Imagine floating above a world full of color, with coral reefs and marine life all around. This is what you’ll find in Egypt, where the Red Sea is a top spot for Snorkeling in Egypt. But what wonders are hidden beneath the waves, and how can you explore them?
Get ready for an amazing journey as we show you Egypt’s best snorkeling spots. From the beautiful coral gardens of Ras Mohammed National Park to the place where dolphins live in Marsa Alam. This guide will help you enjoy your snorkeling trip in Egypt to the fullest.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs of the Egyptian Red Sea
- Explore top snorkeling destinations like Sharm El-Sheikh, Marsa Alam, and Hurghada
- Experience thrilling encounters with spinner dolphins, dugongs, and sea turtles
- Learn about the optimal seasons and conditions for snorkeling in Egypt
- Uncover the must-visit snorkeling sites and underwater wonders
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The Red Sea: Egypt’s Aquatic Wonderland
The Red Sea is along Egypt’s eastern coast. It’s a snorkeler’s dream with calm, clear waters. You can see vibrant coral reefs and many marine animals.
Vibrant Coral Reefs and Diverse Marine Life
There are over 200 coral species and 1,200 fish species in the Red Sea. Snorkelers see many colors and fish. They might see sea turtles, rays, and dolphins too.
Year-Round Snorkeling Destination
The Red Sea is great for snorkeling all year. The water is warm, between 20°C and 30°C. This means you can snorkel any season.
Snorkeling trips in Egypt’s Red Sea cost from $40 to $60 per person. They last from a few hours to all day. Most beaches have entry fees or guest registration.
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Snorkeling Excursion Details |
Afternoon Departure |
|
Pick-up Time |
2:00 PM |
|
Snorkeling Time |
1 hour amidst coral reefs |
|
Evening Return |
Back to hotel at 7:30 PM |
|
Submarine Capacity |
Accommodates multiple guests |
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Operating Company |
Egypt Sun Marine |
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Activities |
Snorkeling, underwater observation deck, sunbathing, dinner cruise |
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Dining Experience |
Seafood and beverage menu |
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Vessel Name |
Nefertari submarine |
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Vessel Features |
Pharaonic design, tailored for Port Ghalib |
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Tour Options |
Daytime snorkeling trips and nighttime dining cruises |
Top Snorkeling Destinations in Egypt
Egypt’s Red Sea is home to some of the best snorkeling spots in the world. Sharm El-Sheikh and Marsa Alam are two places that attract snorkelers from everywhere. They offer vibrant coral reefs and a wide variety of marine life.
Sharm El-Sheikh: Ras Mohammed National Park and Gordon Reef
Sharm El-Sheikh is famous for its top-notch snorkeling. The Ras Mohammed National Park and Gordon Reef are must-sees. These spots have over 1,200 types of fish, sea turtles, and more.
The water is so clear, it makes snorkeling there unforgettable. You’ll see a world full of life under the sea.
Marsa Alam: Dolphin House and Dugong Encounters
Marsa Alam is a great place for seeing dolphins and dugongs. The Sataya Reef and Dolphin House are where you can find these amazing creatures. Here, you can also see turtles, rays, and the rare dugong.
This place is special because it’s one of the few places you can see dugongs. Snorkelers often get to see these huge sea mammals up close.
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Destination |
Key Snorkeling Features |
Unique Marine Life |
|
Sharm El-Sheikh |
Ras Mohammed National Park, Gordon Reef |
Over 1,200 species of fish, sea turtles |
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Marsa Alam |
Sataya Reef, Dolphin House |
Spinner dolphins, dugongs, turtles, rays |
Taba: Fjord Bay and Picasso Reef
Taba is in the far north of Egypt’s Red Sea coast. It’s known for great snorkeling spots. Fjord Bay and Picasso Reef are two top places to visit.
Fjord Bay is 15 kilometers south of Taba. It’s a peaceful bay full of small, colorful fish. The water is only 12 meters deep, perfect for snorkeling.
Here, you’ll see many tropical fish. It’s a magical place for those who love the sea.
Picasso Reef is another spot you can’t miss. It’s full of big coral and Picasso fish. These fish have unique black and white patterns.
Snorkelers can see these fish swim in the coral. It’s a sight you won’t forget.
“Taba’s Fjord Bay and Picasso Reef offer a truly unique and unforgettable snorkeling experience in Egypt’s Red Sea.” – Jane Doe, travel writer
Taba’s Fjord Bay and Picasso Reef are great for all snorkelers. They offer a chance to see amazing marine life and beautiful underwater scenes. This makes them a top taba snorkeling spot.
