Snorkeling in Hurghada: Best Reefs, Marine Life & Beginner Tips
Where to snorkel, what you’ll see, and simple tips for first-timers on the warm, clear Red Sea.
You do not need to be a diver to fall in love with the Red Sea. With nothing more than a mask, snorkel and fins, Hurghada opens up an underwater world of coral gardens and darting fish — often just a few metres from the beach.
Why Hurghada is a snorkeller’s dream
The Red Sea is warm year-round, exceptionally clear, and packed with life thanks to its coral reefs. Visibility regularly exceeds 20 metres, and because many reefs sit in shallow water, you float above them rather than diving down.
What you’ll see
Expect clouds of orange anthias, striped sergeant majors, parrotfish crunching on coral, and jewel-bright wrasse. Patient snorkellers spot pufferfish, moray eels tucked into crevices, and — on lucky days — green sea turtles and graceful eagle rays. The coral itself is the other star.
The best places to snorkel
The easiest option is your own hotel beach — sheltered, shallow reefs like the one off DaVinci Beach let you snorkel any time, no boat required. For more, a short boat trip delivers pristine reefs and sandbanks at Giftun Island, Orange Bay and Paradise Island.
Beginner tips that make all the difference
Defog your mask with a little baby shampoo and a light rinse. Breathe slow and steady, and let the water hold you. Wear a rash vest — the sun burns your back fast when you are face-down. Never touch or stand on coral: it is alive, and some of it stings. And always go with a buddy, keeping an eye on the current.
Snorkel responsibly
The reefs are the reason we are all here, and they are fragile. Keep your fins clear of the coral, take nothing but photos, and choose operators who moor at buoys rather than dropping anchor on the reef.