Top 5 Places for Snorkeling & Scuba Diving in Egypt’s Red Sea

Top 5 snorkeling spots in the Red Sea

• Ras Mohammed National Park, Sharm el Sheikh: Egypt’s first marine park offers exceptional snorkeling from shore, with kaleidoscopic reefs, swaying soft corals, and the chance to spot sea turtles or barracuda near the famous Yolanda Reef.

• Abu Dabbab Bay, Marsa Alam: This sandy bay surrounded by coral reefs is a perfect place to spot sea turtles just offshore, and, if you’re lucky, even dugongs. We saw both last time we were there!

• Giftun Islands, Hurghada: A quick boat trip from Hurghada, these islands offer crystal-clear waters and shallow reef systems perfect for laid-back snorkeling among colorful reef fish and vibrant corals.

• Sataya Reef, Marsa Alam: Also known as Dolphin Reef, Sataya is famous for its large pods of spinner dolphins, and it has dreamy snorkeling conditions in warm, shallow lagoons.

• Blue Lagoon, Dahab: This quiet spot near the Sinai’s Blue Hole has calmer waters and accessible coral gardens—ideal for beginner snorkelers looking for a relaxed introduction to the Red Sea.

Top 5 scuba diving spots in the Red Sea

• The Thistlegorm Wreck, Sharm el Sheikh: A bucket-list dive site, this WWII shipwreck is covered in coral and teeming with marine life, plus motorcycles, rifles, and boots still resting in its cargo hold.

• Elphinstone Reef, Marsa Alam: One of the most thrilling dives in Egypt, Elphinstone features steep walls, soft corals, and encounters with oceanic whitetip sharks and hammerheads.

• The Brothers Islands, offshore from El Quseir: Remote and reserved for advanced divers, these twin islands are known for their dramatic walls, deep drop-offs, and the possibility of encountering manta rays, sharks, and even whale sharks.

• Jackson Reef, Tiran Island, near Sharm el Sheikh: A colorful and current-rich reef known for large pelagic sightings like tuna, barracuda, and reef sharks, plus a sunken wreck and incredible coral formations.

• Sha’ab Abu Nuhas, north of Hurghada: Nicknamed the “Ship Graveyard,” this reef system features four famous wrecks, including the Carnatic and Giannis D. It’s a dream for divers who love both history and marine biodiversity.

• Wadi Sabarah Lodge restaurant, Marsa Alam: The perfect place to recover after diving, with locally sourced and delicious food offered at their onsite PADI dive center.

• Qulaan Mangrove Beach, Wadi el Gemal: Try their fresh Bedouin food and enjoy a nice cup of Egyptian tea or Turkish coffee at their tent by the lagoon.

• El Fanar Restaurant, Sharm el Sheikh: Located on a cliff above Ras Um Sid reef, this spot offers both great Italian food and one of the best sunset views over the Red Sea.

• Al Halaka Fish Restaurant, Hurghada: A local restaurant next to the market with fresh seafood that’s cooked perfectly.

• El Fardous Fish Restaurant, El Qoseir: A perfect place to try the local fresh fish lobster.