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So, when you arrange your holiday in Egypt, you'll typically need to decide where to snorkel in Hurghada. Those reefs are among the most diverse in the world, but picking a good one can be confusing especially if you're from abroad and there isn't any good information in one place.
Our guide cuts through the hype and presents the best snorkel sites. We have researched reef health, what seasons to visit, and which reefs are more beginner friendly so that you can make a more informed decision on which reef to book to see the fun of the underwater.
Is snorkeling in Hurghada worth it?
The absence of river runoffs and low rainfall combined with the generally low turbidity of the waters make Hurghada exceptional in terms of underwater clarity when compared to other parts of the globe. More than 1000 species of fish and hundreds of varieties of hard and soft coral are found among the fringing reefs, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world.
These rich underwater communities are accessible from the surface, without the expensive gear required for deep underwater diving, to enjoy them up close and personal. Let's explore some of the top reef systems and conditions in the northern Red Sea so visitors can know exactly where to snorkel in Hurghada Egypt.
Why Hurghada Is One of the Best Snorkeling Destinations in Egypt
When evaluating the Egyptian eastern coast's natural marine environment and the advantages it brings to marine tourism, it is clear that there are distinct advantages when assessing where to snorkel in Hurghada.
- Exceptional Water Visibility: There is no soil runoff so water visibility is constant at up to thirty meters during calm days.
- Marine Protected Areas: The key snorkeling areas are located within the Giftun Island National Park, with mooring buoys reducing anchor damage to fragile corals.
- Temperature Stability: Sea temperatures from 22 in the winter to 29 in the summer provide for reasonable use of the water on excursions throughout the year.
- Endemic Species Diversity: About 17% of the marine species recorded in this region are found nowhere else on the earth.
Read More: Best Beaches in Hurghada
Where is the best place to snorkel in Hurghada?
The detailed snorkeling map of Hurghada points out areas for family-friendly snorkeling. Giftun Islands National Park remains the most popular offshore park, with shallow turquoise lagoons and white sand beaches such as Orange Bay or Paradise Island highly recommended to those seeking calm waters.
The two areas of excellent Hurghada snorkeling from beach are Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay, where strong fringing reefs are found and can be snorkeled right out of the ocean. Many of the offshore sites, such as Abu Ramada Reef, are known for thick schools of fish and from time to time harmless reef sharks.
Snorkeling Location
Type of Access
Average Depth
What Makes It Special
Giftun Islands
Boat Trip
1 - 5 meters
Shallow lagoons with colorful coral reefs and tropical fish.
Abu Ramada Reef
Boat Trip
5 - 15 meters
Towering coral formations, stingrays, and large schools of fish.
Makadi Bay
Shore Access
2 - 18 meters
Easy shore entry with healthy reefs and playful clownfish.
Shaab El Erg
Boat Trip
3 - 10 meters
Famous for wild dolphins and vibrant coral gardens.
Best Snorkeling Tours for Beginners
Water temperature and visibility are important factors to consider when choosing snorkeling spots that are suitable for beginners for those looking for where to snorkel in Hurghada. For those who are unable to swim or as a family it's safe to book a beginner friendly Hurghada snorkeling tour.
Consider the following detailed arrangements for safety when choosing your trip:
- Shallow islands provide an opportunity to try out snorkeling in shallow water without the current so that beginners can do so safely and with some practice.
- Reputable operators will have guides that go into the water carrying life rings for individuals who are afraid of the water.
- Panoramic depth glass vessels are a safe way for families with very young children to explore the depths of the reefs without getting in the water.
Snorkeling Hurghada price
A cheap and overcrowded boat excursion may sound fun, but the common snorkeling Hurghada price will normally reflect the quality of the guidance, the maintenance of the boat and the cleanliness of the equipment used.
Best Time to Go Snorkeling in Hurghada
To know where to snorkel in hurghada you need to be aware of the special characteristics of the local ecology in the different seasons. The red star city of Hurghada enjoys sunshine for more than 300 days per year, but Spring and Autumn are definitely considered the best times.
Season
Months
Water Temperature
Conditions
Spring
March - May
21 - 26°C
Warming waters with plenty of juvenile fish.
Summer
June - September
Up to 29°C
Warmest sea temperatures; strong sun on land.
Autumn
October - November
Around 26°C
Calm seas, pleasant weather, and excellent snorkeling conditions.
Winter
December - February
Around 21°C
Cooler water; a thin wetsuit is recommended for longer sessions.
What Marine Life Can You See?
Anyone wanting to participate in a Hurghada snorkeling tour can expect to see and experience a remarkable display of marine life and biodiversity. Highly active species have been documented in association with the shallow reefs in the Red Sea, including:
- In Orange Bay, one of the shallow coral blocks is home to colorful and abundant clownfish colonies and anemones.
- Giant parrotfish, butterflyfish, lionfish and schools of blue-spotted stingrays can be seen.
- Shaab El Erg is a natural home for a resident wild dolphin 'pod' with a high sighting probability.
- Green and hawksbill turtles may be seen grazing in seagrass near sheltered bays.
Read More: Hurghada Snorkeling Guide
What to Pack for a Snorkeling Trip
Outbounders first should determine the best place to snorkel at Hurghada depending on their swimming skills and comfort level. Having the right personal gear means a safe and comfortable day on the water:
- No Chemical Sunscreen: National parks have a "no chemical sun tan lotions containing oxybenzone" rule to accord protection to coral tissues.
- UV Rash Guard: A protective swimming shirt that helps to keep a swimmer from getting a nasty sunburn when floating face down on the water surface.
- Protective Water Shoes: They are necessary to walk across hot sand and shell strewn island beaches.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Useful when photographing marine scenes.
Book the Best Snorkeling Experience with Cruisara
Snorkelers from outside the country can enjoy extreme safety, comfort and expert direction by selecting where to snorkel in Hurghada from a reliable company. Cruisara develops sea travel plans with comfortable modern ships and carefully formulated logistics, removing the crowd elements from sea travel plans.
- Seamless hotel transfers between hotels in Hurghada are available, air-conditioned, and round trip directly from the hotel lobby.
- There is one and a half hours of free time on Hula Hula Island and one and a half hours on Orange Bay Island.
- Guests snorkel for 45 minutes with certified guides over almost pristine coral gardens.
- There is an onboard dining service with a freshly prepared buffet lunch and drinks of water, soft drinks and hot drinks will be available throughout the day.
When it comes to finding where to snorkel in Hurghada Egypt, the local experts are able to help you out. A detailed Hurghada snorkeling map is helpful to identify the different places worth visiting, Hurghada snorkeling from beaches and a personal Hurghada snorkeling tour by Cruisara with your choice of the ship allows snorkelers from all parts of the world to see Egypt's natural wonders in complete comfort.
FAQs About Where to Snorkel in Hurghada
Where to see sharks in Hurghada?
In Hurghada, if you are looking for sharks, go to offshore dive sites such as Careless Reef or Abu Nuhas, where you can see grey reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks from time to time. Liveaboard trips to the Brothers Islands are the best option for Hammerheads and Oceanic Whitetips.
For a guaranteed close encounter, enjoy shark diving in the Hurghada Grand Aquarium.
Can I book excursions online?
Yes. Book your excursions online at your convenience through Cruisara and instantly confirm your dates, with no hassle and safe payment options.