Abu Dabbab Dugong Snorkeling Day Trip from Makadi

After arrival, you walk from the vehicle to the water and begin your first swim with a short safety briefing. You can snorkel directly off Abu Dabab Beach, where the entry is straightforward and suitable for travellers who are new to reef swimming as well as those who already snorkel regularly. The guide points out the safest areas and stays available while you get comfortable in the water.

From the shore, the reef begins without a lengthy boat ride, giving you time to settle into the conditions at your own pace. Look beneath the surface for schools of small fish moving over sandy patches and reef edges. The guide can help adjust your mask, explain the signs used in the water and suggest a route that matches your confidence and swimming ability. You return to shore when you need a break, with time to dry off before the next part of the visit.

Once you are ready, the guide leads the marine-life search in the calmer areas of Turtles Bay. Look for giant sea turtles and dugongs ("sea cows") in Turtles Bay as they move through the shallows and across the seagrass. Sightings are never guaranteed because these are wild animals, but your guide knows where they are commonly seen and shows you how to watch without chasing or crowding them.

The focus here is patient observation. Keep a respectful distance, swim quietly and allow the animals to change direction freely. You may see a turtle resting near the bottom or rising for air, while a dugong can appear briefly before continuing along the seabed. If conditions or animal movement make one area unsuitable, the guide recommends another safe section. You can spend the time swimming or remain closer to shore, depending on your comfort and the day’s sea conditions.

Next, follow the guide towards the reef sections where the underwater scenery becomes the main focus. Marvel at the well-preserved corals of the coral gardens as you move slowly above the reef, keeping your fins clear of the formations below. Hard corals create broad shapes and sheltered spaces, while smaller fish gather around the edges and weave between the branches.

Your guide identifies the main reef features and helps you notice details that are easy to miss during a first swim, including cleaner fish, patterned reef fish and changes in the seabed. Snorkelling is done at a relaxed pace, with regular pauses for anyone who wants to look longer or return to shallower water. Avoid touching the coral or standing on the reef; even careful contact can damage living growth. After the swim, you have time to rinse off, change and rest before the meal stop.

After the morning snorkelling sessions, sit down for a simple meal at the arranged dining area. The stop gives you a chance to eat, drink and talk through the day’s sightings without rushing back into the water. Meal arrangements can vary with the operating setup, so your guide confirms what is available and where to meet afterwards.

There is also free time to rest beside the coast. Stretch out on the sand, read, take photographs from dry land or enjoy a quiet drink while your swimwear dries. Travellers who still have energy may use the remaining time for a gentle look from the shoreline, subject to the guide’s advice and local conditions. Keep personal belongings together and follow the meeting instructions carefully, as the group will leave after the agreed break. Reapply sun protection before the return journey, particularly after spending several hours in the water.

When the beach visit is complete, meet your guide at the agreed pickup point and board the air-conditioned vehicle for the drive back to Makadi. Before leaving, check the seating area and storage spaces for your phone, towel, footwear and other personal items. The return route follows the coast and desert roads, with the exact travel time depending on traffic and the locations of the travellers being dropped off.

Use the journey to rest after the swims, and let the guide know if you need a short comfort stop where practical. Our team coordinates the drop-off according to the original hotel pickup arrangements. On arrival, you are returned to your Makadi accommodation after a full day of reef swimming, marine-life observation and time by the Red Sea. Keep any damp equipment in a separate bag until you can rinse and dry it properly.