Discover the Best Snorkeling Locations in Egypt: A Dive into Paradise

Dec 02, 2025 0

Are you looking for the world’s most fascinating aquatic life? Then you should go snorkeling in Egypt! This country in northeastern Africa is a popular holiday destination and a paradise for snorkelers and divers, where you can discover the planet’s most diverse underwater ecosystems.

Egypt’s Red Sea is a world-class destination for snorkelers, a vibrant underwater paradise teeming with life. This destination offers an incredible variety of experiences, from thrilling adventures to peaceful escapes. Featuring pristine coral reefs, rich sea life, and incredibly clear waters, it is hard to beat the beauty of the Red Sea. However, to witness its wonders, you need to know where to look for the best sites.

Snorkeling is possible around all main resort cities of the Egyptian Riviera, but the areas differ regarding the shoreline’s characteristics and the quality of reefs. Therefore, we have prepared this guide for you about where you find the best snorkeling in Egypt and give you a brief overview of the top sites of each area, from the most popular Sharm el Sheikh, and Hurghada to the less-visited Marsa Alam, Dahab, and Taba regions.

Egypt’s snorkeling sites never fail to amaze us. From the first time we dipped our head underwater here (which was more than 13 years ago!), we felt we were in heaven.

Egypt Snorkeling Overview:

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The Egyptian Red Sea offers some of the world’s best snorkeling with incredible marine biodiversity.
The best snorkeling you find in Sharm el Sheikh, Marsa Alam, and Dahab.
There are also good snorkeling sites around Hurghada and Taba.
Snorkeling in Egypt is possible year-round, with the best time from May till October. If you want to avoid the summer heat, choose the shoulder seasons: late spring-early summer (from mid-May till mid-June) and late fall (from early October till mid-November).
You can see some of the world’s healthiest coral reefs and a wide variety of sea creatures, including sea turtle species, big pods of dolphins, and the rare dugong (sea cow).
Egypt’s tourism infrastructure is centered around bigger resort areas. Sharm el Sheikh, Marsa Alam, and Dahab are most suitable for advanced snorkelers, while you find beginner-friendly snorkeling around Hurghada and Taba.

If you are unsure which area to pick up for your vacation, here we give details on all main destinations so you can find the best place that suits your needs the most.

If you stay at the Movenpick Resort Sharm El-Sheikh, there is no need to book an extra excursion to go snorkeling. Watch the video above to see what it’s like to snorkel in the Red Sea right in front of the Mövenpick Resort Sharm el Sheikh. We saw a stingray and so many colorful fish. You don’t have to worry about packing your own snorkeling gear, because you can rent a mask, snorkel, and fins from the hotel for $5 USD per day.

Sharm el Sheikh

Sharm el Sheikh is a modern tourist destination in the Sinai Peninsula. Undoubtedly, the region has started to boom because of the fantastic undersea life that awaits visitors here. The city’s shoreline is characterized by fringing reefs including shallow plateaus and steep drop-offs that create ideal conditions for marine life to thrive; you can see incredible flora and fauna here.

What we like about snorkeling in Sharm el Sheikh the most is that the top sites are easily accessible from the shore; if you stay at hotels with good house reefs, you don’t need to go on boat trips to enjoy fantastic underwater sights. The corals start growing from the shore, creating shallow shore reefs that extend 5-30 meters from the water’s edge, followed by vertical walls dropping off to depths of tens, sometimes hundreds of meters.

These significant depths ensure the reefs constantly receive nutrient-rich waters that make the corals extremely vibrant. Moreover, this explains why you can see big creatures such as manta rays or even a whale shark on top of regular reef visitors like moray eels, eagle rays, octopuses, and sea turtles here.

If you want access to world-renowned protected reefs and are looking for vibrant, bustling marine life, then Sharm El Sheikh is the best place to snorkel in Egypt.

