Abu Dabbab Bay between Port Ghalib and Marsa Alam is one of the most beautiful bays in southern Egypt. In the nature reserve you can observe beautiful coral reefs, colorful fish and many marine creatures such as turtles, rays, dolphins and even manatees. What is snorkeling like in Abu Dabbab? What is there to discover? And is a trip from Hurghada worth it? In my experience report I have put together helpful tips, my recommendations and everything worth knowing about the bay.

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We have three whole weeks Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort spent, which borders the infamous bay. Yes, that is a very long time. And that's why I think I can tell you a lot about snorkeling in Abu Dabbab can tell. The bay lies between Port Ghalib and Marsa Alam and is considered a popular excursion destination in the region.

And that's exactly where the first realization comes from: a quiet bay looks different. On site, the bear dances in beach bars between loungers and parasols. And Abu Dabbab is certainly not an insider tip. But should that stop us from visiting the site?

Video – Snorkeling in Abu Dabbab is so beautiful

Unfortunately I have my video from snorkeling Not yet cut in Abu Dabbab – shame on me. That's why I've picked out a very nice video for you here that will clearly show you the beauty of Abu Dabbab.

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Abu Dabbab is very popular – and busy

We experienced locally that Abu Dabbab is very popular – and lively. The bay is full of divers, snorkelers and bathers. Diving in Abu Dabbab is the number one local leisure activity. Many holidaymakers take a day trip here. In addition, there are the guests of the three adjacent ones Hotels – the Hilton, the Malikia and the Abu Dabbab Lodge. There are a lot of holidaymakers who spend time in the water and explore the reef.

But – and now comes the big but – the reefs in the nature reserve are incredibly beautiful. Snorkeling in Abu Dabbab is truly amazing experience. The colorful, intact fringing reef stretches north and south of the bay - and in the middle there is a large seagrass meadow. The best conditions to experience great snorkeling adventures on vacation. So did Abu Dabbab TripAdvisor and HolidayCheck* did pretty well in the reviews. This is often an indication that a travel destination is really beautiful.

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Is a day trip to Abu Dabbab worth it?

Before I go into more detail about the beautiful reefs and the excellent snorkeling opportunities, I would first like to clarify the most burning question: Is a day trip to Abu Dabbab worth it?

Many holidaymakers take a day trip from Hurghada to the bay near Marsa Alam. From there it's well over 200 kilometers and almost three hours' drive. Would I take a day trip to Abu Dabbab from Hurghada, Makadi, Soma Bay or Safaga? Definitely not.

If you are very bored in Hurghada

Unless you are really bored in your hotel in Hurghada and would like to experience something. If you're expecting to see dolphins or a manatee in Abu Dabbab, I wouldn't go all that way. The probability of actually encountering the animals is simply too low.

It's better to book a hotel directly on site

If you really want to see a manatee or dolphins, you should book your hotel directly in the region and then have the opportunity to meet the animals every day while snorkeling on the house reef. We've done it that way before - and that's how I fortunately came to my encounters with the manatee. That's pretty much a matter of luck.

Day trip within a 50 kilometer radius

However, if your hotel is within 50 kilometers of Abu Dabbab, you can consider a day trip. I would most likely recommend that you book one of the three hotels on the bay. This is how you can really exploit the potential of Abu Dabbab. Above all, you can snorkel early in the morning or late in the evening when the day guests have left. The bay is beautiful - and for divers and snorkelers it is worth exploring the reefs there with their eyes open.

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Snorkeling in Abu Dabbab – wonderful coral reefs await

After giving you a little help in deciding whether you should come to Abu Dabbab, I would now like to introduce you to the reefs in a little more detail. I was often too Diving in Abu Dabbab, which is an even more intense experience. The bay is basically divided into three sections: the north side with the coral reef, the middle with the bathing beach and the seagrass meadow and the south side also with an extensive coral reef.

Most snorkelers stay on the north side because this section is protected from the waves. Most of the time these collide with full force against the south side. You can snorkel there on calm days.

1. The coral reef on the north side (Hilton side)

You start snorkeling from the beach on the left shoulder and are almost immediately on the reef. The coral reef stretches for kilometers from here. You can snorkel comfortably here and you will discover a lot of fish. There are some schools of fish there that approach the snorkelers without fear. I saw lots of blue spotted rays, moray eels and cuttlefish here. The further you move, the more beautiful the coral reef becomes, but it also gets deeper beneath you.

After about 800 meters there is a limit where snorkelers can stop. If you want to go further, you have to go diving. On the way back you can turn left from the reef and land on the seagrass meadow, over which you snorkel back to the beach. Depending on your endurance, you will need 30 to 60 minutes for this tour.

2. The seagrass meadow in the middle of the bay

In my opinion, the most exciting place in Abu Dabbab is the seagrass meadow in the middle of the bay. You often see turtles there - there are actually always some there - and I met a huge stingray that lives there. If you're lucky, you'll meet the manatee here, which often looks for food in the sea grass.

