Diving in Hurghada: Complete Hurghada Snorkeling & Red Sea Guide

Hurghada is set to benefit from Egypt's most famous natural landmark, the Red Sea. Alongside the marina and resort beaches, this underwater world of coral reefs, sandy patches, drop-offs and shipwrecks have made the area a prime destination for tourists looking to enjoy water sports and spend some time in Egypt in the sea.

For travelers who want to combine Cairo, Upper Egypt and the Red Sea in one journey, Trans Travel’s Egypt Vacation Package provides a natural way to experience Egypt beyond its archaeological sites.

Hurghada developed into one of the most famous diving destinations on the Red Sea thanks to the variety of underwater landscapes that can be found in the area.

Coral reefs are undoubtedly the main attraction, but they are by no means the only ones. The Red Sea has a great variety of landscapes for snorkeling and diving, including reef walls, sandy patches, drop-offs and sunken wrecks. PADI considers the Hurghada area to be ideal for both beginner and advanced divers, with coral reefs and marine life being the main highlights.

The Egyptian Tourism Authority reports that more than 300 species of coral and more than 1,000 species of fish call the Red Sea home. It is therefore no surprise that diving and snorkeling are so popular in Hurghada.

While snorkelers and divers may expect to see shoals of bright tropical fish, they are also likely to encounter moray eels, lionfish, parrotfish and many other species. Larger wildlife may also turn up to say hello, although wildlife spotting is never a given.

If you are still deciding how the Red Sea fits into a broader Egypt itinerary, the Egypt Nile Cruise Package offers a contrasting experience centered on the Nile and Upper Egypt.

A normal day of dving in Hurghada typically starts at a dive center or marina and involves a boat ride to the dive site. It all depends on the weather, sea state, certifications of the divers and the plan of the dive center.

One can enjoy Egyptian coral gardens and reefs, where the diver’s greatest pleasure is the unhurried observation of marine animals. Other dives will take the sport lover to places with a different terrain or even explore sunken wrecks, which are suitable for more experienced divers.

Hurghada is an excellent place for those who have never tried diving. In this city, PADI-listed dive centers provide introductory courses and sell diving equipment. Besides, dive centers offer training in confined waters before the diver can try the real thing in open waters.

At the same time, diving in Hurghada provides ample opportunities for certified divers. There are many reefs in the city, and a diver will quickly learn to navigate through them. More challenging wrecks and diving spots await the enthusiast who wants to explore more difficult objects. The most popular shipwrecks in Hurghada are the Carnatic and Giannis D. These are located near Abu Nuhas, a diving area north of Hurghada.

Thus, diving spots in Hurghada offer a wide range of options, from exploring wrecks and challenging dives to relaxing on beautiful coral reefs.

There is no one perfect dive site for all travelers. An inexperienced diver who is looking for a gentle introduction to the sport requires very different conditions to an advanced wreck hunter.

Around Hurghada there is a huge choice of reef and boat dives available. PADI's Hurghada directory features reef, ocean and sandy bottom type dive environments.

The Giftun Islands represent one of the most popular diving areas in the Hurghada region. The Egyptian Tourism Authority specifically promotes the islands for diving and snorkelling around coral reefs and varied marine life.

Abu Nuhas has a reputation for wreck diving rather than reef hunting but this is still ideal for appropriately rated visitors.

Your dive centre should select sites according to actual conditions and team abilities rather than following celebrity endorsements from television shows.

For a broader introduction to the coast beyond individual dive sites, Trans Travel’s Red Sea Beaches guide explores Hurghada and other Egyptian Red Sea destinations.

Yes. One of the main advantages of Hurghada Snorkeling is that it is not necessary to have a scuba diving certificate to enjoy the underwater world of the Red Sea.

While some snorkeling adventures take place near the shore or around easily accessible reefs, boat tours offer access to more remote snorkeling areas and islands. The Egyptian Tourism Authority points out that Hurghada is home to shallow lagoons and reef areas accessible to first-time snorkelers, as well as deeper dive sites for more advanced snorkelers.

For beginners, the most important thing is to learn the basics properly. A good mask, comfortable fins and competent instructor will make all the difference.

Do not forget that snorkeling and scuba diving are two different activities. Thus, while snorkelers float on the surface of the water and only go below the surface occasionally to observe the underwater world, scuba divers have special equipment that allows them to breathe underwater for an extended period.

Therefore, snorkeling is a great option for families, groups of friends or even for a romantic couple who want to enjoy observing the underwater world.

Island excursions are an important part of Hurghada snorkeling experiences, and there are several names that crop up frequently as travelers research options.

Giftun Islands

The Giftun Islands are a logical starting point, as they lie off the coast of Hurghada itself and offer the combination of clear water, beaches, coral reefs and diving. Note that while these islands provide a natural feel, visitors are required to take a guided tour as there aren't free access to beaches.

Big Giftun is also promoted on Egypt's government tourism site, which highlights the coral reefs and diving / snorkeling opportunities.