Hurghada: Giftun Island National Park
Hurghada was once a small fishing village. Now, it’s a top spot for snorkeling by the Red Sea. At its center is the Giftun Island National Park, a paradise for those who love the sea.
The Giftun Island National Park is in the Paradise Islands. It has a rich marine life that draws snorkelers from everywhere. You’ll see desert islands, coral reefs, and many sea creatures. Look out for moray eels, nudibranchs, rays, barracuda, and sea turtles in the clear waters.
Soma Bay and Abu Ramada Island
Hurghada has more than just the Giftun Island National Park for snorkeling. Soma Bay is famous for its beautiful beaches and luxury resorts. It also has great snorkeling with lots of coral and fish.
Abu Ramada Island is another top spot, close to Hurghada. It lets you see the Red Sea’s rich marine life up close.
“The underwater world of Hurghada is truly a treasure trove for snorkelers, with the Giftun Island National Park being the crown jewel of this aquatic paradise.”
Whether you’re experienced or new to snorkeling, Hurghada and its islands will give you an amazing experience. They show off Egypt’s best snorkeling spots.
Nuweiba: Abu Lou Lou Reef at Coral Resort
Nuweiba is between Taba and Dahab, offering a peaceful spot for nuweiba snorkeling. The Abu Lou Lou Reef at Coral Resort Nuweiba is known as “lionfish city” for its many lionfish. But, it’s also full of moray eels, pufferfish, and surgeonfish.
The abu lou lou reef snorkeling experience is amazing. The reef’s coral and life under the water will capture your heart. Diving starts near two pipes from the Israeli Army in the late seventies. It goes from 5 to 20 meters deep.
There’s a mooring buoy at 35 meters deep, with a chain at 8 meters. This spot is great for snorkelers too.
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Dive Site |
Depth Range |
Key Features |
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Main Reef near La Sirene Resort |
5 to 12 meters |
High concentration and diversity of fish life for beginners and experienced divers |
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El Magana |
5 to 35 meters |
Reef dropping along a wall, starting 20 meters from the beach |
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Hotel’s House Reef |
5 to 20 meters |
Variety of marine life such as puffers, morays, groupers, surgeonfish, and shrimp |
|
Rock Sea |
6 to 30+ meters |
Schools of basslets, angelfish, and groupers |
|
Abu Lou Lou Reef |
4 to 27 meters |
Rich in marine life with stonefish, turtles, and abundant lionfish populations |
The Abu Lou Lou Reef is famous for its many sea creatures. It has more species than the Red Sea’s famous reefs. Some snorkelers have even seen a friendly dolphin here. It’s a top spot for both new and experienced snorkelers at Coral Resort Nuweiba.
Dahab: The Blue Hole and Mashraba
The town of Dahab is famous for two top snorkeling spots: the Blue Hole and Mashraba reef. These places are along the beautiful Red Sea coast.
The Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is a deep underwater sinkhole that draws divers and snorkelers. It’s one of the toughest dive spots in the world, but snorkelers can still see its beauty. The reef drops off steeply into the sea, offering a stunning view.
Snorkelers see many fish like surgeonfish and butterflyfish. They also see sea goldie, angelfish, and groupers. Getting to the Blue Hole is easy with tours or your own transport.
Snorkelers should be careful at the Blue Hole because of its depth and unique features. It’s best not to go alone.
Mashraba
Mashraba reef is a great choice for snorkelers who want a peaceful spot away from crowds. It’s wide and stretches along the town’s southern part. You can enter the water from the promenade or a beach bar.
Swim 50 to 70 meters to reach the reef drop-off. There, you can see moray eels, butterflyfish, and stingrays. The reef flat is full of fish, perfect for beginners.
The sea gets deep fast, but the shallow reef is best for seeing fish. Mashraba has many corals, making it less crowded than the Blue Hole.
Dahab offers amazing snorkeling at the Blue Hole and Mashraba reef. The town has many places to stay and eat. It’s a top spot for snorkeling fans in Egypt.
Tiran Island: Straits of Tiran Adventure
Tiran Island is in the Straits of Tiran, near Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. It’s a top spot for snorkeling. You can see sharks, manta rays, and many other sea creatures. The island also has a rich history from World War II.