However, the seagrass meadow is eaten away once or twice a year. Then there are fewer turtles in the bay and the manatee can't be seen either. If you have the opportunity, you should find out in advance what the seagrass meadow is like and plan your vacation in Abu Dabbab accordingly.

3. The coral reef on the south side (Malikia side)

I think the fringing reef on the south side is more beautiful. There are fewer snorkelers and more turtles. In addition, the overall chance of spotting a manatee is higher there. You can start on the right shoulder of the beach and snorkel all the way to the Malikia Resort jetty. The snorkeling spot is so beautiful that some operators even take speedboats directly here and let their guests snorkel in front of the Malikia jetty.

However, I would be careful with the currents here. Because as I said: The wind usually comes from the north and the surf presses on the reef here. To me, this side of the reef seemed more challenging for snorkeling. When it comes to fish and coral, you have a similar selection here as on the north side.

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What do I need to consider when snorkeling in Abu Dabbab?

If you want to snorkel in Abu Dabbab, you don't have to worry about too much. Put on your snorkeling gear and off you go. But of course there are a few little things that you should keep in mind during your snorkeling trip in Abu Dabbab.

1. Be sure to take care of your valuables. We were warned that under no circumstances should we leave our valuables on the beach loungers in the middle of the bay. The Hilton and Malikia's private beaches are very safe - but not in the middle of the bay. While we were there, someone's bag was stolen there. So be sure to only take what you need when snorkeling.
2. The area around the bay is a nature reserve. You are only allowed in the water between the reefs in the middle of the bay. The turquoise water on the reef top is tempting. But as soon as someone even puts their feet in the water, there is real trouble.
3. Protect yourself while snorkeling with a life jacket or an inflatable life buoy. Abu Dabbab Bay is predestined for strong surf back currents that flow out of the bay. I experienced this both while diving and snorkeling. I recommend being very careful here and having a plan for how to deal with such currents.
4. Divide your energy wisely when snorkeling in Abu Dabbab. The bay is very large. You will be on the road between 30 and 60 minutes. Use a snorkel suit to protect yourself from getting too cold. You think none of this is a problem? In Abu Dabbab, so many snorkelers overestimate themselves that a zodiac is constantly in use to pull exhausted snorkelers out of the water.
5. That’s all – have fun!

Travel pictures from snorkeling in Abu Dabbab

Hotels for snorkelers in Abu Dabbab

As already mentioned, we stayed at the Hilton in Abu Dabbab for three weeks. In my opinion, this is the only way to truly discover this beautiful bay. I really liked the hotel and would really recommend it if you want to snorkel Abu Dabbab. I'm not alone with this view either. Snorkeling was a popular sport at the Hilton.

Snorkeling is a popular sport

On the hotel's private beach, everyone had their snorkeling equipment with them and went into the water two or three times a day. Some of the guests we spoke to had already been to Abu Dabbab ten times and raved very much about the bay.

As I said - it seems to me that staying in a hotel and then snorkeling every day is by far the best way to discover Abu Dabbab. This gives you the best chance of spotting dolphins or a manatee.

A total of three hotels in Abu Dabbab

There are a total of three hotels in the bay. That says Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort*, which we stayed in and which is really recommended. The hotel is more for higher demands. This is again at the southern end of the bay Malikia Resort*, which is suitable for budget travelers. I looked at the hotel and wasn't that impressed.

But the hotel's beach is nice and it has easier entry into the water. The third in the league is the Abu Dabbab Lodge*, a very simple and cheap accommodation that is ideal for anyone who really wants to be out all day, diving and snorkeling, and just want to book their hotel to stay overnight.

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Snorkeling in Abu Dabbab – is it worth it?

My conclusion

My conclusion is very clear: If you are vacationing at the Hilton Marsa Alam, Abu Dabbab is a wonderful place. You can snorkel and dive all day long - and you'll constantly make new discoveries in the sea. For example, I simply saw a free-swimming moray eel and cuttlefish in broad daylight.

This is extremely rare. You also have the opportunity to go snorkeling early in the morning before all the day guests arrive. This is also the time when you have the best chance of spotting dolphins or manatees. If there are a lot of people in the water during the day, the shy animals are more likely to hide.

Don't go on a day trip

If you're planning on taking a day trip from Hurghada or Safaga, I would say save the energy. There you will find bays that are much closer and easier to reach. The chance of seeing the manatee on a day trip is pretty slim. It's not worth it for that. You have to go into the water more often. But if you're really bored and don't mind the long journey to and from the place, you can of course also go on a day trip.

We will be back

We definitely had fun snorkeling in Abu Dabbab. We had three weeks to explore the beautiful bay and definitely didn't want to miss the experience. Unfortunately, we almost never travel to the same destination twice - but Abu Dabbab is certainly a place we will visit again for snorkeling at some point in the future.

Have you already been to Abu Dabbab or are you planning your first vacation there? Which bays in Egypt do you think are the most beautiful? Which sea creatures have you seen while snorkeling? Share your experiences in the comments.