Combination trip Egypt – Diving in Abu Dabbab & to the ancient city of Luxor
Abu Dabbab is the ideal location for a wonderfully relaxing diving vacation. Dive unlimitedly on the house reef and end the trip with history in extraordinary Luxor.
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Discover Egypt: diving in Abu Dabbab & historic Luxor
Egypt is a destination that every diving enthusiast should have on their list. The country offers a huge variety of diving opportunities, from colorful house reefs to challenging offshore locations. Abu Dabbab, an idyllic bay about 35 kilometers from Marsa Alam, is one of the absolute highlights. Here you will dive among exuberant corals and exotic fish, while turtles swim by regularly. For those who are lucky, it is even possible to spot the rare dugong. The dives are relaxed, with plenty to explore for both beginners and experienced divers. In addition to the house reef, you also take to the water for boat dives, exploring more remote reefs and unusual underwater landscapes.
But Egypt has more to offer than just the magic of the Red Sea. Along the banks of the Nile lies the historic heart of the country: Luxor. Here you will spend two full days and literally step back in time. Discover imposing temples, ancient tombs and impressive monuments that tell the story of the pharaohs and their empire. Stroll through markets, admire the majestic Nile and feel history come alive.
This trip combines the best of both worlds: an unforgettable underwater experience in one of the most beautiful diving areas in the world and a fascinating cultural exploration of ancient Egypt. It is a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and history.
Best Travel Time: Egypt is an excellent year-round destination for diving. In the summer months, temperatures can be high above water, which may make the day’s schedule intense, but visibility underwater often remains excellent. In the winter months, it is slightly cooler above water and the sea can feel a bit fresher, but diving conditions remain fine and the reefs are still colorful and vibrant.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for Abu Dabbab, Egypt
In the heart of summer (June through September), a 3mm wetsuit or shorty is often sufficient. Starting in October, the seawater cools down and we recommend a 5mm. In winter (November through April), a 7mm or a 5mm with hood may be most comfortable.
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 | Arrival in Marsa Alam
Today begins your trip to Marsa Alam! The flight takes about 5.5 hours and you can depart from Amsterdam, Brussels or Düsseldorf, depending on available options.
After arriving in Marsa Alam, once you have passed through passport control and taken your luggage off the belt, someone will already be waiting to welcome you. You will then be taken to the Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort, where you can check in at your leisure and get ready for a relaxing start to your Red Sea vacation.
Day 2 | The first day of diving
The next 5 days are all about diving! You will have 2 days of boat dives and 3 days of unlimited diving on the house reef, from the shore. You will probably alternate, so your program may differ from the itinerary.
In any case, it is nice to start with the house reef, so that during the first shore dive you have all the time and peace to check that all your equipment is working properly and to do a good check. This first dive a guide goes with you, but after that you can do the dives on the house reef independently. Of course always with a buddy, but without a divemaster. Of course at the diving school they will tell you in advance what a good route is and especially where you can see the most beautiful things on the house reef.
You can do “unlimited” dives between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on house reef diving days. The sun sets between 17:00 and 18:00, which means you can therefore make a night dive (unguided) every day on these days as well.
Day 3 & 4 | Boat dives around Marsa Alam
The dive package includes two days of boat dives. The boat leaves directly from Abu Dabbab bay. You will make 2 dives per day and just come back to the beach of the diving school between dives. Ideal for a relaxing surface interval in the sun, with a drink within reach.
Around Abu Dabbab are numerous beautiful dive sites that you reach by boat. The area is known for its diversity: from canyons, caves and pinnacles to vast coral gardens and even a wreck. One of the most beautiful reefs is Shaab Abu Dabbab 4 – quieter than the other reefs in the bay and with exceptionally good visibility. Here you dive among large table coral formations, colorful reef fish, morays, crocodile fish, eagle rays, lionfish, turtles and sometimes even hunting tuna or barracuda.
Just a 20-minute boat ride away, moreover, is the legendary Elphinstone Reef. This steep reef is known for its oceanic foxes, gray and silky sharks, and in the right season even hammerhead sharks. With any luck, manta rays or even a whale shark will also be spotted here. Due to the depth and often strong currents, this is a dive site for experienced divers – minimum Advanced with 50 logged dives. There is a small additional charge for these dives.
Day 5 & 6 | Diving on the house reef
The last few days you will again have unlimited access to Abu Dabbab’s house reef. The bay consists of 2 colorful house reefs separated by an area of sea grass. The reef is suitable for divers of all levels and offers a rich underwater world full of tropical fish and colorful corals. It is also a beautiful place for snorkelers.
The seagrass area between the reefs is the habitat of large green sea turtles and also the rare dugong. In the shallower parts of the reef, with some luck you may encounter the bowmouth guitar shark, an impressive and unique shark species of the Red Sea. In addition, you will often encounter ghost pipefish, anglerfish or seahorses.
