Découvrez les meilleurs spots de snorkeling adaptés aux débutants à Hurghada, notamment Orange Bay et Dolphin House, avec des conseils d'experts pour une aventure sûre et inoubliable dans la mer Rouge.
The Red Sea is the most famous in Egypt, and for a reason despite not having a degree or years of practice to back up their concept. Only a mask, a snorkel and a bit of curiosity are required.
When you are looking for the best places to snorkel in Hurghada for beginners, you are on the coastline of serene shallow waters just beside some of the earth's most vibrant reefs. This is where to go, what lies under your feet, and how to choose the right tour for your comfort level in Hurghada.
What Makes Hurghada Perfect for Beginner Snorkelers
95% of the Egyptian coastline plunges directly over very deep sea, but Hurghada is among a protected group of islands (Giftun) that contain the coastline and thus sea currents rarely pick up significant speed until they reach you. Which is why the best places to snorkel in Hurghada for beginners keep cropping up on anyone's shortlist:
- Water temperature remains between 24 and 29°C through almost all of the year, so a wetsuit can be avoided
- Reefs are near the shore or by a short boat ride
- Life jackets are the standard issue, even those not good swimmers can float comfortably above the coral
- Guides train each small group briefly before entering into the water and monitor them throughout the activity
Read More: Can You See Coral Reefs Without Snorkeling?
Is Snorkeling in Hurghada Safe for Beginners?
By a long shot, yes. Beginners' snorkeling lagoons are normally no more than 8 to 10 meters deep where currents are soft and it is common for licensed crews to stay near the novice until they become accustomed to the experience.
There are a lot of articles in the news that feature shark encounters, but very few of those stories come from the places listed in this guide where you can see the fish in shallow water. So, it's more important to select the right guided Hurghada snorkeling tour than just go out there on their own.
In a good tour, you'll get a briefing on all points to watch out for, well-fitted gear, and a guide to help get you through the day, which is why the best places to snorkel in Hurghada for beginners are easily manageable on your very first day in a mask.
Best Places to Snorkel in Hurghada for Beginners
Not all reefs are right for the novice swimmer, some are located in open water with actual current. So, where exactly are the best spots to get that work of snorkeling in Hurghada for a novice, mentored by the guides taking it out every day?
Best snorkeling in Hurghada
The following shortlist is for beginners and makes it the best snorkeling in Hurghada for beginners:
- Orange Bay (Giftun Island): a protected lagoon with soft sand and little sea-going with a seemingly rather calm coral reef set
- Giftun reefs: a protected marine park that offers reefs with shallow coral blocks and splendid visibility
- Dolphin House (Shaab El Erg): a horseshoe reef with an 8 to 10 meter lagoon where wild spinner dolphins often rest
- Paradise Island: a level up in comfort and aesthetic appeal, preferred by those seeking a quality day out
- Magawish Soraya: a shallow and sandy reef perfect to get the stage of the game
- Abu Ramada and Sharm El Naga: a little further out for the beginner who wants a little more depth
Orange Bay vs Dolphin House: Which Is Better for Beginners?
The two are the most compared to all the best places to snorkel in Hurghada for beginners, and they offer different types of days, rather than one doing it better than the other.
Feature
Orange Bay
Dolphin House
Vibe
Beach-first and relaxed
Wildlife-first and more active
Water depth
Shallow lagoon, sandy shore
8 to 10 meter lagoon
Wildlife highlight
Reef fish and soft corals
Wild spinner dolphins
Boat ride
Shorter and closer to shore
Longer and earlier start
Best for
Families, non-swimmers and photos
First-timers chasing a dolphin encounter
Read More: Orange Bay Island Day Trip
What Marine Life Can Beginners Expect to See?
A snorkel excursion is all you need instead of a full dive in Hurghada, and even among the best places to snorkel in Hurghada for beginners, you won't need to venture far to find a reef teeming with fish. The following items are visible in a few feet of water:
- Clownfish swimming among anemones
- Corals under bright shades of blue and green, with parrotfish grazing on them
- Schools of sergeant major fish are inlaid with polychrome shimmer
- Sandy rest spots for blue-spotted stingrays
- Sea turtles doing a scoot on a fine morning
- Spinner dolphins predominantly are around Dolphin House
Soft corals bend with the currents and there are little thin lips that fish hide in the cavities in between the stony walls and deep corals, all of which are visible without having to sink the diving board more than 1 m.
Read More: Hurghada Glass-Bottom Boat vs Semi-Submarine | Which Is Better?
What Should Beginners Bring for a Snorkeling Trip?
While most operators provide the basic essentials (mask, snorkel, fins and life jacket), the following additional items can make a difference:
- Safe sunscreen (some locations prohibit regular sunscreen)
- A rash guard that helps protect against the sun
- A waterproof case for the cell phone
- Take those anti-aqueous pills if you get seasick
- A towel and change of clothes
- Some small change to tip and for drinks on board
If you want your own mask bring it along, but your mask is not required. All reputable Hurghada snorkeling tour rentals provide the use of clean checked equipment prior to your departure.