Swimming With Gentle Giants – The Beach Famous for Sea Turtles

Turtles Abu Dabbab from Makadi

Tired of sitting around the resort pool, looking at the same scenery day after day? Wondering if those photos of massive sea turtles swimming right next to people are actually real or just Photoshop? After living here in Hurghada for over a decade, I can tell you with 100% certainty that they are very real—and visiting Turtles Abu Dabbab from Makadi is the absolute best way to experience it for yourself.

If you are staying around Makadi Bay and want a calm, memorable day out on a sandy beach where giant green sea turtles gracefully float right beside you, you are in the right spot. We created this complete local guide to walk you through everything you need to know before booking your day trip with us.

Table of Contents

1. What Makes Abu Dabbab Bay So Special?

2. What Will You See During Your Trip?

3. How Long Does the Day Trip Last?

4. A Real Story From Last Week

5. Inclusions and Exclusions (Quick Overview)

6. Step-by-Step Hourly Itinerary

7. What Should You Pack in Your Bag?

8. Is It Really Worth Visiting From Makadi Bay?

9. Local Insider Tips for the Best Experience

10. Frequently Asked Questions

11. How to Book Your Trip

What Makes Abu Dabbab Bay So Special?

Abu Dabbab is not just another random spot on the map. It is one of the most famous sheltered bays along the entire Red Sea coastline. The main reason? Sea grass. Beneath the warm, crystal-clear water lies a vast natural sea grass meadow. This sea grass acts as a natural dining table for giant Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) and the rare, gentle Dugong (often called the sea cow).

Unlike open-water boat trips where you might spend hours looking for marine life from the deck, Abu Dabbab is accessible directly from the shore. You simply walk into the shallow water from the sandy beach, put your mask on, start kicking your fins, and within minutes you are swimming alongside these massive, gentle creatures.

When you organize your outing to see Turtles Abu Dabbab from Makadi with our team at excursionsmakadibay.com, we make sure you avoid all the guesswork. We handle the transport, equipment, permits, and guiding so you can focus entirely on enjoying your day out.

What Will You See During Your Trip?

Honestly, the variety of life in this bay is incredible. Even if you have never snorkeled before in your life, you are going to be amazed by how close the marine life comes to the shoreline.

• Giant Green Sea Turtles: These are the real stars of the show. Some of these turtles are huge—over a meter long! They are completely used to humans, calm, and peacefully munch on the grass at the seabed.

• Colorful Coral Reefs: On both the north and south sides of the bay, you will find healthy coral walls filled with clownfish (Nemo!), parrotfish, butterflyfish, and blue-spotted rays.

• The Elusive Dugong: While we can never guarantee wild animal sightings, Abu Dabbab is one of the few places in Egypt where resident dugongs are regularly spotted feeding on the grass.

• Guitar Sharks & Rays: Do not let the name scare you—guitar sharks are completely harmless bottom-feeders that look like a mix between a ray and a shark. Seeing one gliding over the sand is a treat!

If you want to combine underwater adventure with absolute relaxation, this trip gives you the best of both worlds: a pristine sandy beach to sunbathe on, and a rich marine reserve right at your feet.

How Long Does the Day Trip Last?

This is a full-day adventure, usually lasting around 8 to 9 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Abu Dabbab is located south of Makadi Bay, near Marsa Alam. The drive takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours each way in our air-conditioned vehicles. To make things completely stress-free for you, we provide free hotel pickup right from your lobby in Makadi Bay, bringing you back directly to your hotel entrance at the end of the day. You do not have to worry about local taxis, navigating routes, or haggling over transfers.

A Real Story From Last Week

Just last week, a lovely couple from Manchester booked this tour with us. The husband was a bit nervous because his wife was not a strong swimmer and had never tried snorkeling in open waters before. He texted us on WhatsApp asking if it was a good idea for her.

I told him: “Trust me, Abu Dabbab is perfect because you walk in gradually from the beach—no jumping off a deep boat!”

Our guide, Mahmoud, met them at the hotel, gave her a comfortable life jacket, and stayed right next to her in the water holding a safety ring. Within ten minutes, she was floating comfortably in waist-deep water, watching a massive turtle eat sea grass right below her. When they returned to the van at the end of the afternoon, she was literally glowing with excitement. Moments like that are honestly why we love doing what we do every single day.