The tiran island snorkeling is amazing. The island is big, with lots of coral reefs and fish. The trip starts at 8:30 am and takes about half an hour to get there.
After an hour and a half, you reach the first stop. You get to stay there for about an hour. Then, you head back to the port around 4:00 pm, making it a full day out.
The straits of tiran snorkeling is full of life under the sea. You might see groupers, turtles, and many other fish. The area has four reefs, each with its own snorkeling adventures.
“The Straits of Tiran are of strategic significance geopolitically, dividing the Gulf of Aqaba from the Red Sea and playing a role in military tensions.”
Whether you’re new to snorkeling or have done it before, you’ll love it here. There are many cruise options, including ones for families and special themes. Everyone can find something fun in this beautiful place.
Snorkeling in Egypt: Best Underwater Spots & Places
Egypt’s Red Sea coast is full of amazing snorkeling spots. You can see vibrant coral reefs in Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada. You might even see dolphins and dugongs in Marsa Alam. It’s perfect for both expert and new snorkelers.
Sharm El-Sheikh is famous for its snorkeling. The Ras Mohammed National Park is a top spot. It has four stunning reefs in the straits of Tiran. Gordon Reef is full of corals and marine life.
The Jackson Reef is a top dive site, with sea turtles and pelagic predators. Laguna Reef is great for beginners because it’s calm.
Marsa Alam is great for seeing dolphins and dugongs. Elphinstone Reef is known for its marine life, including oceanic whitetip sharks.
Dahab is a charming village near Sharm El-Sheikh. It’s known for its shore-based snorkeling, especially the Blue Hole. This spot is for those who love a challenge.
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Snorkeling Destination |
Key Highlights |
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Sharm El-Sheikh |
|
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Marsa Alam |
|
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Dahab |
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Egypt’s Red Sea is known for its rich marine life. Places like Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam make it easy to get to the best spots. It’s a great choice for snorkelers looking for adventure without breaking the bank.
Best Time to Go Snorkeling in Egypt
Snorkeling in Egypt is great all year thanks to the Red Sea’s warm waters. These waters stay between 20-30°C (68-86°F). The best times for snorkeling are late spring to early summer (May to June) and autumn (September to November).
These seasons have the best air and water temperatures for snorkeling. Summer, in July and August, gets very hot with temperatures up to 40-44°C (104-111°F). Snorkeling then is better with a wetsuit.
Ideal Weather and Water Temperatures
Egypt has dry and sunny weather all year, perfect for snorkeling. The best snorkeling times are when the water is most comfortable.
- Spring (May to June): Water temperatures are 25-28°C (77-82°F), and air is around 30-35°C (86-95°F).
- Autumn (September to November): Water stays at 26-29°C (79-84°F), and air cools to 28-32°C (82-90°F).
- Summer (July to August): Water can hit 30°C (86°F), but it gets very hot, over 40°C (104°F).
- Winter (December to February): Water cools to 20-24°C (68-75°F), and air is 22-28°C (72-82°F).
The Red Sea’s visibility is great all year. This makes it perfect for snorkeling. You can see the colorful marine life and beautiful coral reefs.
Essential Snorkeling Gear for Egypt
To have a great snorkeling time in Egypt, you need the right gear. This includes masks, snorkels, fins, and underwater cameras. The right gear makes your underwater adventures better.
Masks, Snorkels, and Fins
A good mask is key for snorkeling in Egypt. Make sure it fits well to keep water out. Dual-lens masks give you a wider view and better visibility.
Look for a mask with shatterproof glass. It should also have a low internal volume for easy water clearing.
Your snorkel should be strong and easy to use. It should have a dry-top design to keep water out. A snorkel with a splash guard is good for choppy water.
Fins help you move through the water easily. They should fit well to reduce fatigue while snorkeling.
Underwater Cameras and Sun Protection
It’s important to capture the beauty of Egypt’s Red Sea. An underwater camera is a great addition to your gear. Choose a waterproof and shockproof camera for the underwater world.
Protecting your skin from the sun is key. Use reef-safe sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Consider wearing a rash guard or snorkel vest for more visibility and buoyancy.
Always rinse your gear with fresh water after use. Store it in a cool, dry place to avoid mold. With the right gear, you’re ready to explore Egypt’s beautiful Red Sea.
Snorkeling in Egypt: Tips for Beginners
Snorkeling in Egypt’s Red Sea is exciting, especially for those new to it. It’s important to pick the right spots and stay safe.
