Abu Dabbab Bay · Protected Egyptian Marine Reserve
The legendary “Bay of the Sea Cow”
Abu Dabbab is a protected Egyptian marine reserve and one of the world’s last reliable places to encounter dugongs — the gentle giants that once gave sailors the legend of the mermaid. Resident green turtles, untouched seagrass meadows, and a nesting beach make this one of the Red Sea’s most biodiverse shallow bays.
Located 25 min from Marsa Alam marina, Abu Dabbab connects directly to any liveaboard week aboard MY JPMarine — on your check-in or check-out day, no extra travel required.
🐟 One of the world’s last reliable dugong habitats
Abu Dabbab’s shallow seagrass meadows are a permanent feeding ground for dugongs. Resident green turtles graze the same beds year-round. The animals live here — no seasonal migration, no luck required.
Choose your experience
Three packages — one bay
All packages include full-day beach access with loungers and lunch at the restaurant.
🤿 Dugong Snorkeling
Speedboat research experience
€78 per person
✓ Full-day beach access with loungers
✓ Lunch at the restaurant
✓ Dugong snorkeling research via speedboat
No certification required. Snorkeling equipment rental available for extra charge.
Dugongs rarely approach the bay shore. They feed in the open seagrass meadows further out — areas only reachable by boat. The speedboat puts you directly in their feeding zone, which is where encounters happen.
Shore snorkeling at Abu Dabbab gives you green turtles and reef fish. The speedboat session is specifically for dugong research — a different experience with a different purpose.
Dugongs — Abu Dabbab Bay, Marsa Alam, Egypt
Combine with your liveaboard
How it connects to MY JPMarine
Abu Dabbab is 25 min from Marsa Alam marina. On check-in or check-out day, your transfer to or from the beach is included in the group transfer schedule.
When you book the package
Transfer included
Before the liveaboard trip Check-in day
Beach → boat transfer included, according to group transfer schedule
After the liveaboard trip Check-out day
Boat → beach transfer included, according to group transfer schedule
Standalone visit Not combined with liveaboard
Transfer available for extra charge — see rates below
Standalone transfer rates
Route
Price
Notes
Abu Dabbab ↔ Airport RMF (Marsa Alam)
€30 / car
One way
Hurghada ↔ Abu Dabbab
€80 / car
One way
Equipment rental — snorkeling and diving equipment available for extra charge. Book in advance via WhatsApp or email.
Abu Dabbab Beach · Marsa Alam
🏖️ A full day at Egypt’s most protected marine bay
Loungers, restaurant lunch, and shoreline access — then out by speedboat to the seagrass meadows where the dugongs feed. All packages include full-day beach access.
Questions about combining Abu Dabbab with your liveaboard week? We’ll sort the logistics.
Abu Dabbab Beach — daily experience, Marsa Alam, Egypt. Photos of abudabbabbeach
FAQ
Questions we get every week
Do I need a diving certification for the scuba package?
Yes — a minimum Open Water Diver (OWD) certification is required for the Dugong Scuba Diving package. The Snorkeling package has no certification requirement and is open to all swimmers. Equipment rental is available for extra charge — book in advance.
Is seeing a dugong guaranteed?
No — dugongs are wild animals and no encounter can be guaranteed. Abu Dabbab has one of the most reliable resident dugong populations in the world, and the speedboat approach significantly increases your chances compared to shore-based snorkeling. Dugongs rarely enter the bay itself, which is why the speedboat session targets the open seagrass meadows where they feed daily.
Can non-divers or non-swimmers join the group?
Yes — the Beach Day package (€45 per person) is designed exactly for this. Full-day beach access with loungers and lunch included. No swimming or diving required. Non-divers can join the same group as divers and spend the day at the beach while others are on the speedboat.
What is the best time of year to see dugongs?
Dugongs are present at Abu Dabbab year-round — this is a resident population, not a seasonal migration. Water visibility and sea conditions vary by season, but there is no specific off-season for dugong encounters. Green turtles are equally resident year-round.
Can I book this without a liveaboard trip?
Yes — Abu Dabbab is available as a standalone day experience. Transfer from/to Marsa Alam airport (RMF) is €30 per car one way, or €80 per car one way from Hurghada. Contact us via WhatsApp or email to arrange dates and logistics.
How does the transfer work when combined with a liveaboard trip?
If you book the Abu Dabbab package before your liveaboard trip (check-in day), the transfer from the beach to the boat is included according to the group transfer schedule. If you book it after (check-out day), the transfer from the boat to the beach is included. Contact Sofia to coordinate timing with your existing booking.
Is the speedboat shared or private?
The speedboat is shared — guests from the same group go out together. Private speedboat sessions can be arranged on request. Contact us for pricing and availability.
Explore our liveaboard itineraries
Abu Dabbab pairs with any of our weekly departures from Marsa Alam. Add it on check-in or check-out day.
Pelagic Trail
Big Fish, Hammerheads & Dolphins
Sharks and dolphins combined — all levels welcome.