Mahmya

Mahmya is an 'ecotourism' resort on Giftun which is positioned to combine beach relaxation with snorkeling and diving. This appears to be similar to other island experiences but with the emphasis on a more rounded day out, snorkeling being only one element among others.

Orange Bay and Other Island Stops

Orange Bay is another name which features regularly on Hurghada boat tours. Your keyword analysis also throws up Paradise Island, Orange Island, Mahmya and Giftun Island as popular offshore island snorkeling experiences, which suggests that the whole island experience is an important part of the appeal.

Itineraries vary, so it's worth establishing whether a tour is snorkeling-focused or has more of a beach / leisure element to it.

The biodiversity of the Red Sea is certainly one of the main attractions that makes tourists return to the water more than once during their Hurghada holiday.

Reef fish form the largest share of marine life in Egyptian waters. Parrotfish, moray eels and lionfish are just some of the common species associated with Hurghada, but coral reefs take center stage in many ways.

Depending on the region, larger animals also occur. However, careful travel journalism will point out the difference between animals that can be seen in the Red Sea and those that are actually guaranteed to show up. Dolphins, turtles, rays or sharks should never be promised if they have only been seen occasionally.

The best experiences underwater are often those in which one explores slowly. While a reef may appear impressive at first glance, a few minutes of lingering will reveal countless small fish and intricate patterns that would otherwise remain hidden by the constant rush of current.

For many divers, the solution is both - to choose Hurghada Diving, for the deeper underwater experience and to try snorkeling in Hurghada, Egypt, which offers both ease and combined activities with island and beach days.

Beginners may not have to choose once and for all. Introductory scuba diving experiences let eligible beginners try underwater breathing in a professional environment before they decide if they want to pursue scuba diving certification.

At the same time, advanced divers will enjoy snorkeling in Hurghada, since floating over the reef in open water in daylight hours provides a different perspective than looking up from the ocean depths.

Travelers comparing Hurghada with another major Red Sea destination can also read Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh to understand how the two areas fit different itineraries.

The Red Sea’s beauty is largely thanks to its pristine marine ecosystem, so as a tourist, it is our responsibility to keep it that way.

Do not touch or stand on coral, as it is bad for the reef.

Keep a safe distance behind the coral so that you are not banging your fins on it. It is also recommended not to chase, touch or even feed any sea creatures and to watch them from a distance as it is better for them and for your own safety. For divers with the proper training, it is vital to stay calm and concentrate on maintaining a stable position in the water column. New divers or those who have not recently practiced their skills should avoid trying to hover close to the bottom to examine reef life up close for the sake of the marine ecosystem and their own safety.

It is essential that you choose local diving or snorkeling operators that truly care about the environment and the diving community, as they will be the most conscious of the rules and regulations that are in place to keep Hurghada’s underwater world safe and pristine.

Divers need to be appropriately certified and not lie to the guide about their level of experience or the amount of diving they have done in the past. Snorkelers should not hesitate to mention if they feel uncomfortable at times in open water and may need additional support.

Instead of trying to squeeze in diving, snorkeling and an island tour in one tight schedule, make space for the Red Sea in your plans.

Snorkeling boat trips can be the perfect way in, then leave time for reef dives or excursions appropriate for different levels of certification and interest.

Weather and other conditions make flexibility important, and a responsible operator will adjust the plans based on the needs of the group and the capabilities of the boat, and that should be considered a priority rather than a problem.

If you're also taking a cultural trip to Egypt, the change of scenery can be refreshing. After visiting a New Kingdom temple, think about what it will be like to see turtles swimming alongside a sunken shipwreck in just a few days.

Trans Travel’s Things to See in Luxor Egypt is useful for travelers considering exactly that combination, while the Things to Do in Hurghada Egypt guide covers what to explore when you are back on land.

For a longer journey combining different sides of the country, the Egypt Tour with Nile Cruise can also provide a starting point for planning Egypt beyond the Red Sea.

1- Is Diving in Hurghada suitable for beginners?

Diving in Hurghada is suitable for anyone starting to learn the sport. There are diving centers ready to assist and there are also dive sites suitable for all levels of experience. You will be asked to choose a dive appropriate to your experience and sea conditions at the time.

2- Do you need diving experience for Hurghada Snorkeling?

You do not need any diving experience for Hurghada snorkeling. We have shallow snorkeling and boat snorkeling suitable for the complete beginner. However, if you are not confident in the water you should make your guide aware at the beginning of your tour and adhere to any safety instructions they give you.

3- Can you see coral reefs in Hurghada?

Definitely, one of the big attractions of the Hurghada diving scene is its healthy coral reefs and abundant marine life, which are fantastic to snorkel or dive through.

4- Is Giftun Island good for snorkeling?

The Giftun Islands are known to have clear waters, healthy coral reefs and interesting marine and snorkeling activities. They are the closest islands to Hurghada, and thus the most popular choice for day trips.

5- Is diving better than snorkeling in Hurghada?

Both snorkeling and diving have their own appeal. Snorkeling is easier and allows you to float just below the surface, taking in sights and sounds, whereas diving allows you to explore more. Diving however requires training and certification while snorkeling does not. Many people like to do both if they have time and the chance to.