Snorkeling at Abu Dabab Beach, Marsa Alam: Sea Turtles & Coral

Two snorkel sessions, sea turtles in the middle bay, coral reefs north and south, a beach bar between

Snorkel at Abu Dabab Beach near Marsa Alam with hotel pickup, a guide, and all equipment included. You enter the water directly from the sand for two separate sessions: the first explores the coral reefs, the second aims for the green turtles and dugongs that gather in the center of the bay. The morning wraps by 1 p.m., leaving the rest of your day free.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling at Abu Dabab Beach

• Pick up from hotel
• Travel to Abu Dabab Beach
• Collect snorkeling equipment
• Relax and change for snorkeling
• Snorkel at coral reefs
• Leisure time on beach
• Second snorkeling session for turtles and dugongs
• Admire coral reefs and marine life
• Free time at beach bar
• Return to hotel

The Experience

You get picked up at your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and driven 31 kilometers south to Abu Dabab Beach, also called Turtles Bay. The beach itself is the draw—clean sand, shallow entry, and the kind of access that works for children and anyone new to snorkeling. Your guide hands over the equipment (mask, fins, snorkel) and gives you time to change and settle in before the first session.

The first snorkel takes you to either the coral reefs north or south of the aqua center, depending on conditions. You're looking at well-maintained coral gardens and the fish living in them. After that, you get leisure time on the beach—a chance to dry off, grab a drink at the beach bar, and rest before the second session. The second snorkel targets the middle of the bay, where green sea turtles and dugongs (sea cows) normally show up. The water entry is straight off the sand, no boat, no current to fight.

The whole outing runs about five hours. You're back at your hotel around 1 p.m., which leaves your afternoon open. The guide speaks English, and the price covers all site permissions, equipment, transfers, and taxes—nothing extra to arrange once you book.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• English-speaking guide.
• two snorkel sessions.
• site permissions and all taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Excursies Egypte-Day Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel directly from the beach without a boat—you'll see sea turtles and dugongs in shallow water, making it suitable for first-time snorkelers and children over 12.

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Top questions

How far is Abu Dabab Beach from Marsa Alam, and how long is the drive?

Abu Dabab Beach sits 31 kilometers south of Marsa Alam Airport. The drive there takes place in an air-conditioned vehicle, though the exact travel time depends on your hotel location and traffic.

Will I actually see sea turtles and dugongs, or is that just a possibility?

Green sea turtles and dugongs normally frequent the middle of the bay during the second snorkel session, but sightings are never guaranteed—marine life moves on its own schedule. The coral reefs and smaller fish are reliably there.

Is this snorkeling trip suitable for children or people who have never snorkeled before?

Yes. Abu Dabab Beach has easy access directly from the sand with no boat or strong current, and the guide gives you time to adjust before each session. The minimum age is 12, and the activity suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health.

What snorkeling equipment is provided, and do I need to bring my own?

All snorkeling equipment is included—mask, fins, and snorkel. You do not need to bring your own gear.

What time does the activity end, and will I have time for other plans that day?

You return to your hotel around 1 p.m., leaving the rest of your afternoon and evening free for other activities or rest.

Is the price fixed, or are there extra charges on the day?

The price covers all site permissions, snorkeling equipment, transfers, and taxes. There is a 5 Euro per person entrance fee for the national park, payable separately.