Best snorkeling areas in Sharm el Sheikh:

Al Montazah: Characterized by shallow sandy lagoons and steep vertical walls, Sharm el Sheikh northern dive and snorkel spots in the Al Montazah suburb (Ras Nasrani, Ras Bob, and Ras Ghamila) are our personal favorites. This region is famous for its rich marine life and dense coral cover, including soft coral and Gorgonian Fans. However, since these reefs are subject to currents, we recommend them for advanced snorkelers only. With several fantastic hotels in all price ranges along the Al Montazah shore, this area is the perfect choice for serious underwater explorers looking for the best snorkeling in Egypt.
Hadaba (El Fanar) area: This sheltered bay in the southern part of Sharm el Sheikh is a popular choice among tourists because it is wind-protected. It doesn’t have such a steep drop-off as other snorkeling sites in the area; therefore, it is the most suitable for beginner snorkelers. You can access here three top spots: Ram Um El Sid, Temple Reef, and Ras Kathy.
Ras Mohammed National Park: Covering an area of more than 480 km2 on land and sea, this protected marine park at the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. At its incredible snorkeling sites like the Anemone City, Stingray Station, Yolanda Reef, you can discover untouched reefs with the region’s most beautiful corals and a diversity of marine species, including big Napoleon wrasses, lionfish, jackfish, tunas, batfish, Risso dolphins, and different shark species. Sign up for a Ras Mohammed snorkeling tour and enjoy this incredible beauty!
Tiran Island: Located in the narrowest section of the Straits of Tiran separating the Red Sea from the Gulf of Aqaba, Tiran Island has a variable underwater landscape. Thanks to the strait’s nutrient-rich deep sea currents, corals are building up massive structures here and the marine life is teeming: big schools of fish, Napoleon wrasses, and sea turtles are easy to encounter, while often dolphins, manta rays, and sharks can be spotted too. Tiran Island’s coral reefs (Gordon, Thomas, Wood House, and Jackson Reefs) were named after English cartographers who first created maps about this area in the 19th century. Join a Tiran Island boat tour, and you’ll stop at 3 of the area’s best snorkeling spots where you can discover these reefs!

Snorkelling cruise to Tiran Island

Tiran Island is home to one of the largest and most beautiful coral reefs in the Red Sea. It’s one of the most popular locations for snorkeling and scuba diving in the Red Sea. There are two diving companies with small kiosks by the pool - Scorpion and Dive One. Watch the video above to see what it’s like to snorkel at Tiran Island in the Red Sea! We saw a barracuda, Wobbegong shark, and a stingray. I even HELD a jellyfish!!!

Four large pinnacles just break the surface a few metres from the reef. Gordon Reef teems with hard and soft corals and rich fauna. It’s a fantastic site to spot pelagic predators (like white tip reef sharks and hammerheads) and majestic sea turtles. At Near Garden, you will encounter napoleonfish, trigger fish, butterfly fish and the occasional eagle ray. Or maybe it’s time to finally do your scuba diving course? Expect to be blown away by the extremely vibrant reef. Every once in a while you might even spot a shark. Beware of the currents though, they can get quite strong.

Hurghada

Hurghada, once a small fishing village, is the country’s main holiday complex these days. It has an old-town area with traditional bazaars selling perfumes, papyrus, and local spices, but the coastline is dotted with modern resorts. Hurgdaha is the best choice for first-timers in Egypt. It allows visitors to make the most of their holiday by combining beach fun with visiting historical attractions like the Pyramids of Giza or The Valley of the Kings in Luxor.

If the primary purpose of your holiday is discovering the Red Sea’s underwater wonders, you need to know how/where to find good snorkeling in Hurghada. Many hotels have sandy beaches only, especially in the city center. There is little marine life in these places, and you might be disappointed.

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Absolutely. The clear, calm, and shallow waters of the Red Sea make it perfect for kids. Marsa Alam’s Abu Dabab and some sheltered bays in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are excellent choices for family snorkeling in Egypt.

But there are some areas where you find vibrant coral reefs, mainly in the south: Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, or Soma Bay offer access to vibrant coral gardens. These reefs are shallow without steep drop-offs, offering beginner-friendly snorkeling in Egypt. Moreover, there are some nice boat-accessible snorkel sites near the coast where you can enjoy pristine beaches and swim with dolphins.

