Abu Dabbab

Abu Dabbab Bay: seagrass, turtles and shore access

Abu Dabbab is a sandy bay north of Marsa Alam, with seagrass between coral reefs on its two sides. The combination makes it an appealing place for shore diving and snorkelling, particularly for visitors interested in green turtles and the habitat used by dugongs.

This guide concerns the beach and bay, not all the numbered Abu Dabbab offshore reefs. A boat excursion advertised as “Abu Dabbab” may visit a different reef, so check exactly what is included.

Wildlife: enjoy the habitat without a guarantee

HEPCA identifies the bay’s extensive seagrass as important dugong habitat. That supports a reason to protect and visit the place, not a promise that a dugong will be present. Enjoy the seagrass habitat even when no dugong appears.

Green turtles are a major attraction, and the beach operator maintains a turtle-identification programme. Watch feeding animals quietly and leave them an unobstructed route to the surface. Do not touch, pursue, surround or feed wildlife, and keep fins clear of seagrass and coral. Being accustomed to visitors is not permission for a close-contact photograph.

The sand and reef edges also reward a slower look for smaller life. Historical Divezone accounts mention pipefish, seahorses and other unusual macro subjects; these are past observations rather than an up-to-date species checklist or an expectation for every visit. A patient dive can be rewarding even when the most famous animals are absent.

Depth, visibility and suitability

The bay slopes gradually, with commonly described recreational profiles reaching roughly 18 metres. The actual depth depends on the chosen part of the bay and the briefing. It is a different setting from exposed Elphinstone, but “no current” and “always easy” are not reliable descriptions of any sea dive.

Wind, surface chop and disturbed sand can affect entry and visibility. Visibility can differ substantially between visits. Crowding also changes the experience: leave space around other groups and avoid stirring up the bottom to follow an animal.

A suitable guided shore dive may work for a newly qualified diver, subject to the operator’s assessment and conditions. A snorkeller still needs a plan appropriate to swimming ability, supervision and the day’s sea state. Confirm the designated entry and exit rather than walking over a reef edge.

Getting there and beach access

Abu Dabbab is in the Marsa Alam coastal region, approximately 30 kilometres north of the town. Beach entry is managed, and organised excursions or local transfers are available. Confirm whether your hotel has access arrangements or whether you need a separate pass.

The beach’s current booking system offers different packages. Its FAQ states that prices depend on date, age and package, include taxes and are final when booked. Do not compare an entrance-only pass with a guided outing that includes equipment, lunch or a boat excursion.

A concrete non-diver budget example

Blue Ocean listed its Abu Dabbab Beach Day-Use programme at €65 per adult, checked on 24 October 2026. The published inclusions are beach entrance, sun lounger and umbrella, buffet lunch with soft drinks during lunch, snorkelling equipment and a one-hour guided speedboat trip to coral reefs. Scuba sessions and diving equipment are excluded.

The same page lists hotel transfers separately: €7 per person within 30 kilometres, minimum two participants, or €10 farther away, minimum two. That makes the advertised package plus those local transfer options €72 or €75 per adult respectively. A Hurghada transfer is listed at €30 per person with a minimum of three, giving €95 with the package. Confirm applicability to your hotel, date and group before payment.

This is one operator’s published package, not the universal entrance price. It includes a boat component; a beach-only visitor or someone wanting a fully guided shore-snorkelling day should choose the corresponding package and check its specific inclusions. Neither the fare nor a scheduled wildlife search guarantees turtles or dugongs.

Underwater video

The existing film, Nurkowanie Abu Dabab, shows an earlier visit. Visibility and wildlife behaviour on the day may differ; any close approach in older footage is not guidance for interacting with animals.

Play video

Bay location

The map uses the rounded geographic reference 25°20′ N, 34°45′ E for Marsa Abu Dabbab. It identifies the coastal area rather than an exact entrance. Follow the beach operator’s directions for arrival; the marker is not a wildlife position or a navigation instruction.

Abu Dabbab questions

Sources

Checked 24 October 2026: HEPCA dugong habitat; Beach operator marine-life programme; Beach packages and terms; Beach arrival information; Blue Ocean day-use price and inclusions; Bay depth and rounded location reference; Dugong conservation guidance.