With depths ranging from 0 to 20 meters, the house reef is ideal for exploring at your own pace. The calm waters, sheltered location and wide variety of marine life make Abu Dabbab a great place to be in the water.
Day 7 | Departure to Luxor
The alarm goes off early today, because already around 06:00 you will leave for Luxor. The drive takes about 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and possible stops. You will of course be picked up, so you can even continue sleeping during the drive.
Upon arrival in Luxor you check in at the hotel, where the guide is already waiting to welcome you. You will immediately discuss the program for the coming days and get acquainted with the guide and the city.
Luxor is often called the largest open-air museum in the world. The city lies on the banks of the Nile and is divided into the eastern bank, with modern city life, the Luxor Temple and the impressive Karnak complex, and the western bank, where the famous necropolises are located, such as the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. Here you can see ancient tombs, pharaonic monuments and the imposing Colossi of Memnon.
You can spend the rest of the day as you wish. You can relax in the hotel, or make a first exploration of the city. A walk along the Nile or a visit to the local markets, for example, are perfect to get a taste of the atmosphere of this special city.
Day 8 | The West Bank: Valley of the Kings & Temple of Hatshepsut
After breakfast you will be picked up for an excursion to the West Bank of the Nile, the area where the ancient Egyptians built their royal necropolises. You begin at the world-famous Valley of the Kings, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom found their eternal resting place. During your visit, admire the colorfully painted tombs with ancient hieroglyphics and scenes from Egyptian mythology. The guide will tell you all about the pharaohs, mummification and the hidden treasures that were once found here.
Next, head to the impressive Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. Built against the steep rock face, this terra temple is an architectural masterpiece and one of the most atmospheric temples in Egypt. As you walk through the colonnades and shrines, you can enjoy the magnificent views of the desert and the Nile.
Along the way you will also encounter the Colossi of Memnon, two huge seated statues that are the remains of an ancient temple and offer perfect photo opportunities.
The day ends with a transfer back to the hotel, where you are free to relax for the rest of the afternoon and evening. You can enjoy the pool, have a drink on the terrace or take in Luxor’s unique atmosphere at your leisure while reminiscing about the day’s impressive discoveries.
Day 9 | The East Bank: Temples of Karnak & Luxor
Today you will discover the religious heartbeat of ancient Egypt. You begin at the vast temple complex of Karnak, dedicated to the mighty god Amon-Ra. This impressive complex, with its giant colonnaded halls, obelisks and shrines, is the largest religious structure ever built by man. As you walk through the impressive hypostyle halls, you can imagine how priests and pharaohs performed their rituals here centuries ago.
Next, head to the Temple of Luxor, once connected to Karnak by a processional road lined with sphinxes. This temple, beautifully located in the heart of the city, was the scene of the annual Opet festival, in which the gods were transported down the Nile in festive procession. During the visit, you can admire the well-preserved reliefs and experience the serene atmosphere of the sacred chambers.
After this enchanting exploration, transfer back to the hotel, where you are free to relax for the rest of the day. You can reminisce by the pool, take a stroll along the Nile or take in the lively atmosphere of Luxor while reminiscing about the rich history and impressive architecture you discovered today.
Day 10 | Departure home
After breakfast you will check out of the hotel and say goodbye to Luxor. Afterwards you will be transferred to Luxor airport for your return flight or your onward journey. On the way, you can enjoy the views of the Nile and the surrounding desert one more time while thinking back to the special discoveries and experiences of your trip.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from Egypt?
Diving on the house reef
Abu Dabbab ‘s house reef offers an impressive variety of hard and soft corals, large sea pens and a rich underwater world full of exotic fish. The reef is one of the most pristine and untouched house reefs, allowing divers to enjoy an intimate and tranquil diving experience. The combination of colorful corals, clear water and varied marine life makes the house reef an ideal place to relax, explore and further develop your underwater skills.
Looking for the dugong
One of the most special experiences in Marsa Alam is spotting the rare dugong, also known as sea cow. These friendly sea dwellers feed on seagrass and move slowly through the shallow water, often allowing you to observe them closely during a snorkeling or diving trip. Seeing a dugong in its natural habitat is a unique opportunity, as they are threatened with extinction worldwide and only occur regularly in a few places.
Temples of Luxor
Luxor offers an unparalleled insight into ancient Egypt. Beyond the famous temples and tombs, the city is also home to less visited sites such as the Luxor Museum, where beautiful artifacts and mummies tell a story of pharaohs and their daily lives. Walking through the streets of Luxor you will notice the combination of modern life and ancient history, with local markets, traditional crafts and the Nile flowing through the city like a lifeline.
