No Police Permit Required
Closest Beach to Marsa Alam

Abu Dabbab Beach Excursion
Swim with Sea Turtles & Dugongs

Discover Abu Dabbab Bay, one of the Red Sea's most pristine beaches. Swim alongside endangered green sea turtles, spot the rare dugong "Dennis", and explore vibrant coral reefs just meters from the shore. Only 25 minutes from Marsa Alam!

Quick Trip Details

Distance: Only 25 km from Marsa Alam

Drive Time: 25 minutes

Entry Fee: €20 (paid at beach)

No police permit required for Abu Dabbab

🐢Sea Turtles
🌊25 Min Drive
🤿Beach Entry
📏
Distance
25 km
⏱️
Drive Time
25 Minutes
🎫
Beach Entry
€20
🛡️
Permit
Not Required ✓

Why Visit Abu Dabbab?

Guaranteed

Swim with Sea Turtles

Abu Dabbab is famous for its resident population of green sea turtles. These gentle creatures feed on seagrass just meters from the beach, offering guaranteed close encounters for snorkelers of all levels.

Daily SightingsShallow WaterSafe for Kids
Rare

Spot the Dugong "Dennis"

Abu Dabbab is one of the few places in the world where you can see dugongs (sea cows) in the wild. The famous "Dennis" has been resident here for years and is often spotted grazing on seagrass.

Endangered Species60% Sighting RateUnique Experience
Beautiful

Pristine Coral Reef

The house reef starts right from the beach. Vibrant hard and soft corals, colorful reef fish, and excellent visibility make this perfect for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.

Beach EntryAll LevelsEquipment Rental

Your Abu Dabbab Day

Flexible

Hotel Pickup

Your private driver picks you up from your Marsa Alam hotel. Quick 25-minute drive south along the coastal road. No police permit stops needed!

Arrival

Beach Entry & Setup

Arrive at Abu Dabbab beach. Pay the €20 entry fee (includes facilities access). Rent snorkeling equipment if needed (€10-15). Your driver waits nearby.

Morning

First Snorkeling Session

Enter the water from the sandy beach. Swim with green sea turtles feeding on seagrass in shallow, calm waters. Perfect for photography!

Lunchtime

Beach Restaurant

Enjoy lunch at the beach restaurant with sea views. Fresh seafood, Egyptian dishes, and international options available. Relax on sunbeds.

Afternoon

Second Session & Dugong Search

Explore the outer reef areas for a chance to spot Dennis the dugong. More turtle encounters and colorful reef fish guaranteed.

Flexible

Return Transfer

When you're ready, your driver takes you back to your hotel. Typical visit lasts 4-6 hours, but flexible timing available.

Abu Dabbab Transfer Options

Beach entry fee (€20) paid separately at entrance

🚗

Sedan Transfer

1-3 passengers

Start From €15 / one way
  • Private air-conditioned car
  • Hotel pickup & dropoff
  • 25-minute drive
  • Flexible return time
  • Waiting time included
  • No permit needed
Book Sedan
🚌

Minibus

4-9 passengers

Start From €35 / one way
  • Toyota Hiace or similar
  • Ample space for gear
  • Great for groups
  • Multiple pickups
  • Comfortable seating
  • No permit required
Book Minibus

Note: Beach entry fee (€20/person) and equipment rental (optional) paid directly at Abu Dabbab.

Visitor Experiences

"Amazing! We saw 5 turtles in the first 10 minutes. The water is so clear and shallow, perfect for kids. Dennis the dugong made a brief appearance too! Transfer was quick and easy, no permit hassles."

🇬🇧

James Wilson

★★★★★

"Perfetto per famiglie! I bambini hanno adorato nuotare con le tartarughe. Acqua bassa e sicura. Ristorante in spiaggia buono. Transfer puntuale, 25 minuti e si arriva. Nessun permesso necessario!"

🇮🇹

Maria Conti

★★★★★

"Best snorkeling from shore I've ever done. Turtles everywhere, beautiful coral, and we were lucky enough to see the dugong! Much easier than boat trips. €20 entry is worth every cent."

🇩🇪

Klaus Mueller

★★★★★

Common Questions

Is Abu Dabbab suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Abu Dabbab is perfect for beginners. The water is shallow, calm, and you can enter directly from the sandy beach. Turtles swim in 1-2 meters depth. Life jackets available for rent.
What is the entry fee for?
The €20 entry fee goes toward beach maintenance, facilities (showers, toilets, changing rooms), and conservation efforts to protect the turtles and dugong habitat. Well worth it for the pristine condition of the beach.
Do I need a police permit for Abu Dabbab?
No! Abu Dabbab is only 25 km from Marsa Alam and requires no police escort. Unlike trips to Luxor or Aswan, this is a simple beach transfer with no paperwork or extra fees.
Can I rent snorkeling equipment there?
Yes, full snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins) is available for rent at the beach for approximately €10-15 per day. However, we recommend bringing your own if you have it for better fit and hygiene.

Ready to Swim with Turtles?

Book your Abu Dabbab transfer now. Only 25 minutes from Marsa Alam, no police permit required, guaranteed turtle sightings!

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