In the heart of the Marsa Alam region, Abu Dabbab Bay is more than just a beach with its golden sands; it’s a world-renowned sanctuary for endangered marine life. Here, the opportunity to swim alongside the rare dugong, also known as the “sea cow,” is a unique experience that sets this location apart from any other.
Abu Dabbab is not just a sanctuary for dugongs but also a haven for giant sea turtles, which use the shallow waters as a nesting site. The bay is a kaleidoscope of underwater marvels: harmless guitar sharks, vibrant reefs, a plethora of beautiful fish, an intriguing shipwreck, and a swim-through canyon with underwater caves. The bay’s accessibility from the beach makes it perfect for snorkelers and divers of all skill levels, though the more distant reefs are best left to the experienced, accompanied by professional guides.
Conveniently located near most Marsa Alam hotels, Abu Dabbab is easily accessible via a branch road off the main coastal highway, positioned between the Sol Y Mar Abu Dabbab and Marsa Alam Hilton hotels. The bay is roughly 34km north of the town of Marsa Alam and about 35km south of the airport, with precise GPS coordinates available for navigation.
Despite its popularity and the occasional crowd, Abu Dabbab maintains its wild, unspoiled charm, continuing to be a refuge for its exotic marine inhabitants. Regular sightings of sea turtles and guitar sharks are common, while spotting the bay’s famed dugongs is more seasonal, with higher chances in the summer.
The bay’s name, “Abu Dabbab,” translates to “Father’s stepping stones,” and is rooted in local myths. According to legend, ancient earthquakes signified the gods crossing the sea using these stones.
To fully immerse in the Abu Dabbab experience, join the daily snorkeling boat trips from Port Ghalib. These excursions to Shony Bay and Marsa Mubarak reefs offer some of the best chances to encounter turtles and dugongs in their natural habitat.
Entry to this serene beach requires a ten-euro fee, which helps control tourism impact and includes the use of lounge chairs and beach umbrellas. The beach is well-maintained, with clean facilities and a small bar for snacks and drinks.
For those who enjoy the nightlife, the beach bar at Abu Dabbab hosts a vibrant weekly party every Thursday, attracting locals and tourists alike for an evening of fun and socializing under the stars.
Created On 1 Jan 2019
Updated On January 28, 2024
Welcome’ as often as the Egyptians, and each time, they truly mean it.
34 Central St. From Road 9, Moqattam – Cairo, Egypt 11571
+20 2 25050550, 25050551, 25050552
Online Era
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in