Abu Dabbab Snorkelling Excursion from Sahel Hashesh

At Abu Dabab Beach, you enter the Red Sea directly from the shore rather than boarding a boat. The sandy entry makes it practical to take your time with the mask and fins, adjust your equipment, and move into the shallows at a comfortable pace. Once your face is in the water, the sandy bottom gives way to patches of reef where small fish move among the rocks.

Snorkel close to shore first while your guide points out the best areas and checks that the group is comfortable. The visibility and sea conditions can change, so the route stays flexible on the day. Keep your distance from marine life, avoid standing on reef, and use slow fin movements to protect the seabed. After the first swim, return to the beach for a short rest before continuing to the bay where larger animals are commonly seen.

Your next swim takes you into Turtles Bay, where the sandy seafloor creates feeding areas for giant sea turtles. Move quietly beside your guide and watch the bottom as well as the open water; turtles may be resting on the sand, grazing near seagrass, or rising slowly for air. The guide helps you observe without chasing or touching them.

This is also the part of the excursion where you search for dugongs, sometimes called sea cows. They feed in shallow seagrass areas, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the group may need patience while scanning the bay. If a dugong appears, stay calm, leave plenty of space, and let it choose the direction of travel. Anyone who prefers a shorter swim can return to shore with assistance, while other travellers continue at the agreed pace.

After the wildlife search, your guide leads the group towards the underwater coral gardens. These reef sections are made up of hard and soft corals in different shapes, with wrasse, butterflyfish, damselfish, and other Red Sea species moving through the channels. The focus here is on close observation: look for colour, movement, and the small creatures sheltering between coral branches.

Snorkel along the edge of the reef rather than directly over its highest points. Your guide indicates safe passages and keeps the route suitable for the group’s swimming ability. You can pause to float and watch the reef before returning to the beach, where there is time to rinse equipment, change, and dry off. The extended stop allows you to split your time between wildlife watching and reef viewing without rushing either experience.

When the morning snorkelling is complete, settle down for a meal stop near the beach. Lunch is a useful pause after several swims, giving you time to eat, drink, and warm up in the shade. The exact menu and serving arrangements depend on the day’s local setup, but your guide confirms the details before the break begins.

Use the remaining time to relax on the sand, organise your belongings, or take a final shallow-water look if conditions and the schedule allow. Avoid spending too long in direct sun, particularly after swimming, and keep your phone, camera, and valuables protected from sand and saltwater. Before leaving, check the beach area and vehicle for personal items, return any rented snorkelling equipment, and change into dry clothes for the journey back.

After the beach stop, our driver begins the return transfer to Sahel Hashesh. The route follows the same coastal road inland and north, giving you a quieter chance to rest after the day’s activities. Keep some water nearby and let your guide know if you need a comfort stop during the drive.

We drop you back at your hotel at the end of the excursion. Arrival time depends on the time spent in the water, road conditions, and the pace of the group, so the schedule remains approximate rather than fixed to a guaranteed hour. Before the tour ends, our team checks that everyone has their belongings and understands any arrangements for equipment return. The day finishes at your accommodation, with no further transfer required.