Snorkeling in Hurghada
Admiring the beauty of the Red Sea’s seabed is a must when staying in Hurghada. Snorkeling in Hurghada is therefore an absolute must! In fact, the city is renowned for the richness of its depths, making the seaside resort a must-see spot for scuba diving close to Europe.
How does a snorkeling trip to Hurghada work? How much does it cost? How long does a snorkeling trip take? What options are available? Is it possible to snorkel on your own, right on the beach? We’ll answer all your questions here, detailing the practical information you need to know before venturing off Hurghada.
Practical information
Here’s the essential information you need to know before snorkeling in Hurghada, also known as “underwater trekking”.
Practices, alternatives and prices
There are several ways to snorkel in Hurghada:
- First of all, you can opt for a sea trip that takes you to well-known and interesting places. In this case, you’re guaranteed to see the richness of the seabed.
- Alternatively, you can just swim near your hotel’s private beach. In this case, you’ll need to bring your own equipment. You’ll see fewer fish than offshore, and especially no coral. You’ll see from the photos that illustrate this article that the coral landscapes you discover while snorkeling in Hurghada, offshore, have magnificent colors!
It is therefore more interesting and safer to snorkel in Hurghada via a sea trip. Here are the possibilities:
This offer includes an outing to swim with the dolphins. Includes a PMT swim stop and a buffet lunch. Pick-up at the hotel.
This offer takes you out to sea to Orange Bay, where you can enjoy this corner of paradise in the Giftoun Islands. You can also snorkel and enjoy lunch. Hotel pick-up included.
Access and opening hours
Transfer from the hotel is usually included. You will be picked up at the entrance to your accommodation. The agency will contact you via WhatsApp to let you know the pick-up time.
The driver will pick you up in the morning. A 15-minute lead time is required, as he will be picking up other tourists.
Once the driver has dropped you off, you can board the boat, usually a motorized catamaran. You can go upstairs to settle in while everyone arrives, as several mini-buses drop off a total of around 20 tourists.
How long does the Hurghada snorkeling trip last?
On average, allow between 7 and 8 hours. This includes the round trip by minibus, water activities at the various locations, lunch on the boat and scheduled stops.
How does a snorkeling trip in Hurghada work?
In this section, we’ll describe what you’ll be able to see on the various excursions that include an underwater hike.
First snorkeling spot
For sea trips including snorkeling sessions in Hurghada, there are usually two PMT (fins, mask, snorkel) swim stops scheduled. The first is a quick reminder of safety instructions and explanations on how to use the mask.
Your guides will explain how to breathe underwater (by mouth), how to communicate with hand signals in the event of a problem, and how to evacuate water from your mask, for example.
Once you’ve been briefed, they’ll lend you the appropriate equipment, including fins, mask and snorkel. For those who can’t swim very well, you can borrow a lifejacket.
The group will be divided in two: those who know how to swim well can go for a free ride, while those who are less at ease in the water can benefit from a buoy pulled by one of the instructors.
It’s time toadmire the seabed, with its coral reefs and small, colorful fish. Enjoy a 30-minute swim.
Second snorkelling break
The boat starts again, taking you further out. In fact, a second stop is planned in a different spot to diversify the richness of the seabed. Here, you’ll be less taken care of, and therefore freer.
You can benefit from the same equipment, while enjoying your time with family and friends.
Admire the Egyptian coastline and have lunch on the bridge
On this snorkeling trip to Hurghada, you’ll enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Red Sea. The water is crystal-clear and turquoise.
In fact, you can eat facing the sea, as lunch is served on the boat. You’ll find a buffet inside the cabin, usually including rice, pasta, kefta, breaded fish, rolls, raw vegetables, grilled vegetables and eggplant.
Stops during snorkeling excursions in Hurghada
Depending on the option you choose, you may benefit from a separate stop:
- or the dolphin spot, known to host many of them
- or you will be taken to Orange Bay, a huge seaside resort in the south of the Giftoun Islands.
For the one where you can swim with dolphins, the boat takes you to a place where there are many mammals. It’s possible to see several of them, and to swim with them. It’s a quick but intense experience that will stay with you for a long time!
The second offer is Orange Bay. It’s a huge wooden structure built in the south of the Giftoun Islands. You’ll be taken there in the early afternoon. For two hours, you can swim in the turquoise water. But you can also grab an ice cream, take a photo on one of the many Instagrammable swings and hammocks, or relax on one of the poufs before heading back out to sea.
On the way back from this snorkeling excursion in Hurghada, it’s not uncommon to enjoy activities such as mud pulling. The mini-bus will take over, and you’ll be back at your hotel by 6pm.
Frequently asked questions
We’re going to give you the answers to the questions many people are asking.
Is equipment provided? What do I need to bring back?
Yes, we’ll lend you flippers, mask and snorkel. However, you must bring your own beach towel and bathing suit. And don’t forget your sunscreen.
Don’t bother with water bottles – drinks are included in the package, so you can stay hydrated all day long.
Can I take photos underwater?
Yes, you can still take photos with your smartphone, as long as you use a protective waterproof pouch.
If you don’t want to be burdened with equipment, note that a photographer is present among the escorts and will be happy to photograph you. To pick them up at the end of the tour, you’ll usually have to pay a few dozen euros.
Do the instructors speak English?
Yes they all speak English, and are easy to understand thanks to gestures. It’s very easy to communicate with a little basic English.
How to breathe with a snorkel
It’s a fairly easy technique, but you must breathe through your mouth. The instructors will show you how to evacuate any water that gets into your mask, with a simple press on the forehead. They’ll put you at ease, giving you advice and basic techniques.
Can a shark attack me while I’m diving?
No, it’s very rare, as they don’t attack groups. There is a risk, however, if you practice this activity alone near the coast, as they prowl isolated areas just a few dozen meters from the shore.
That’s why we recommend that you opt for the snorkeling sessions in Hurghada that we’ve mentioned in this article.
This guide ends here. Now you know everything you need to know about the different options available to you for snorkeling in Hurghada.
The first option is to snorkel off a private beach, if your hotel has one of course. Interesting but very basic, you’ll miss out on the beauty of the corals that can be found deeper down in the coral reefs.
Opt for a snorkeling outing. Both of the outings mentioned in this guide are very enjoyable, and very well-paced thanks to the different activities on offer.
