⭐ STARS
🐢🦈 Swim with Sea Turtles & Spot Dugongs!
Abu Dabbab Bay is world-famous for its seagrass meadows where sea turtles feed daily. This is also one of the few places in the Red Sea where you might spot the rare dugong (sea cow) - a magical, gentle giant! No boat trip needed - just walk into the water from the resort beach.
📍 Exploring Marsa Alam?
Marsa Alam is Egypt's premier diving and snorkeling destination, with pristine reefs and unique marine life found nowhere else in Hurghada. Compare similar resorts:
- Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian - Also on Abu Dabbab Bay with excellent reef
- Jaz Lamaya Resort - Family-friendly with great house reef
- Steigenberger Coraya Beach - Adults-only with pristine reef
- Royal Brayka Bay - Famous Brayka Bay snorkeling
Learn about the best dive sites in our Ultimate Hurghada Diving Guide.
👳🏾♂️ Salem's Honest Verdict
If swimming with sea turtles is your dream, Malikia Abu Dabbab is THE place to stay! I've seen guests literally in tears of joy after their first turtle encounter. The bay's seagrass meadows attract turtles every single day - you're almost guaranteed to see them.
The dugong (sea cow) is rarer - consider it a lucky blessing if you spot one! Early morning snorkeling gives the best chances. The north reef offers incredible fish diversity, especially at sunrise.
My tip: Bring your own quality mask and snorkel. The bay has jetty and beach entry options. Lifeguards are on duty. Wake up early for the best wildlife encounters!
Best for: Snorkelers, marine life enthusiasts, photographers, families wanting natural wildlife encounters, divers.
📋 Resort Overview
🏨 Property Details
- 5-star all-inclusive resort
- Directly on Abu Dabbab Bay
- Beach and jetty access
- Nubian-style architecture
- Free WiFi
🐢 Marine Life
- Sea turtles - almost daily sightings!
- Dugong - rare but possible
- Rays, colorful fish, eels
- Healthy coral formations
- Seagrass meadows (turtle food)
🤿 Snorkeling & Diving
- House reef direct from beach
- Jetty entry for reef access
- PADI diving center on-site
- Dugong snorkeling trips
- Crystal clear visibility
🏖️ Beach & Facilities
- Sandy beach entry available
- Kayaks & windsurfing
- Lifeguards on duty
- Sun loungers & umbrellas
- Swimming pools
🐢 What Marine Life Will You See?
Abu Dabbab Bay is one of the most biodiverse snorkeling spots in Egypt. Here's what you can expect:
🐢 Green Sea Turtles
The undisputed stars of Abu Dabbab! These gentle giants come to the bay's seagrass meadows to feed almost every day. You can snorkel alongside them just meters from shore.
Best time: Early morning, before crowds
🦈 Dugong (Sea Cow)
The rare, gentle dugong occasionally visits the seagrass meadows. Sightings are special - like finding a unicorn! They're shy but curious.
Tip: Stay still, let them approach
🐠 North Reef Life
- Moray eels & octopus
- Lionfish & scorpionfish
- Hundreds of reef fish species
- Rays (stingrays, eagle rays)
- Healthy hard & soft corals
📸 Photo Tips
- Waterproof camera essential!
- 4-8 AM: Best light, fewer people
- Respect wildlife distance
- Don't touch turtles or corals
- GoPro or similar recommended
🤿 Want to Explore Deeper?
Marsa Alam has some of Egypt's best dive sites:
- Elphinstone Reef - Oceanic whitetip sharks, manta rays
- Sataya (Dolphin House) - Swim with wild spinner dolphins
- Samadai Reef - Abundant marine life
Read our complete Hurghada & Marsa Alam Diving Guide for dive site info. Planning a snorkeling trip? We've got you covered.
⚖️ Honest Pros & Cons
✅ What We Love
- Sea turtles almost guaranteed!
- Chance to see wild dugong
- Outstanding house reef snorkeling
- No boat needed - walk in from beach
- Excellent north reef for fish
- Lifeguards & safe swimming
- PADI dive center on-site
- Pristine, uncrowded location
❌ Things to Know
- Remote location (far from Hurghada)
- Limited nightlife/entertainment
- Long transfer from Hurghada airport
- Dugong not guaranteed
- Need own quality snorkel gear
- Marsa Alam airport smaller
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Will I definitely see sea turtles at Malikia Abu Dabbab?
Sea turtles are seen almost daily in the bay! They feed on the seagrass meadows. Early morning (before 8 AM) gives the best chances with fewer people.
How likely is it to see a dugong at Abu Dabbab?
Dugongs are rare - consider it a lucky blessing! The diving center offers specific dugong snorkeling trips which increase your chances. They're shy but occasionally visit the seagrass meadows.
Is the snorkeling good for beginners?
Yes! The bay has calm, shallow water with both beach and jetty entry. Lifeguards are on duty. The seagrass meadows where turtles feed are quite shallow.
How far is Malikia Abu Dabbab from the airport?
Marsa Alam Airport is closer (about 45 min). Hurghada Airport is about 250km away (3+ hours). We recommend flying into Marsa Alam or booking a comfortable transfer.
Should I bring my own snorkel gear?
Highly recommended! While you can rent gear, having a quality mask that fits perfectly makes a huge difference for turtle encounters. Fins and snorkel are also better if they're your own.
Is Malikia Abu Dabbab good for families with kids?
Excellent for families! Children love swimming with turtles - it's a magical, educational experience. The beach is safe with lifeguards, and snorkeling is suitable for all ages.
✈️ Getting to Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is remote but worth the journey! Planning tips:
- Flights, Transfers & Visa Guide - Airport options and transfers
- Hurghada Weather Guide - Best time for snorkeling
- Budget Travel Guide - Saving money in Egypt
💡 Tip: Fly into Marsa Alam Airport (RMF) when possible - much closer than Hurghada!
Swim with Sea Turtles at Malikia Abu Dabbab
An unforgettable wildlife experience awaits...
💡 Salem's Tip: Bring a waterproof camera! Your turtle photos will be incredible.