Short answer: Egypt’s Red Sea coast is one of the easiest places in the world to snorkel coral reefs, because many reefs start just below the surface. The best-known spots are Ras Mohammed, the Strait of Tiran and White Island near Sharm El Sheikh, the Giftun Islands and Dolphin House near Hurghada, and Samadai and the Qulan Islands near Marsa Alam. From a private boat, the captain chooses reefs that fit your group and the sea that day.
The best snorkeling spots, city by city
| City | Spots | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Sharm El Sheikh | Ras Mohammed National Park, the four reefs of the Strait of Tiran, White Island | Snorkelling from a private yacht in Sharm |
| Hurghada | Giftun Islands, Dolphin House (Shaab El Erg), Abu Ramada, Umm Gamar, El Fanous | Giftun Islands, Dolphin House rules |
| El Gouna | Reefs north of Hurghada, such as Abu Nugar | Snorkelling in El Gouna |
| Marsa Alam | Samadai (Dolphin House) under zone rules, the Qulan Islands in Wadi El Gemal National Park | Samadai rules and zones |
What a private boat changes
- Your group only, so beginners and children can go at their own pace.
- Reef stops chosen for the wind and the current on the day.
- Times planned around you, not a fixed timetable.
- Your quote lists snorkelling gear, children’s life jackets, food and park fees, line by line, before you pay.
Reef rules
- Do not touch, stand on or break coral.
- Do not feed the fish, and take nothing from the sea.
- At dolphin sites, follow the zone rules and the crew; never chase or touch dolphins.
- Leave no rubbish in the sea or on a beach.
Safety basics
- Tell the crew honestly how well each person swims.
- Wear a life jacket or a snorkel vest if you are not a strong swimmer.
- Stay close to the boat and your group, and follow the crew’s signals.
- Protect yourself from the sun: a rash vest and a hat help.
Best time to snorkel
Boats run all year, but the wind and the water temperature change with the season. See the month-by-month guides for Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam.
Questions
Can non-swimmers snorkel in the Red Sea?
Many do, with a life jacket and a crew member close by, on reefs with calm, shallow water. Tell us in your request, and your concierge checks the plan with the operator.
Do we need to bring our own gear?
It depends on the boat. Your quote says whether masks, snorkels and fins are included. Some people bring their own mask for a better fit.
Yachts you can book now
Real yachts, checked with their operators. Send your date and group for a written quote. Nothing to pay until you accept.
Sails from Sharm El Sheikh
30 m Motor Yacht · Sharm El Sheikh · Ras Katy
- Motor yacht
- 30 m
- Up to 40 guests
From EUR 650 per trip
Sails from Sharm El Sheikh
30 m Motor Yacht · Sharm El Sheikh · Ras Mohammed & White Island
- Motor yacht
- 30 m
- Up to 38 guests
From EUR 950 per trip
Sails from Sharm El Sheikh
30 m Motor Yacht · Sharm El Sheikh · Ras Mohammed & White Island
- Motor yacht
- 30 m
- Up to 38 guests
From EUR 850 per trip
