Abu Dabbab - Snorkeling with turtles

Abu Dabbab is a protected bay south of Marsa Alam, about two hours' drive from Hurghada. Its distinctive feature comes down to one sentence: a resident population of green turtles and a few dugongs graze the seagrass of the lagoon, just a few metres from the shore. No boat, no long swim, the wildlife moves over a sandy bottom you can reach as soon as you leave the beach.

Swimming is free-range, with a guide steering you toward the areas where the turtles come up to breathe. Depending on the season and the tide, stingrays, parrotfish and tropical shoals join in. As a classified site, a few rules apply: no contact with the animals, no non-biodegradable sunscreen. They're what preserves a place where the encounter remains possible without any staging.

Good to know: there are two formats. In a group, the rate is 85 € per person, available on Fridays and Mondays only. As a private excursion, it is 100 € per person, available every day. Full price from age 11, half price for children aged 5 to 11 with an adult, free under 5. The format and the child rate are confirmed with your booking.