Snorkeling Experiences in Egypt

Snorkeling Experiences in Egypt

Snorkeling in Egypt is one of the most exciting and rewarding activities you can do all year round. It is safe and quite easy to do with a little guide. But before you jump right into the water, there are a few things you need to know. With the information in this guide, you’d learn the basics of snorkeling as well as the spots to visit for snorkeling in Egypt.

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Snorkeling: What Is It?

Snorkeling is a popular underwater activity that involves using a mask so that you can see properly. This exciting activity is designed to see the underwater canyons and the green moss without worrying about breathing. For that, the three major types of equipment you’d need are a snorkel tube, snorkeling fins, and a mask and it is definitely time to hit underwater.


There are some extra equipment that will help to improve your experience while snorkeling in Egypt:

  • Life vest: This equipment will be essential if you are new to snorkeling. It will help protect you when you want to swim deeper than 10 feet.
  • Wet suit: As you swim, you also need to protect your body from skin irritation and UV rays.
  • Snorkel Camera: You don’t want to miss out on capturing the beautiful underwater wildlife. You need to have a waterproof camera so that it can be used on the surface and in the sea.

While snorkeling in Egypt, you will find different types of fish, you will also find an eye-catching array of marine life.


Types Of Fishes You Will Find While Snorkeling in Egypt

  • Sea turtles
  • Red Sea Bannerfish
  • Surgeonfish
  • Butterfish
  • Moray eels
  • Lion Fishes
  • Parrotfish
  • Blue-green chromis
  • Humphead wrasse
  • Scorpionfish
  • Sergeant major fish and more

Safety and Security Precautions while Snorkeling in Egypt

There are necessary precautions you need to take while snorkeling in Egypt. When you follow these tips, you’d be sure to have a great time.

  • Avoid alcohol consumption before any snorkeling activity.
  • Don’t approach or touch the organism or animals underwater. This is for your good and the good of marine life.
  • Always stay close to the shore if you are not an expert diver. Know your limits and don’t snorkel too far from the shore.
  • Use safe reef sunscreen
  • Make sure you are familiar with your equipment and ensure that they are in good working conditions

Local regulations for Snorkeling in Egypt

There are some diving rules you have to follow if you are snorkeling in Egypt:

  • Divers are not allowed underwater with knives.
  • A snorkeler is not allowed to touch anything underwater or collect any items from the sea.
  • Green Fins is an internationally recognized voluntary eco-certification that helps water sports operators to reduce the negative impact on the marine environment by adopting easy and achievable eco-friendly practices.
  • They ensure that staff is trained on how to become better environmentally friendly role models and transfer the knowledge to the tourist.

Spots Where You Can Enjoy Snorkeling in Egypt

There are a lot of fun places to snorkel in Egypt and the Red Sea Riviera is one of them. It is one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world. However, it doesn’t matter where you snorkel in Egypt, the reefs will still be stunning. It will also have unique and colorful marine species, the underwater scenery will definitely not disappoint you.

Abu Dabbab Bay

It is located near Marsa Alam and is a well-known place for snorkeling activities in Egypt. You’d see a white sandy beach on the southern part of the Red sea and it is a great place to spot sea turtles. Furthermore, you will see colorful stingrays and reef fishes.

Another advantage of visiting Abu Dabbab Bay is its beginner-friendly attributes. You’d be able to blend in and snorkel properly even if you are new to it. This area also offers you easy access to the water notwithstanding the hotel you want to stay in.

The Blue Hole in Dahab

You can choose to snorkel in Dahab, a small town that is located north of Sharm El Sheikh. This area is a skin hole that is about 394 feet deep with a very impressive site. The depths of this blue hole are only made accessible for scuba divers but don’t worry, you can still snorkel in the water.

You’d be able to snorkel and explore the surroundings, you can even swim up to 20 feet which is good enough for observing the colorful aquatic animals. Furthermore, the blue hole has lots of corals- an incredible scenery to enjoy, and who knows, you just may have found your small paradise while Snorkeling in Egypt 🙂

Hurghada Orange Bay

The Hurghada Orange Bay is one of the best places to experience snorkeling while in Egypt. The bay is located in a beautiful lagoon at a popular National park in Big Giftun Island. If you are someone who likes tranquility, then you would love an amazing day on the crystal sandy beach.

In addition, you’d see a stunning bay that is surrounded by impressive sea animals and coral reefs. You’d find different fishes such as Barbels, eels, barracuda, and more. The water is shallow, has a maximum depth of 5m so it is an ideal location for families and children.

Paradise Island

This is a beautiful island with a white sand beach and deep waters. Paradise Island is ideal for experienced snorkelers. It is also known as a small piece of real paradise and it is just off the Hurghada coast.

The island offers a Caribbean flair. You can enjoy the sunshine on the beach, swim, or snorkel while you marvel at the sight of colorful fishes. Some of these fishes include blacktail butterfish, synodontidae, red sea clownfish, scorpionfishes, and dolphins.

Marsa Alam

Do you love dolphins and dugongs? Then you should try snorkeling in Marsa Alam. In this area, you will find the Samadai Reef and Sataya Reef. When you hear someone talking about the ‘Dolphin House’, these two beautiful reefs are what they are talking about.

So if you love watching these animals, you should pay a visit to Marsa Alam. You’d find sharks and turtles as you snorkel in this area.

Gorgonia Beach Resort

Located at the south of Marsa Alam, this beautiful resort allows you to observe a wide variety of corals, colorful sea species, stingrays, and other colorful fish species. It is considered one of the best spots to enjoy snorkeling in Egypt. This resort is best for more experienced snorkelers.

Here, you’d have access to visit some lagoons that offer views of other types of marine life like the blue-spotted comet fish, cow tail stingrays, and white-spotted puffers. You won’t leave this location disappointed.

Ras Um Sid

This area is located around the south of Na’ama Bay, and it has become a favorite Peninsula for tourists who want an adventurous experience. You’d find different fishes underwater like butterflyfish, clownfish, angelfish, and a lot of giant clams.

In addition, you’d have access to other facilities like bars, deck chairs, and restaurants. It is a fantastic place to spend your vacation days whether you want to enjoy snorkeling in Egypt or take things easy.

Sharm El Naga

If you prefer snorkeling in less crowded places, you should consider visiting Sharm El Naga. It is located on the south side of Hurghada city and it offers you a view of the coral ecosystem and diverse marine life.

If you are an experienced diver, you can go deep and see the gorgonian coral colony. Sharm El Naga is considered a protected peaceful bay for snorkeling in Egypt so you have nothing to worry about. There is a resort close by just in case you want to stay longer and enjoy the scenic view.

Tiran Island

This area is located just at the entrance of the famous Strait of Tiran. There are a variety of cruises that can take you to this island. You can opt for a day trip that includes delicious meals and soft drinks.

Furthermore, you’d have an opportunity to snorkel over the reefs and observe different fishes like parrotfish, sea turtles, and wrasses. You may also find dolphins and sharks here. Tiran Island is one of the places where you can enjoy snorkeling in Egypt. It also has beaches where you can relax, take memorable pictures, and freely work on your tan.


Snorkeling in Egypt- Final Words

Egypt has comfortable sea temperatures with a nice temperature so that makes it a lovely destination for a snorkeler. The beautiful coral and species of fish will create an incredible water experience.

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