Best snorkeling spots around Hurghada:

Makadi Bay: The best snorkeling area near Hurghada is the Makadi Bay. With relatively shallow coral gardens and current-free water, this sheltered bay provides a fantastic experience for snorkelers at all levels. The extensive reef system is easily accessible from the shore by walking through the beach or wooden jetties.
Giftun Island: Just about 45 km from the coastline, Giftun Island is one of the most popular boat excursions in Hurghada. It is famous for its beautiful natural landscape, postcard-perfect sandy beaches, and crystalline waters. The Island is home to popular beaches like Paradise Island Beach, Orange Bay, and Mahmya. Remember this when booking a Giftun Island tour; all boats are going to the same place but to a different part of the Island. These beaches are all sandy and are rather bathing beaches than snorkeling sites, but the boats stop at several nearby on the way to the Island where you can enjoy good snorkeling.
Sunken City - Sahl Hasheesh: Sunken City is an artificial reef in front of the Pyramisa Sahl Hasheesh Resort Hotel, approximately 20 km south of Hurghada Center. The lost city of Atlantis inspired this underwater installation and is definitely one of the most special snorkeling places in Egypt. If you are around, don’t miss out on exploring this exciting site where you can snorkel between undersea sculptures and observe how marine life turns them into an artificial reef.
Shaab El Erg Reef: If you want to swim with dolphins in Hurghada, this is where you need to go. The Shaab El Erg is a horseshoe-shaped reef system northeast of El Gouna. It features the Dolphin House and the Poseidon Garden snorkeling/diving sites. The Dolphin House is a great place to spot Bottlenose Dolphins, while at the shallow Poseidon Garden reef, you can observe many different kinds of colorful reef fish.
Sharm El Naga: This peaceful, protected bay lies only 40 km south of Hurghada City and is one of the most pristine snorkeling places in Egypt. Its shallow, clear waters make it a perfect place for novice snorkelers.

Marsa Alam

The Marsa Alam region is the perfect choice if you want a peaceful holiday far from the world’s noise and enjoy the best snorkeling in Egypt. This is the country’s southernmost region, which is less developed than the popular, more accessible resort cities.

If your goal is to find the best snorkeling spots Red Sea Egypt for unique wildlife encounters with turtles and dugongs, Marsa Alam is the best place to snorkel in Egypt. It’s more tranquil and less crowded.

Therefore, marine life is more untouched, and the corals are healthier than around the main tourist spots. Moreover, you can encounter more big sea creatures here, including some rare, endangered species. Many people come snorkeling to Marsa Alam because this is the only place in Egypt where you can see dugongs (sea cows). Also, the region is famous for its giant sea turtles.

Although you need to know that Marsa Alam is a remote location, the hotels are far from the city and each other, so do not expect busy nightlife here. This is the place to enjoy nature and disconnect! The area could be windy, therefore we recommend choosing a hotel that is built in a wind-protected bay. We give some suggestions in our Marsa Alam snorkeling guide.

Best snorkeling sites in Marsa Alam:

Marsa Mubarak: If you want to encounter the famous dugong, visit Marsa Mubarak. This rare marine mammal resides in some specific bays along the coast, and Marsa Mubarak is one of those places where it is regularly spotted. The corals are not that nice in this bay, but you will get memories that last a lifetime when swimming along a sea cow!
Abu Dabbab: This sandy-bottomed bay is a beloved snorkeling site in Marsa Alam. Thanks to its extensive seagrass beds, it is a primary habitat for giant sea turtles, but leopard rays and guitar sharks can also be seen. On the sides of the bay, there are shallow reefs to discover.
Sataya Reef: The Sataya region is one of the most popular snorkeling places in Egypt. The reefs here are home to a large population of dolphins, so you can swim with them in their natural environment. A Sataya snorkeling trip is a long yet rewarding full-day excursion; the journey takes approximately 2 hours from Hamata Port, about 150 km south of Marsa Alam. It is a protected area, and the daily number of visitors is limited, therefore you should book your trip in advance.
Marsa Shagra: A little north of Marsa Alam, Marsa Shagra is a strictly protected area. Here, besides a wide variety of Red Sea corals and usual sea creatures, you can encounter larger marine animals, such as the rare dugong or a whale shark.
Lahami Bay: If you want to get away from everything, visit Lahami Bay, which is in the southernmost region of the Egyptian Riviera. With an advanced reef system consisting of shallow and deeper areas, this bay caters snorkelers at all levels.

