Skip to content Sharm El Sheikh is your go-to destination, offering stunning coral reefs, thrilling shipwrecks, and marine life that includes turtles, rays and even dolphins! The best part? You don’t need to be a certified diver to experience it all. Many diving schools also offer snorkeling trips, perfect if you prefer staying closer to the surface. On this page, we’ll answer all your burning questions about snorkeling in Sharm El Sheikh, share tips for the top 3 most popular snorkelling excursions and reveal which hotels have the best house reefs right on their doorstep.
Snorkeling excursions take you to magical spots like Ras Mohammed National Park and the Blue Eye, where the underwater scenery is absolutely beautiful. Depending on your chosen trip, you might even explore places like Jack Fish Alley, which feels like swimming through a giant aquarium or Thomas Reef near Tiran Island, famous for its dramatic drop-offs and vibrant coral walls.
What makes this adventure even better? Everything is taken care of! Many tour operators pick you up straight from your resort, so you can sit back and relax. As the boat takes you to the best snorkeling spots in the Red Sea, you’ll enjoy stunning views and often a tasty lunch on board. Your only real job? Don’t forget your swimwear! And if you’re curious about diving in Sharm El Sheikh – like exploring the iconic SS Thistlegorm, a British WWII shipwreck – we’ve got you covered with an in-depth diving blog packed with all the details!
Some hotels and resorts even have a diving centre on-site. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 hotels in Sharm el Sheikh with diving schools:
Are you perhaps curious about the complete range of all inclusive holidays in Sharm el Sheikh? Also useful: visit our page on the hotels in Sharm el Sheikh, complete with search and filter options. This way, you avoid paying too much unnecessarily!
A snorkeling trip from Sharm El Sheikh is so much more than just peering at colourful fish and coral reefs. It’s basically a blend of exploring the underwater world, relaxing on picture-perfect beaches like the dreamy White Island and enjoying a delicious lunch on board. Imagine a fresh buffet spread with crisp salads, fragrant rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken and traditional Egyptian kofta – yum! Many of these excursions will take you to the legendary Ras Mohammed National Park, famous for its stunning coral reefs, exotic fish, crystal-clear waters and soft sandy beaches. It’s truly a bucket-list destination.
Another favourite stop is the Blue Hole, a fascinating spot where you can soak up the sun on the beach and snorkel in the deep, mesmerising blue waters. The contrast between the vibrant marine life and the dramatic depths makes it an absolute must-see. During the excursion, you’ll visit multiple snorkelling spots with some of the best coral reefs in the area. No need to worry about gear or guidance – everything from snorkeling equipment to expert instructors is taken care of. Most tours also include pick-up and drop-off services from Sharm El Sheikh and nearby areas, so all you need to do is show up and enjoy. Ready to dive in? We’ve selected the top 3 snorkelling excursions just for you!
Not in the mood to book an excursion but still want to explore the magical underwater world? No worries! Many hotels and resorts in Sharm El Sheikh offer direct access to their own house reefs. You can literally roll out of bed, hop into the water and swim alongside exotic marine life like lionfish and angelfish. How cool is that? To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up the top 10 hotels in Sharm El Sheikh with house reefs.
Absolutely! Sharm El Sheikh is one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world (and a diver’s paradise too). The Red Sea is bursting with vibrant coral reefs and colourful marine life. You’ll spot butterflyfish, parrotfish, turtles, and even barracudas. And yes, your favourite clownfish from Finding Nemo lives here too! If you’re lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of rays or reef sharks gliding by.
What’s great about Sharm El Sheikh is that it’s accessible to everyone. There are shallow reefs for beginners and dramatic drop-offs for those seeking a bit more adventure. Many resorts have their own house reefs, making it super easy to snorkel right from the beach. For an unforgettable experience, you can also join a snorkeling excursion to iconic spots like Ras Mohammed National Park or the Tiran Islands.
Yes, snorkelling here is generally safe. But as with any nature activity, it’s important to follow a few basic rules. Always respect the marine life – don’t touch the corals or the fish. This isn’t just to protect them but also to keep you safe. Never snorkel alone; use the buddy system or join an organised tour with experienced guides.
Make sure your gear fits properly, including a snug mask and comfy fins, so you can relax and enjoy the experience. Pay attention to weather conditions and avoid snorkelling during strong currents or rough winds – tour guides will always keep you informed. Beginners might want to start with a guided tour or a snorkelling school for extra support. These guides know the best spots and will make sure you have an amazing (and safe) time.
TIP: Stella di Mare
Dreaming of a snorkelling and diving adventure in Sharm El Sheikh? Stay at one of the top 5 hotels with their own house reef:
Are you also curious about the full top 10 hotels in Sharm El Sheikh with house reefs? Then read our full article!
If you’re after a resort with an incredible house reef, you can’t go wrong with Rixos Premium Gate. This hotel is right on a gorgeous beach with direct access to one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the area. A handy jetty takes you straight into the water, so the adventure begins as soon as you step off the shore. And trust us, the house reef alone is worth the stay!
But that’s not all – the resort offers plenty more reasons to book. Picture a sprawling lagoon-style pool winding through lush greenery – just one of the seven pools to choose from. Fancy a bit more action? Head to the aquaventure park, where hotel guests get free access via shuttle. This waterpark is fun for all ages, featuring water slides, a karting track, a ferris wheel, and even a climbing wall. Still not convinced? Just take a look at the thousands of glowing reviews raving about this incredible resort with a house reef.
Egypt is a snorkeler’s dream, with some of the world’s most spectacular underwater spots. Here are a few top picks:
Sharm El Sheikh is a snorkelling hotspot, thanks in part to the world-famous Ras Mohammed National Park. This protected area is teeming with vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. The crystal-clear waters make it feel like you’re swimming in an aquarium. The nearby Tiran Islands are another must-visit, with dramatic drop-offs and thriving reefs for snorkelers and divers alike.
In the laid-back town of Dahab, you’ll find the iconic Blue Hole, a natural underwater crater that’s a dream for both snorkelers and divers. This spot is bursting with marine life, from tiny, colourful fish to stunning coral formations. Plus, Dahab’s chilled-out vibe makes it the perfect destination for a relaxing snorkelling getaway.
The Giftun Islands, just off the coast of Hurghada, are a snorkeler’s paradise for good reason. Think white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs that invite you to snorkel for hours. Pair a snorkelling trip with some beachside relaxation, and you’ve got the ultimate day out during your Egypt holiday.
Looking for something truly special? Head to Marsa Alam, where you’ve got an excellent chance of snorkelling alongside turtles and dolphins, especially in the famous Abu Dabbab Bay. With its calm waters and excellent visibility, this bay is the perfect spot to get up close to these incredible creatures. Stay at a resort with a house reef, and you can dive into the magical underwater world straight from the beach every single day!
TIP: Rixos Premium Seagate
Heading on holiday with the kids? We recommend choosing one of the best family friendly hotels:
On holiday with the kids? We recommend one of the most fun family friendly hotels in Sharm El Sheikh!
© 2018 – 2025 | sharm-el-sheikh-holiday.com | Disclaimer
