Snorkelling in the Red Sea: what to know

You don't need to dive to see the Red Sea at its most colourful. With a mask that fits, a pair of fins and a relaxed attitude in the water, you can spend hours drifting over coral gardens and watching fish go about their day. This guide covers what helps to know before heading out from Hurghada or Marsa Alam: where to go, how warm the water is through the year, how to behave on the reef and what gear to bring.

Why the Red Sea suits snorkellers

Egypt's Red Sea coast is lined with fringing reefs, which grow right up against the shore. In many places the coral starts a few metres from the beach or jetty, and the reef wall drops away to deeper water exactly where most of the marine life gathers. That means there is a lot to see while floating at the surface.

The climate helps too. It hardly ever rains, almost no rivers run into the sea, and the water is usually very clear for most of the year. Parrotfish, clownfish in their anemones, butterflyfish, surgeonfish and giant clams are common sights, and with a little luck you may also see turtles, rays or dolphins. Wind and current change the conditions from day to day, so no two sessions are quite the same.

Hurghada: the Giftun Islands by boat

The Giftun Islands lie off Hurghada and are the area's classic snorkelling trip. The boat ride takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour, depending on where you leave from and how the sea is. A typical day includes two or three stops at different reefs with time in the water at each, and sometimes a stop at a white sand beach.

The islands are part of a protected marine area, so there are rules on where boats may moor and what you can do in the water. Visitors pay a park fee per person, which may or may not be included in the excursion price [verify]. Ask when you book, and carry some cash just in case.

Boats from Hurghada also head to other reefs nearby, and many hotels along the coast have a house reef off their beach, which is a good place to practise on day one before a boat trip.

Marsa Alam: Abu Dabbab and Samadai

Further south, Marsa Alam has a less developed coastline and reefs in very good condition. Abu Dabbab bay, north of the town, is known for its green turtles, which graze on the seagrass meadows covering the sandy bottom. You walk in from the beach, and on a clear day it is common to watch them feeding or rising to the surface to breathe.

A dugong, a marine mammal that also feeds on seagrass, has at times been seen in the same bay. Sightings are rare and nobody can promise one; if it happens, count yourself lucky. It makes more sense to go for the turtles and the reef along the sides of the bay.

South of Marsa Alam lies Samadai reef, a horseshoe-shaped reef where pods of spinner dolphins often come to rest. Access is regulated, with a cap on visitor numbers and marked zones, and part of the lagoon is kept for the dolphins alone. Opening times and access rules can change [verify].

Water temperature through the year

These figures are approximate and vary from year to year, but they give you a rough idea:

• January to March: the coolest water, around 21–23 °C. Many people wear a shorty wetsuit to stay comfortable.
• April to June: the sea warms up to around 23–27 °C, with long, sunny days.
• July to September: the warmest months, with water around 27–29 °C and strong heat on land.
• October to December: the sea holds on to the summer warmth, from about 27 °C in October down to about 23 °C in December.

Marsa Alam tends to be slightly warmer than Hurghada in winter. Wind matters as well: on breezy days the surface gets choppy and you feel the chill more when you climb out.

Reef etiquette

Coral is a living animal that grows very slowly. One kick of a fin or a foot set down on it can break in seconds what took decades to build. These basic rules look after the reef and after you:

• Don't touch or stand on the coral, and don't lean on it to rest. If you need a break, float, or head back to the boat ladder.
• Use a reef-friendly mineral sunscreen, or better still wear a rash guard so you need less cream.
• Keep your distance from turtles and dolphins: don't chase or surround them, and never block a turtle's way when it rises to breathe.
• Don't feed the fish, and leave shells, coral and sand where they are.
• Follow your guide on where to get in, which way to swim and when to return to the boat.

Gear and skills

The mask matters most. To check the fit, hold it against your face without the strap, breathe in gently through your nose and let go: if it stays in place, it fits. Hair caught under the seal or a moustache can let water in. Fins should feel snug but not tight; if they rub, a pair of neoprene socks helps.

Boats and dive centres in the area usually lend masks, snorkels and fins, though bringing your own mask makes a real difference. A buoyancy vest lets you rest at the surface without effort, and it is useful even for strong swimmers.

Before swimming off, spend a few minutes getting used to the snorkel. If water gets in, blow out hard to clear it, or lift your head and empty it calmly.

Health and practical notes

Sun is the thing people underestimate most. Floating face down leaves your back and the backs of your legs exposed for hours, and the cool water hides the burn. A rash guard and thin leggings protect better than any cream.

Drink water often, in winter too, and bring a cap and sunglasses for time on deck. If you take medication or have a health condition, check with your doctor before you travel.

Currents can pick up without warning, especially on exposed reefs and around the ends of the islands. Always swim with someone, stay with the group, and if you feel yourself being pulled away, don't fight it: swim parallel to the reef and signal to the boat. Sea conditions decide which reefs can be visited on the day, and the guide may change the route.

If you get seasick, take your medication before boarding, eat a light breakfast and stay on deck looking at the horizon. Giftun trips involve a longer boat ride, while Abu Dabbab is reached from the beach.