marsa Alam?

Yes. Abu Dabbab from Hurghada is one of the two options at checkout. You'll have a longer drive, but the snorkeling and the day itself are the same.

What do I need to bring or wear for snorkeling?

Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen and a towel. The operator provides snorkeling equipment (mask, fins and snorkel), so you don't need to rent or pack your own. Wear reef-safe sunscreen if you have it.

How long do I actually spend in the water?

You snorkel for about an hour at the first spot with the turtles, then an hour at the coral reef. Between them and before departure, you have time on the beach and in the shallows without gear.

What if I've never snorkeled before?

The guide briefs everyone on safety and technique before the first entry, and stays with the group both times. The turtle shallows are calm and shallow, so beginners often start there to get comfortable.

Are sea turtles guaranteed, or is it just a chance?

Turtles live in the Abu Dabbab shallows year-round and are the reason the beach is protected. You will see them, though the exact number and how close they come varies by day and season.