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Abu Dabbab: the turtle bay, from Hurghada

From €70 per person, transfer included

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Sea turtle swimming along a Red Sea reef, a diver in the background

Abu Dabbab is a bay in the Marsa Alam area, about 245 km south of Hurghada, a little under three hours by road. It's known for its green turtles, which graze on seagrass a few metres from the shore and can be watched while snorkelling straight off the beach. Hurghada Habibi runs the day trip from €70, with a 4am pick-up and lunch included.

Where Abu Dabbab is and how you get there

South along the coast road to the Marsa Alam area, close to three hours each way, with a hotel pick-up at 4am: it's a big day, so give it a day with nothing else planned.

The good news is that the outward drive happens in the dark. You doze in the vehicle and wake up facing the sea. On the way back, the sun goes down behind the desert mountains.

How the day goes

  • 4am: hotel pick-up.
  • The drive south, arriving mid-morning.
  • Entry to the reserve, briefing, kit.
  • Snorkelling in the bay, looking for turtles.
  • Lunch.
  • Free time on the beach, then back to Hurghada in the evening.

The turtles of Abu Dabbab

Mostly green turtles, which come to feed on the seagrass meadows of the bay; you often see them in shallow water, grazing or rising to breathe, and as wild animals, sightings are frequent, never guaranteed.

A few habits, for them and for you: keep a few metres away, never touch them, never block their way up to the surface, and stay calm in the water. A turtle grazing in peace will let you watch for a long time. Crowd it and it's gone in two strokes.

The seagrass isn't just a turtle buffet, either. Look out for cornetfish, rays asleep on the sand and, along the edges of the bay, coral reefs.

Best time to go

Any month: the turtles live in the bay all year, the sea is warmest from July to October, and a neoprene top keeps winter sessions comfortable.

What to bring

  • A travel pillow and a jumper for the night drive
  • Swimmers, a towel, a UV rash vest
  • Your own mask if you have one
  • Reef-friendly sun cream
  • A snack for the road
  • A waterproof pouch to film the turtles

Abu Dabbab prices and booking

From €70 per person with Hurghada Habibi: transfer, reserve entry, snorkelling and lunch, with a 4am pick-up; partner price, confirmed on WhatsApp.