1
Ras Mohamed (Shark Reef + Yolanda)
Egypt's first national park, sheer walls dropping to 750 metres, the country's most decorated reef.
Snorkeling in Sharm El Sheikh
Ras Mohamed National Park, the legendary Blue Hole and the coral pinnacles of Tiran, Sharm offers the most dramatic underwater scenery in Egypt.
5.00(625 reviews) 3 trips Pay on arrival OK Airport: SSH
3
trips
5.0
Rating
35+
Reef & dive sites
360
Sunny days a year
21-28°C
Water temp
30 m+
Visibility
Turquoise water
20m+ underwater visibility year-round.
Sunny weather
300+ sunny days a year.
Variety of sites
Reefs, islands, dolphin lagoons.
Overview
Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula, the meeting point of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez. The geography produces some of the most dramatic underwater walls in the world. Coral grows from one metre below the surface and drops to 800 metres in places. The town itself is divided between Naama Bay (older, more bars and restaurants) and Sharm El Maya / Hadaba (closer to the marina). Most snorkeling boats depart from Sharm Marina and reach Ras Mohamed in 90 minutes.
Best snorkeling spots
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Tiran Island (Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, Gordon)
Four reefs in the strait between Sinai and Saudi Arabia, current-rich and packed with marine life.
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Blue Hole, Dahab
130-metre submarine sinkhole, the most famous freediving spot on Earth, snorkelers stay on the rim.
4
Naama Bay
Walk-in reef from the central Naama beach, easy snorkeling and decent visibility.
5
Far Garden
Shore-entry reef at the north end of Sharm, gardens of soft coral and an anemone city.
Best time to visit
Best time: April to June, September to November · Avoid: December to February north-wind days
Jan
22°
Feb
21°
Mar
22°
Apr
23°
May
25°
Jun
27°
Jul
27°
Aug
28°
Sep
27°
Oct
26°
Nov
24°
Dec
22°
Peak Good Cooler, quieter Sea °C
Marine life
The strait of Tiran funnels nutrient-rich water past walls dense with hard and soft coral. Resident populations include white-tip reef sharks, eagle rays, green and hawksbill turtles, Napoleon wrasse, and large groupers. Whale sharks pass through on migration in late summer. The cooler water of the Gulf of Aqaba supports species not found further south, like the Sharm El Sheikh anemonefish.
Full Red Sea marine life guideGetting there
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) sits 18 km north of Naama Bay. Most pickup drivers reach hotels in 10 to 30 minutes. From Cairo, the drive is 7 hours, the flight is 1 hour.
All trips · Sharm El Sheikh
3 trips available
Best seller
Save 27%5.00(287)
Ras Mohamed National Park, Sharm El Sheikh
Where the Red Sea meets the Gulf of Aqaba, the most legendary marine park in Egypt.
Boat trip8hUp to 35 guestsPay on arrival OK
From
€55€40
per adult
5.00(196)
Tiran Island Snorkeling, Sharm El Sheikh
Four legendary reefs, Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas and Gordon, packed with marine life.
Boat trip8hPay on arrival OK
From
€38
per adult
5.00(142)
Blue Hole & Dahab Day Trip, Sharm El Sheikh
The legendary Blue Hole, Bedouin lunch in Assalah and free time in Dahab village.
Boat trip10hPay on arrival OK
From
€45
per adult
Common questions
Is Sharm El Sheikh good for snorkeling?
It is among the best in the world. Coral grows a metre below the surface and drops down vertical walls, so you see dense reef life without going deep, especially at Ras Mohamed and Tiran.
Can you snorkel at Ras Mohamed National Park?
Yes. The shallow tops of Shark Reef and Yolanda are excellent for snorkelers, with steep walls, soft coral and large schools of fish right under the surface.
When is the best time to snorkel in Sharm El Sheikh?
April to June and September to November give the calmest seas and warm water. Winter is still good on sheltered reefs, but north winds can cancel offshore trips on some days.
Is Sharm El Sheikh suitable for families and beginners?
Yes. Many reefs are reached from sheltered bays with easy entry, and trips carry guides and spare gear, so children and first-timers can snorkel close to the boat.
