Egypt is one of the countries that has coral reefs with the best areas for snorkeling and diving. 

Some of the most famous and best snorkeling areas in Egypt include Hurghada Coral Reef and Marsa Alam Coral Reef.

Here are some of the best snorkeling spots in the Red Sea:

Best snorkeling spots in Egypt

1. Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh has long been a trendy snorkeling destination in Egypt. 

Located in the south of Sinai, it is home to Egypt’s best snorkeling spots. There are numerous hotels with coral reefs, public beaches, and national parks that are well worth exploring. 

The city is also famous among divers who have experience in deep water and are looking for new adventures, such as wreck diving to discover specific coral reefs and fish species.

Ras Mohamed National Park is considered one of the best snorkeling areas on the Sinai Peninsula.  

You can visit the Thistlegorm wreck on a day trip by boat or on a week-long diving safari.

Sharm El Sheikh has the best snorkeling spots in Egypt, which can be reached from the beach, such as 

  1. Ras Um Sid
  2. Naama Bay  
  3. El Fanadir Beach
  4. Shark Bay

2.Hurghada


In recent years, Hurghada has become the most popular tourist destination with countless hotels. 

The city has some of Egypt’s best snorkeling spots, which are located near the Giftun Island National Park. 

In Hurghada, surrounded by many islands accessible by boat, with good snorkeling spots, there are also always diving opportunities.

Hurghada is also a famous place to take a dolphin tour.

If you are interested in snorkeling from the beach, Sharm El Naga is a good choice with beautiful reefs along the bay. 

Here is a list of some snorkeling spots:

  1. Paradise Island
  2. Mahmya Island
  3. Orange Bay Island
  4. Abu Ramada
  5. Sharm El Naga
  6. Dolphin House

The accommodations offer entertainment, which is a good leisure activity for the family. 

The Arabia Azur Resort and the Desert Rose Resort have reefs accessible from the beach. 


3. Makadi Bay


belongs to the Hurghada administrative district, located thirty kilometers south of Hurghada city. 

Makadi Bay is a bay with beautiful luxury hotels with a beach and house reef for fun with children. 

The Fort Arabesque Resort and the Labranda Resort also have a beautiful reef for snorkeling in the Red Sea. 

In Makadi Bay you will find the best snorkeling areas in Egypt with intact coral reefs, which are recommended for all guests who love the underwater world. 

  • Abu Hasheesh Coral Reef 
  • Sharm El Arab Coral Reef

If you would like to go on a turtle excursion, please note that Abu Dabbab Turtle Bay is two hours away from Makadi Bay.  

Swimming with dolphins is also possible here. 


4.Soma Bay


Soma Bay is one of the most beautiful bays near Hurghada, about fifty kilometers from the airport. 

Soma Bay is a quiet bay and most of the accommodations are luxury hotels with opportunities for kitesurfing and golf. 

Some of Egypt’s best snorkeling spots are here, with pristine reefs like Ras Abu Soma. 

While snorkeling in Soma Bay you can also see turtles. 

However, if you would like to go on a turtle excursion, a special turtle snorkeling tour can be offered.

From Soma Bay, the island of Utopia Egypt is easily accessible. 

At the Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay you can explore Egypt’s fascinating underwater world from the beach.


5.Sahl Hasheesh


This bay is equipped with accommodations with first-class service, ideal for your comfortable vacation. 

There are also some house reefs that can be reached from the hotel beach or by small boat.

The Pickalbatros Citadel Resort and the Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh also have house reefs. 


6. Beach

This town is located sixty kilometers south of Hurghada City. Safaga also has good hotels for family vacations and snorkeling. 

Near Safaga is an Egyptian island (Utopia), which is also very nice for snorkeling in the Red Sea. 

Caribbean World Resort Safaga has reefs with rich underwater world Egypt. 


7.The Quseir


The city’s hotels are popular with divers who come to explore the beauty of the underwater world. 

A snorkeling holiday in Egypt here is highly recommended. 

El Quseir has the best snorkeling spots in Egypt and one of them is located in the Mövenpick Resort because it has a beautiful reef near the beach.  

If you are a diver and you have read a lot about diving areas, you have probably read about Big Brother Island and Small Brother Island.

There is access to the islands by boat, by day trip or by diving safari. 


8.Coraya Bay 


is part of the Marsa Alam Bay with many Steigenberger Hotels.


9.Port Ghalib


is a place with a harbor and many surrounding hotels, where there are many places for Egypt snorkeling in the area. 

Mubarak Bay is on the list of Egypt’s best snorkeling spots, famous for turtle viewing. A manatee can also be spotted. 


10.Marsa Alam 

is the city where most of Egypt’s best snorkeling areas are located.

