As a marine biologist who has snorkled the Egyptian Red Sea since 1995, I am often asked: “Which destination is best for snorkeling?”
The truth is, each area offers a unique underwater qualities. Depending on whether you want to see the huge green turtles, coral walls, or sheltered lagoons.
Here is my expert weigh in on the three big snorkeling destinations — and a few hidden gems in between.
1. Sharm El-Sheikh: House reefs and Coral Walls
Sharm is located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the deep waters of the Gulf of Aqaba meet the Red Sea.
- Best for: Dramatic drop-offs, clear water, and vertical coral walls.
- The Water: Many hotels have jetties leading directly to the reef edge. It is perfect for those who love “wall snorkeling” where you can see the blue abyss on one side and vibrant coral on the other.
- Expert Insight: Thanks to the Sinai Mountains, bays like Ras Um Sid are somewhat protected from the wind, offering some of the calmest snorkeling conditions in Egypt.
- Don’t miss a day trip to Ras Mohammed—it is a world-class marine reserve for a reason – and you will be supporting sea conservation with your entry fee.
2. Hurghada: Home of Islands and Lagoons
Hurghada is a well established destination, known for its extensive shallow bays and offshore islands.
- Best for: Families and beginners.
- The Water: Beach-fronts and sandy bays offers a slow entry for beginners, to build up experience.
- Boat trips to islands like Giftun or Magawish offer shallow, turquoise lagoons with sandy bottoms – but less marine life.
- Expert Insight: Hurghada is excellent for seeing large schools of reef fish. Because of the shallow sandy areas between reefs, it is a great place to spot blue-spotted stingrays and camouflaged bottom-dwellers like octopus.
3. Marsa Alam: The Unpoiled South
Marsa Alam is for the adventurous snorkeler. It is less developed and closer to the pristine ecosystems of the deep south.
- Best for: Large marine megafauna—Turtles, Dugongs, and Dolphins.
- The Water: The coastline is famous for its “Marsas” (natural bays). These bays often have seagrass meadows in the center, which act as a buffet for Giant Green Sea Turtles and the rare Dugong.
- Expert Insight: If your goal is to snorkel with turtles every day, Marsa Alam (specifically Abu Dabbab bay) is unbeatable. The reefs here are often more “untouched” state compared to the busier north – and you will meet loads of large fish! Make sure to inform management of the hotel, why you choose the bay – this way they will know that the turtles and dugongs are valuable to their business.
The “Hidden” Alternatives
If you want to step away from the main crowds, consider these excellent alternatives:
- Safaga (South of Hurghada): A fantastic middle ground. It offers great reefs like Tobia Arba (Seven Pillars) which are less crowded than Hurghada but offer spectacular coral quality.
- Nabq Bay (North of Sharm): Often overlooked, this area features a unique mangrove ecosystem—the most northerly mangrove forest in the world. It provides a different habitat for juvenile fish and birds that you won’t see elsewhere.
My recommendation
- Choose Sharm if you want easy access to deep reef walls and the Ras Mohamed national park.
- Choose Hurghada if you want to start easy over sandy bottoms with coral heads – or take a boat trip to shallow, sunny island lagoons.
- Choose Marsa Alam if you are looking for pristine reefs, big fish, green turtles and (if you are lucky) dugongs in their natural habitat.
Read my other post on how to choose hotel from looking at satellite images.
