Snorkeling in Hurghada

What to Expect When Snorkeling in Hurghada

The Red Sea off Hurghada is one of the finest snorkeling destinations in the world, enchanting visitors with an underwater world that is truly second to none. Crystal-clear waters with visibility of up to 30 meters, colorful coral reefs in every imaginable form, and an astonishing wealth of marine life make every snorkeling trip an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a seasoned snorkeler or dipping your head below the surface for the first time, Hurghada offers the perfect underwater adventure for everyone.

The coral reefs off Hurghada are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on our planet. Over 1,200 fish species and more than 250 different coral species call these waters home. While snorkeling in the Red Sea, you will encounter colorful clownfish, elegant butterflyfish, curious parrotfish, and majestic Napoleon wrasse. With some luck, you may also spot sea turtles, rays, or even a pod of playful dolphins. Water temperatures range from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius year-round, making snorkeling in Hurghada a pleasure in every season.

Our snorkeling excursions depart daily from Hurghada harbor, taking you by comfortable boat to the most beautiful reefs in the region. On board, experienced guides look after you, show you the best snorkeling spots, and share fascinating facts about the Red Sea's underwater world. Complete snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Schedule & Program

Orange Bay

Orange Bay on Giftun Island is one of the most popular snorkeling destinations and a true paradise in the Red Sea. The beach consists of the finest white sand, and the water shimmers in every shade of turquoise and blue. A healthy coral reef begins directly in front of the beach, making it excellent for snorkeling. Here you will find an impressive variety of fish living in the shallow waters among the corals. Orange Bay is also ideal for snorkeling beginners, as the reef lies close to shore and the water is calm and clear. Besides snorkeling, you can relax on the beach, swim in the turquoise waters, or play beach volleyball.

Giftun Island

Giftun Island is a protected national park and home to some of the most pristine coral reefs in the Hurghada region. Snorkeling at Giftun Island offers a particularly intense underwater experience, as the reefs here are exceptionally well preserved thanks to their protected status. You snorkel over dense coral gardens through which schools of colorful fish swim. Emperor angelfish in vivid colors, playful triggerfish, and hidden moray eels provide constant surprises. The reef top lies at shallow depth, allowing you to admire the corals and fish in all their splendor without needing to dive deep.

Mahmya Beach and Other Reefs

Depending on your booked excursion, you visit up to three different snorkeling spots in a single day. Besides Orange Bay and Giftun Island, Abu Ramada, Umm Gamar, and the Dolphin House reef are among the most popular destinations. Each snorkeling spot has its own character: Abu Ramada impresses with its large table corals and moray eel encounters, Umm Gamar offers deeper reef walls for advanced snorkelers, and at Dolphin House there is a chance to snorkel alongside wild dolphins.

Daily Schedule

In the morning, you are picked up from your hotel and taken to Hurghada harbor. After boarding our comfortable boat, we head to the first snorkeling spot. On board, you receive your snorkeling equipment and a brief introduction. The first snorkeling stop lasts about 45 minutes. We then continue to the next reef for more underwater exploration. Around midday, a fresh lunch is served on board, consisting of grilled fish, salad, rice, and fresh fruit. In the afternoon, a third snorkeling stop or beach break follows before we return to the harbor around 4:00 PM.

Prices & Booking

Our snorkeling excursions in Hurghada are available from 25 euros per person. The price includes hotel transfer, the boat trip to multiple snorkeling spots, complete snorkeling equipment with mask, snorkel, and fins, lunch on board, soft drinks and water, and experienced guides. The national park fee for Giftun Island is also included.

For a more exclusive experience, we recommend our VIP snorkeling excursion on a smaller yacht with a maximum of 20 guests, personal service, and a premium buffet. This option is available from 55 euros per person. Private boat excursions for families or groups can be customized individually. Ask us for a personalized offer.

Children between 4 and 12 years pay half price, children under 4 are free. Life jackets are provided free of charge for non-swimmers and children.

Tips & Advice

Even if you have never snorkeled before, getting started in Hurghada is particularly easy. The water is warm, clear, and usually calm. Our guides will show you the proper breathing technique and accompany you in the water if needed. If you own a snorkeling mask that fits well, feel free to bring it along, as a perfect fit significantly increases comfort.