Choosing the Right Location
For beginners, picking the right place to snorkel is crucial. Mashraba in Dahab and the house reefs in Hurghada and Marsa Alam are great choices. They have calm waters and are easy to get to.
These beginner-friendly snorkeling locations in Egypt let you see colorful marine life. They help you get more confident in the water.
Safety Considerations
Snorkeling in Egypt means being careful. Always stick to marked areas and stay close to the shore. This helps avoid strong currents and dangerous marine life.
Know your limits and put safety first when snorkeling in Egypt as a beginner.
“The Red Sea in Egypt offers some of the most incredible snorkeling experiences, but it’s crucial to prioritize your safety and choose the right locations as a first-time snorkeler.”
Follow these tips and focus on your safety to enjoy Egypt’s breathtaking underwater world. Being prepared and staying safe is key to a great snorkeling trip.
Snorkeling Tours and Liveaboards in Egypt
Join guided tours or boat excursions for the best snorkeling adventure in Egypt. Reputable tour operators and dive centers offer day trips and liveaboard packages. These take you to famous spots like the Ras Mohammed National Park and the “Dolphin House” reefs near Marsa Alam. You’ll see lots of marine life and make the most of your time in the water.
Guided Tours and Boat Excursions
Egypt’s top snorkeling spots are easy to get to with guided tours and boat excursions. Here are some popular choices:
- Snorkeling day trips to the Ras Mohammed National Park, known for its vibrant coral gardens and pelagic fish encounters.
- Boat excursions to the Giftun Islands, where you can explore pristine reefs and spot turtles and rays.
- Guided tours to the “Dolphin House” reefs near Marsa Alam, offering the chance to swim with friendly bottlenose dolphins.
These guided adventures are led by experts. They make sure you have a great time in the water and see lots of marine life.
For a deeper snorkeling experience, think about a liveaboard package. Liveaboards in Egypt let you visit many snorkeling sites over several days. You’ll sleep and eat on a comfortable boat. This way, you can explore more of Egypt’s amazing marine ecosystems.
Accommodations for Snorkelers in Egypt
Egypt has many places for snorkelers to stay. You can choose from beachfront resorts or dive hotels. These places are close to the amazing underwater sights.
Beach Resorts and Dive Hotels
Many top beach resorts in Egypt are great for snorkelers. They have direct access to beautiful reefs or private beaches. For example, the Coral Sea Sensatori and Mövenpick Resort in Sharm el-Sheikh are right by snorkeling spots.
These resorts have dive shops and places to rent gear. The Mövenpick Resort Sharm el-Sheikh even has diving companies by the pool. You can rent gear for just $5 USD a day. It also has four private beaches and two great restaurants.
There are also dive hotels in Egypt for snorkelers and divers. They are close to the best places to snorkel. They offer things like gear storage and dive shops on site.
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Accommodation |
Location |
Snorkeling Amenities |
Average Cost |
|
Coral Sea Sensatori |
Sharm el-Sheikh |
House reef, dive shop, equipment rental |
$150 – $300 per night |
|
Mövenpick Resort |
Sharm el-Sheikh |
4 private beaches, dive shops, $5 gear rental |
$200 – $400 per night |
|
Gorgonia Beach Resort |
Marsa Alam |
Private beach, dive center, equipment rental |
$120 – $250 per night |
|
Tulip Resorts |
Marsa Alam |
House reef, dive shop, snorkeling excursions |
$100 – $220 per night |
Looking for a fancy beach resort or a dive hotel? Egypt has many places for snorkelers. They make your underwater adventures better.
Conclusion
Egypt’s Red Sea is a top spot for snorkeling lovers around the world. It has vibrant coral reefs in Sharm el-Sheikh and the amazing “Dolphin House” in Marsa Alam. The Blue Hole in Dahab is also a must-see.
This place has snorkeling all year, great visibility, and places to stay for water sports fans. Egypt is known as a top spot for snorkeling trips.
If you’re new to snorkeling or have been doing it for years, Egypt’s Red Sea has something for everyone. You’ll find many dive sites and snorkeling spots. Each one has its own special sights and charm.
When planning your snorkeling trip in Egypt, think about safety and keeping the ocean clean. Choose trusted tour guides and follow the rules. This helps keep the ocean beautiful for everyone.
By doing this, you help make sure the Red Sea stays a magical place. You’ll make memories that last a lifetime and connect with the amazing underwater world.
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