Abu Dabbab Turtle & Dugong Snorkeling

Abu Dabbab is a wide, shallow bay just north of Marsa Alam, carpeted with seagrass that a small resident population of dugongs feeds on almost year-round. Green turtles are common here too, often grazing within easy snorkeling distance of the shore.

Unlike most of the destination's marine highlights, this one doesn't need a boat — you can walk in from the beach and snorkel out over the seagrass beds yourself, though a guided trip usually improves your odds of finding the animals and keeps a respectful distance from them.

Mornings tend to be calmer and clearer than afternoons. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and resist the urge to chase or touch anything you see — this is wild, endangered marine life, not a show.