Red Sea Travel Guide
Red Sea Snorkeling & Diving Guide
A complete Red Sea snorkeling and diving guide: where to go, what marine life to expect, beginner options, the best season, and how to choose a boat trip.
The Egyptian Red Sea is one of the world's great underwater destinations — warm, clear water, vivid coral reefs, and abundant marine life just offshore. Whether you only want to float over a reef with a mask or you're chasing your first dive, this guide maps it all out. Reviewed June 2026.
Why is the Red Sea so good for snorkeling and diving?
The Red Sea combines warm water year-round, excellent visibility, and healthy coral reefs packed with fish, all reachable on short boat trips from the main resorts. You don't need to be a diver to enjoy it — much of the best scenery sits in shallow, snorkel-friendly water.
Where are the best places to snorkel and dive?
The three main bases each have their own character:
- Hurghada — easy island and reef trips like Giftun and Orange Bay. See the snorkeling in Hurghada and the Orange Bay & Giftun Island guide.
- Sharm El Sheikh — world-class reefs including Ras Mohammed National Park. See the Ras Mohammed National Park guide.
- Marsa Alam — pristine southern reefs, sea cows, and dolphin sites. See the Hamata Islands snorkeling guide and the .