Dahab

Dahab is the Sinai Peninsula’s most treasured diving and snorkeling destination. It lies approx. 80 kilometers northeast of Sharm el Sheikh, one hour drive from the Sharm el Sheikh International Airport.

This former fishing village is the best place to experience the country’s real side: you can visit Bedouin villages and fantastic land attractions here on top of discovering preserved reefs and stunning marine life.

This destination is not as modern as the other cities on this list. You find a few hotels belonging to big international chains here, but most accommodations adapted their service to the needs of divers, snorkelers, and freedivers. Therefore, there is a good variety of simpler, budget-friendly accommodations here.

We greatly enjoyed our time in Dahab; we loved the chill vibes and the fact that the shoreline was not overdeveloped. Dahab is a good choice if you are looking for a laid-back, authentic snorkeling destination in Egypt.

Dahab snorkel spots offer something for snorkelers at all levels. There are many snorkel sites along the coastline; most are easily accessible from the shore and are free to visit (except the Blue Hole).

Taba

Taba is the northernmost resort area of the Red Sea, close to the Israel border. It is a famous vacation spot with luxury resorts and picturesque views. This region is not exceptional regarding marine life, but those planning to spend their vacation in Taba might want to know if they can snorkel here.

Hotels in Taba Heights (Bayview Taba Heights and Strand Beach Resort) offer access to small offshore reefs. Again, snorkeling is not as good here as at the previously mentioned destinations, but first-timers will find it interesting. Moreover, there are some nearby snorkel sites you can visit with tours.

Snorkeling sites near Taba:

Fjord Bay: About 15 km south of Taba City, this protected bay has dazzling coral reefs and a unique underwater landscape that is a must-see! There are two good snorkeling sites here, the Taba Hole and the Fjord Banana.

Snorkeling Tips

Don’t walk on the reef table. The corals are alive and are harmed by walking on them.
Don’t touch ANYTHING underwater. Whether it’s corals or fish or anything else.
Only go in the water with reef-safe sunscreen. Regular sunscreen harms corals.
If you see bigger sea creatures like turtles or dolphins, which happens a lot around the waters of Sharm El Sheikh, don’t chase them.
Never ever feed the fish.

Cost of Snorkeling in Egypt

The price of a snorkeling trip varies. A half-day trip might be around €20-€40, while a full-day boat tour to a remote site can be €50-€80. Packages with hotel stays and multiple excursions can offer better value. You can find many options from snorkeling tours from Hurghada to specialized trips in Marsa Alam.

Best Time to Snorkel

The best time to snorkel in Egypt is generally during the shoulder seasons-March to May and September to November. The weather is warm and sunny, and the sea temperature is perfectly comfortable.

Do You Need a Guide?

For snorkeling right off your hotel’s house reef, a guide isn’t strictly necessary. However, for a trip to a marine park or a boat tour, a guide is essential. They know the best snorkeling spots Red Sea Egypt and ensure your safety.

Essential Gear

Your own mask and snorkel (or rent good quality gear).

Is it Safe for Beginners?

Yes, absolutely. The Red Sea is an ideal location for beginners. The calm, warm, and clear waters in sheltered bays provide the perfect environment for a first-time snorkeler.

Table: Best Snorkeling Locations in Egypt

Location	Best For	Highlights
Sharm El Sheikh	Vibrant Marine Life	Ras Mohammed National Park, Tiran Island
Hurghada	Beginners & Families	Makadi Bay, Giftun Island
Marsa Alam	Wildlife Encounters	Marsa Mubarak (Dugongs), Abu Dabbab (Turtles)
Dahab	Laid-Back Adventure	Blue Hole, Eel Garden
Taba	Relaxing Getaway	Fjord Bay

From the vibrant reefs of Sharm El Sheikh to the unique wildlife of Marsa Alam, the best place to snorkel in Egypt is waiting for you.