Sun protection is especially important while snorkeling, as your back and calves are exposed to the sun while floating at the surface. Always use reef-friendly sunscreen without oxybenzone and octinoxate, as these chemicals damage coral. A long-sleeved rash guard offers the best protection and reliably prevents sunburn.

The best snorkeling season in Hurghada is from March to November, when the sea is particularly calm and clear. In winter, there may be occasional windier days, but the water temperature rarely drops below 22 degrees. While snorkeling, never touch the corals as they are fragile and protected. Maintain a safe distance from all marine life and do not remove anything from the sea. These simple rules help preserve the unique Red Sea ecosystem for future generations.

The Underwater World of the Red Sea

The Red Sea is a biological wonder and one of the youngest seas on Earth, formed by the drifting apart of the African and Arabian continental plates. This geological peculiarity has created a unique ecosystem characterized by an exceptionally high salt content and year-round warm water temperatures. The coral reefs off Hurghada belong to the second largest reef system in the world and are home to creatures found nowhere else on Earth.

While snorkeling in Hurghada, you encounter an astonishing variety of marine life. Besides the colorful reef fish, you can discover blue-spotted stingrays gliding elegantly over the sandy bottom, giant sea turtles swimming leisurely through coral gardens, and with some luck, octopuses that masterfully camouflage themselves. In the evening hours, the reefs become even more alive as nocturnal species emerge from their hiding places. The coral reefs themselves are a fascinating spectacle of colors and shapes, from branching staghorn corals to massive brain corals to fan-shaped gorgonians gently swaying in the current.

Snorkeling for Beginners and Families

Hurghada is one of the best places in the world to learn snorkeling. The sheltered bays and shallow reef areas offer ideal conditions for beginners. The water is warm enough to snorkel without a wetsuit, and currents in the protected areas are minimal. Our guides take special care with beginners and children. They explain the proper breathing technique, how to clear a fogged mask, and how to float relaxedly at the water surface. For non-swimmers and uncertain swimmers, we provide life vests so they too can safely enjoy the underwater world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Snorkeling in Hurghada

Can you snorkel in Hurghada year-round?

Yes, snorkeling in Hurghada is possible throughout the year. Water temperatures rarely drop below 22 degrees Celsius even in winter, and underwater visibility is excellent year-round. The best time for snorkeling in the Red Sea is from March to November, when the sea is particularly calm and visibility reaches up to 30 meters. In December and January, there may be occasional windy days when the sea is somewhat rougher, but even then, sheltered reef areas can be found for a pleasant snorkeling experience.

Do you need to know how to swim to snorkel?

Basic swimming skills are recommended, but non-swimmers can also participate in our snorkeling excursions. We provide free life jackets that give you secure buoyancy, allowing you to float relaxedly at the water surface and observe the underwater world through your mask. Our guides are always nearby and watch over your safety. Many guests who were initially uncertain discover a new passion while snorkeling in Hurghada that stays with them long after their holiday.

What equipment is provided?

Complete snorkeling equipment is included in the price of every excursion. You receive a properly fitting snorkeling mask, a snorkel, and fins in your size. Life jackets are also available free of charge. If you own a mask that fits perfectly, we recommend bringing it along, as a personally fitted mask significantly increases comfort and is less prone to fogging.

Are the reefs in Hurghada still intact?

The coral reefs off Hurghada are among the healthiest in the entire Red Sea. Unlike many other snorkeling regions worldwide, the reefs here benefit from year-round warm and nutrient-rich waters as well as strict protection measures by Egyptian authorities. The Giftun Islands are under special protection as a national park, and the number of daily visitors is controlled. At Ra Reisen, we also actively contribute to reef protection by educating our guests about responsible behavior in the water and only allowing reef-friendly sunscreen products on board.

Why Choose Ra Reisen?

Ra Reisen has been offering first-class snorkeling excursions in Hurghada for years and knows the best reefs and hidden gems that other operators do not visit. Our boats are regularly maintained and meet the highest safety standards. On board, there are always sufficient life jackets, first aid equipment, and trained personnel.

We deliberately limit the number of participants per boat so you can fully enjoy the snorkeling experience without crowding in the water. Our guides speak English and German and are passionate experts on the Red Sea's underwater world. They explain the various fish species and coral types and make sure you do not miss the most spectacular spots underwater. Book your snorkeling excursion in Hurghada now and dive into the fascinating underwater world of the Red Sea.