Snorkel with Sea Turtles & Dugongs: Abu Dabbab Red Sea

Swim alongside green sea turtles and spot the endangered dugong in its natural habitat.

Snorkel at Abu Dabbab, one of Egypt's most famous Red Sea dive sites, where you swim with resident green sea turtles and have a chance to see the rare dugong—a four-meter sea cow. The day includes hotel pickup at 6 a.m., snorkeling over coral and reef fish, lunch on the beach, and return by 6 p.m. A live guide in English, Italian, French or German leads the activity; snorkeling gear, drinks and an air-conditioned vehicle are included.

The Experience

Can you actually swim with sea turtles in the Red Sea? Yes—Abu Dabbab is one of the few places on earth where it happens regularly. The bay holds two resident dugongs named Dennis and Douglas, the endangered sea cows that can grow to four meters long. You'll snorkel over shallow coral and reef fish, and the turtles move through the same waters. A guitar shark—bizarre-looking but harmless—sometimes drifts past. The guide picks you up at 6 a.m. from your hotel and drives you south in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Once in the water, you're in a working marine habitat, not a tank. The turtles don't perform; they graze and move on their own schedule. You might see one or several, or you might see none—the dugongs are rarer still, though they're there. The snorkeling itself works for beginners and experienced swimmers alike. The water is warm and clear. You can arrange underwater photography if you want the moment captured. Lunch happens on the white-sand beach during the day, with soft drinks and water available throughout.

The full day runs 12 hours door-to-door. You return to your hotel around 6 p.m. Snorkeling gear, all park fees and taxes, and transport are included. The guide speaks English, Italian, French or German depending on your group. The site is wheelchair accessible, and the vehicle has accessible seating.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• hotel pickup and return in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• lunch on the beach.
• soft drinks and water throughout the day.
• all park fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Canary Tours Egypt

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel in one location all day rather than move between sites—Abu Dabbab's shallow bay is where the resident dugongs and sea turtles stay, so you spend your time with them instead of searching.

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Top questions

What are the chances of seeing a dugong at Abu Dabbab?

Abu Dabbab is home to two resident dugongs, Dennis and Douglas, so sightings do happen—but they are not guaranteed on every snorkel. The turtles are far more reliable; you have a high chance of seeing multiple green sea turtles in their natural habitat during the day.

Is snorkeling at Abu Dabbab suitable for someone who has never snorkeled before?

Yes. The activity is designed for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. The water is shallow, the coral and fish are visible close to the surface, and snorkeling gear is provided. Your guide will be with you throughout.

What's included in the 12-hour day?

Hotel pickup and return transport, snorkeling equipment, lunch on the beach, soft drinks and water all day, and all park fees and taxes are included. Underwater photography can be arranged if you want it.

How early does the pickup happen, and when do you get back?

Your guide picks you up at 6 a.m. from your hotel location and returns you by 6 p.m. The timing depends on where you're staying, so confirm your exact pickup time when you book.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English, Italian, French or German. Let the operator know your preference when you book so they can arrange the right guide for your group.