The accommodation
The stay and surroundings
Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort
The Hilton Nubian Marsa Alam is an enchanting resort with 23 Nubian designed buildings, offering direct access to the breathtaking Abu Dabbab beach. This beach is known for its beautiful coral reef along the shore, where you can discover the abundant marine life with exciting diving excursions from the nearby Blue Ocean Dive Center, just a 5-minute walk from your room.
In addition to the diving experience, the resort welcomes you with an array of additional amenities, including 4 swimming pools and a modern fitness center. At night, guests can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at one of the resort’s 3 cozy bars. At the Breezes Pool Bar, enjoy a refreshing fruit juice, a cold beer or delicious dishes like fresh salads, grilled kebabs and juicy burgers after an invigorating dip in the pool at Breezes. The Coral Beach Bar, located on the soft sands of the pristine white beach, is perfect for relaxing with fruity cocktails, refreshing salads and tasty grilled snacks while soaking up the sun. The Kush Bar, just off the resort lobby, offers a relaxed ambiance where you can enjoy elegant “aperitivo” cocktails and soothing lounge music before dinner.
Blue Ocean Diving Center
The Blue Ocean Diving Center is a modern and well-organized dive center where comfort and professionalism are paramount. The dive center has a spacious and orderly equipment area, with plenty of space to rent, prepare and rinse and store equipment after diving.
The team consists of experienced PADI instructors and local guides who know the area inside out. They guide both beginners and advanced divers and give clear briefings so you know exactly what to expect underwater. Different types of dives are organized daily from the dive center: relaxed dives along the house reef, fast zodiac trips to nearby reefs and boat dives to more distant dive sites.
Those who want to take a course can find a wide range of PADI courses. From a first introduction to diving to specialties, everything is provided in small groups with lots of personal attention.
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is US$ 1.751 per person, based on 2 people in one room. The travel package can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from US$ 1.751 p.p.
- Marsa Alam
- 6 nights in a Garden View room
- Stay on an all-inclusive basis
- 2 days of boat dives (4 boat dives total)
- 3 days of shore diving (unlimited)
- Luxor
- 3 nights in Luxor in 5-star hotel
- Stay on a bed & breakfast basis
- Excursions according to program with English speaking guide
- Entrance fees at all listed attractions
- Daily bottle of mineral water during excursions
- General
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight from Europe from US$ 644
- Visa at Egypt airport from US$ 35
- Access to the inner tombs (including Tutankhamun)
- Lunch and dinner during stay in Luxor
- Personal expenses and gratuities
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Use of nitrox US$ 4 per tank
- 15L tank US$ 4 per tank
- 15L tank with nitrox US$ 6 per tank
- Complete diving equipment excl. computer and lamp US$ 23 per day
- Dive computer US$ 7 per dive
- Surcharge boat dive Elphinstone US$ 45 per dive
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Frequently asked questions about this diving vacation to Egypt
Dive sites
At Abu Dabbab, you make dives from the shore in Abu Dabbab Bay as well as boat dives further out. You can even dive at the famous Elphinstone.
Yes for boat dives, 60 minutes or 50 bar applies. For shore dives, you can stay under as long as is responsible.
The shore dive sites are literally within walking distance. The boat dive sites range from a 5-minute boat ride to about a 20-minute boat ride to Elphinstone.
On the boat dive days there are 2 standard dives in the package, on site you can extend this to 3 if there is enough demand for the afternoon dive. This costs €50 for 1 boat dive. You can also choose to make another unguided dive on the house reef, this costs €28 for 1 dive.
On the unlimited days, you can dive as much as you want between 06:30 and 18:30. Of course, it is important not to go into deco!
Yes for sure, a beautiful house reef where you can dive left or right. The diving is very varied.
Yes! On the unlimited house reef days, this is included in the package as standard. Note, however, that this is unaccompanied. You can dive until about 18:30 on those days and the sun sets between 17:00 and 18:00. The diving school waits until everyone is out of the water in the evening.
Yes, you certainly can. The diving school Blue Ocean Dive Center is a PADI 5-star IDC center. That means they are very professional and can offer many different courses up to dive instructor level. You can also learn to free dive here as well as various specialty courses.
Above all, ask us about the possibilities.
It is about a 5-minute (400m) walk from the resort to the dive center located right on the water. Your dive gear is kept at the diving school.
Diving equipment
They have DIN tanks and INT adapters here.
Yes, you can use a 15L tank for an additional cost of €3 per tank.
Yes you can, a complete diving set costs €20 per day.
A computer is not included here. The rental for this is €6 per dive. You can also rent a dive light for €6 per dive.
Yes you can, nitrox costs €3 per dive when using a 12L tank.
Other activities & excursions
Absolutely, it’s beautiful!
Several excursions can be included, including several desert safaris. You can also visit dolphins by boat to swim with them.
In the bay are several cozy joints where you can go for a bite to eat and a drink. However, you are staying on an all-inclusive basis, so you also have everything at the resort.
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