Inclusions and Exclusions (Quick Overview)

We believe in complete transparency. Here is a quick overview of what is included when you join our excursion to see Turtles Abu Dabbab from Makadi:

Step-by-Step Hourly Itinerary

Knowing your schedule helps you relax and enjoy every moment. Here is how a typical day unfolds with us:

• 06:00 AM – Smooth Pickup from Your Hotel

  We kick off early to beat the crowds. Our driver picks you up right at your Makadi resort reception with our free hotel pickup service. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the coastal views along the Red Sea highway.

• 08:30 AM – Arrival at Abu Dabbab Bay & Welcome

  Upon arrival, our guide gets your entry tickets and leads you to our designated beach area with comfy sunbeds and umbrellas. You will get a quick safety briefing and an overview of the bay structure.

• 09:00 AM – Guided Snorkeling Session  (Turtle Spotting)

  Time to hit the water! We gear up and walk straight into the clear blue bay. Our guide knows the exact sea grass patches where the giant green turtles usually feed in the morning.

• 11:30 AM – Free Beach Time & Relaxation

  Take a break on your sunbed, grab a cool drink, sunbathe, or walk along the soft sandy beach.

• 01:00 PM – Beachside Lunch

  Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at the local beach restaurant with scenic views over the turquoise ocean.

• 02:00 PM – Guided Snorkeling Session  (Coral Reef Exploration)

  Head out for a second swim, this time focusing on the vibrant north or south coral walls, teeming with colorful fish and sea life.

• 03:30 PM – Pack Up & Departure

  Rinse off at the freshwater beach showers, pack your belongings, and board our air-conditioned vehicle.

• 06:00 PM – Return to Your Resort

  We drop you off safely back at your hotel lobby in Makadi, just in time to refresh before dinner!

What Should You Pack in Your Bag?

To keep your day comfortable, here is a quick packing checklist:

1. Swimwear & Towels: Bring your hotel beach towel (most resorts lend them out daily for free).

2. Sun Protection: Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap.

3. Water Shoes: Useful for walking near coral areas, though the main bay entry is sandy.

4. Underwater Camera or Waterproof Phone Case: You will definitely want photos of the turtles!

5. Light Change of Clothes: For a comfortable ride back to Makadi Bay.

6. Pocket Cash: Useful if you want extra snacks, fresh juices, or to tip the local team.

Is It Really Worth Visiting From Makadi Bay?

You might wonder if the drive from Makadi Bay is worth it when there are reefs closer to your hotel. The short answer? Absolutely yes.

While Makadi Bay has lovely house reefs, Abu Dabbab is a unique protected ecological haven. It offers a near-guaranteed chance to swim alongside giant sea turtles in shallow, calm water. You do not need deep water diving skills to enjoy this. Families with kids, seniors, non-swimmers using life vests, and experienced snorkelers all have an amazing time here.

Local Insider Tips for the Best Experience

Having spent more than 10 years helping guests explore the Red Sea, here are my top personal tips:

• Never Touch the Turtles: Keep a respectful distance of at least 2 meters. Let them swim naturally without feeling cornered. This keeps them calm and safe.

• Do Not Step on Sea Grass or Corals: The sea grass is their food source! Floating horizontally keeps the ecosystem healthy for years to come.

• Go Early for Clearer Water: Morning hours usually offer calm seas and the best underwater visibility before afternoon breezes pick up.

• Ask Our Team Anything: We live here, we know the spots, and we are always happy to help you adjust your equipment or lend a hand in the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the trip safe for non-swimmers and children?

Yes! Abu Dabbab has a very smooth, gradual sandy entrance into shallow water. We provide clean life jackets and our guides stay right with you in the water at all times.

How long is the transfer from Makadi Bay?

The drive takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours each way in our comfortable, air-conditioned vans. It is a scenic highway drive along the coast.

Are turtles guaranteed on every trip?

Because these are wild animals living in an open sea bay, no human can promise 100% guarantees. However, because Abu Dabbab is their main feeding bay, the success rate for spotting turtles here is over 90–95%.

Can I try scuba diving instead of snorkeling?

Yes! If you want to dive, let us know when booking. We can arrange introductory or certified diving stops at the bay with qualified instructors.

How to Book Your Trip

We prefer keeping things simple, direct, and personal. You don’t have to fill out long forms, pay hidden booking fees, or deal with automated call centers.

If you are ready to explore Turtles Abu Dabbab from Makadi or have a few questions before deciding, reach out directly to us!

Contact us on WhatsApp to book your spot.