Hurghada For You
About 3 to 4 hours' drive south of Hurghada, Marsa Alam offers a wilder, more preserved Red Sea. Its most famous bay, Abu Dabbab, is known for sea turtles grazing on the seagrass a few metres from the shore.
The day's programme
- Pick-up at your hotel around 5 am.
- A drive along the Red Sea coast.
- Briefing with the guide and snorkeling equipment.
- Snorkeling at Abu Dabbab and time on the beach.
- Buffet lunch at a nearby hotel restaurant.
- Back in Hurghada around 7-8 pm.
The Marsa alam trip costs from 90€, on Fridays. A private version runs every day (except in January and February), for €125.
What about dugongs?
The dugong, a cousin of the manatee, is a rare animal that sometimes visits the area's seagrass beds. A dedicated outing to try to see one is possible as an extra (about €35 per person, to confirm with the guide on the morning). As with all wildlife, sightings are not guaranteed.
Good practices with turtles
- Keep your distance: do not touch turtles or block their way to the surface.
- No kicking fins near the bottom: you would stir up the seagrass.
- Reef-safe sunscreen.
Children's prices and inclusions
Free under 5, 50% off for ages 5-7. Included: transport, the day on site, buffet lunch and snorkeling equipment. Bring your towel.
What else at Abu Dabbab?
Besides turtles, the bay is home to rays, trumpetfish, lionfish and beautiful coral on its sides. The gently sloping beach makes getting into the water easy.
Marsa Alam or the dolphin day?
Two complementary experiences: Marsa Alam for turtles and a wilder sea, the Dolphin day at sea for dolphins and the reefs close to Hurghada. See our dolphin guide.
Our view
The drive is long, but swimming next to a peacefully grazing turtle is a rare emotion. The ideal trip for nature lovers who have already been to Hurghada.