Marsa Alam is unique because of the special atmosphere of its hotels with house reefs. The area around the city is known for its dolphin tours. 

Malikia Resort Abu Dabbab, Hilton Nubian Resort, Sataya Resort, Three Corners Fayrouz Resort are good for snorkeling Egypt from the beach. 

We have a large list of places that can satisfy all fans of the underwater world of Egypt and we will tell you some of them:

  1. Abu Dabbab Turtle Bay 
  2. Marsa Mubarak Riff
  3. Shaab Samadai Riff
  4. Sharm El Luli
  5. Egla Phase
  6. Shaab Marsa Alam

Our TOP 6 snorkeling spots in Egypt

There are a large number of best snorkeling areas and snorkeling spots in Egypt. We’ll inform you about the most interesting places for snorkeling in the Red Sea. 

  • Ras Mohamed National Park this coral reef has the reputation of being one of the best snorkeling areas in Egypt
  • Blue Hole Coral Reef This house reef is located in Dahab and is recommended for advanced snorkelers as well as experienced divers
  • Sharm El Naga snorkeling reef is located near Safaga, it can also be reached from Hurghada

Sharm El Naga has good reviews from visitors who have been there and is one of Egypt’s best snorkeling areas

  • Mövenpick El Quseir Coral Reef is the best house reef accessible from the hotel, with many colorful corals
  • Abu Dabbab Coral Reef is located in Marsa Alam and it is one of the best beaches where you can combine snorkeling on a beautiful reef with swimming with turtles. 
  • Lahami Bay Coral Reef This house reef is located in the south of Marsa Alam in an important area for snorkelers who want to enjoy the virgin sea. 

There are many best snorkeling spots in Egypt nearby and Lahami Bay is one of the best accessible from the beach. 

At these 6 snorkeling spots you will find a wide variety of corals and fish. 

Fish species: Coral species:

  • Guitarfish Raspberry Coral
  • Doctorfish Finger coral
  • Redmouth Grouper Star Coral
  • Red Sea anemonefish lobe coral
  • Wrasse anchor coral
  • Emperor fish, Gorgonians.

What do you need for snorkeling in Egypt?

If you plan to spend your vacation snorkeling, you should bring your own equipment to ensure that you always have the right size mask and fins. 

Especially if you need an optical mask, it is important to have your own equipment. 

When you come to Sharm El Sheikh, it is important to bring water shoes as the beaches are rocky. 

When is the best time for a snorkeling holiday in Egypt?

Actually, any time of year is a good time for a snorkeling holiday, as you can see different species of fish depending on the season. 

The best time to visit is from mid-March to the end of October, in terms of water temperatures. You also have a better chance of seeing dolphins and turtles during this time. 

Is snorkeling in Egypt dangerous?

Snorkeling along the reefs is usually very easy and not dangerous. Listen to the guides‘ instructions before entering the water.

There are life jackets on every boat in case anyone needs them. It’s best not to snorkel alone; stay in a group.

Fancy a snorkeling holiday? 

If you fancy a snorkeling holiday, Marsa Alam is recommended. 

With Sakkara Round Trips you can book beautiful snorkeling trips. 

Where is the best place to snorkel in Egypt?

There are several of Egypt’s best snorkeling areas along the Red Sea coast and on the Sinai Peninsula. 

Some of the Hurghada islands, which are good for snorkeling and diving, can be reached by boat. 

Makadi Bay, not far from the busy Hurghada airport, also has famous snorkeling spots.  

In Marsa Alam are the best Egypt coral reefs for snorkelers who want to take a snorkeling trip from the beach, from their hotel or from the boat.

Where is better for snorkeling, Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh?

Both places have good snorkeling spots, according to the experiences of many guests who spend their holidays in Egypt. 

Sharm El Sheikh has more hotels with coral reefs than Hurghada. Sharm El Sheikh is home to Egypt’s best snorkeling spots, such as the Ras Mohamed and Nabq Bay National Parks.

Is snorkeling better in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh?

Hurghada City and Sharm El Sheikh City are famous for different things. 

Sharm El Sheikh is famous for hotels with coral reefs and Egypt’s best snorkeling areas, but Hurghada is known for island trips for snorkeling and swimming with dolphins.

Where is the best place to snorkel in Hurghada?

Unfortunately, many coral reefs near Hurghada have been destroyed, except for a few that can be reached by boat. However, Egypt’s best snorkeling spots are on the road to Safaga.

When is the best time to snorkel in Egypt?

The best time to snorkel in Egypt depends on the weather conditions and the desired experience, but generally the months April to June and September to November are ideal.

Book your trip with us today with Sakkara Round Trips