Snorkelling and Diving in Sharm el-Sheikh: Getting Started on the Red Sea Reefs

You do not need to be a diver to see the Red Sea's coral reefs in Sharm el-Sheikh: on the reef in front of many hotels, anyone who can swim can watch colourful fish a few metres away with a mask and snorkel. For more distant reefs, boat trips go to Ras Mohammed and around Tiran Island; those who want to try scuba diving can start with an introductory dive with an instructor. Whichever you choose, the basic rule is not to touch or stand on the reefs.

With its clear water and rich coral life, the Red Sea is well known in the diving world. Below we have brought together the options for first-timers, safety tips and reef etiquette.

Snorkelling or diving?

Snorkelling

This means swimming on the surface of the water with a mask, snorkel and fins, watching the reef from above. It needs no training; being able to swim comfortably is enough. Since a large part of the Red Sea's reefs is very close to the surface, even snorkelling can be extremely rewarding.

Who it is for: Children who can swim, families and anyone who does not want to spend time on diving.

Introductory dive

For those who have never dived with a tank, a dive made at shallow depth under an instructor's supervision after a short theory briefing is usually called an introductory dive (or try dive). It does not give you a certificate, but it lets you experience what breathing from a tank is like in safe conditions.

Who it is for: Adults who are curious about diving and in suitable health, and young people who meet the age limit.

Certified diving

Those who have had diving training before can join boat dives suited to their certification level. Dive centres ask for your certificate and the date of your last dive.

Well-known spots in the area

• The hotel's house reef: In front of many hotels there is a reef reached by a jetty. In the early morning and in the afternoon the water is usually calmer and the light is better.
• Ras Mohammed National Park: At the southern tip of Sinai, it is one of the Red Sea's protected areas. It is visited on boat trips and is known for its steep reef walls and shoals of fish.
• Around Tiran Island: The reefs in the Strait of Tiran are frequent stops for day snorkelling and diving trips by boat. Currents can sometimes be strong, so it is important to follow the instructions of the guide and the boat crew.

Which spots you visit depends on the weather, sea conditions and the boat schedule. On TatiliYakala's Sharm el-Sheikh tour, the guide gives information at the hotel on arrival about tours and activities in the area; these tours are optional and not included in the package.

What will you see on the reef?

Colourful fish live among the hard and soft corals of the Red Sea reefs: parrotfish, clownfish and their anemones, butterflyfish and lionfish are among the best known. If you are lucky, you may also see a sea turtle or a ray. Boat trips where dolphins can be seen are also organised, but encounters with wild animals are never guaranteed.

Safety tips

1. Judge your swimming ability honestly. If you are not sure, snorkel with a life jacket; there is nothing to be embarrassed about.
2. Never go in alone. Have a friend with you and do not lose sight of each other.
3. Watch out for the sun. On the surface of the water, your back is exposed to the sun for hours. Wearing a long-sleeved rash vest or T-shirt prevents sunburn.
4. Listen to the guide. On boat trips, instructions about currents, entry and exit points and meeting times are vital.
5. Leave time between diving and flying. After scuba diving you need to wait a certain amount of time before boarding a plane. Do not set aside your last day for diving, and ask the dive centre about the waiting time.
6. Declare your health conditions. Heart, lung, ear or blood pressure problems can rule out diving; fill in the dive centre's health form honestly.

Reef etiquette

• Do not touch corals, step on them or stand on them. Corals are living things and grow very slowly.
• Stay horizontal on the surface so that you do not hit the reef with your fins.
• Do not feed the fish or chase marine life.
• Do not take shells, pieces of coral or any living thing out of the water.
• If you have to walk on rocky ground at the edge of the reef, wear water shoes; some creatures have venomous spines.

For your suitcase

• Your own mask (a mask that fits your face well makes it more enjoyable)
• Water shoes
• Long-sleeved rash vest or T-shirt
• Waterproof phone case or a small underwater camera
• Plenty of water and a hat to avoid dehydration

We cover the general flow of a Sharm el-Sheikh holiday and choosing a hotel in our Sharm el-Sheikh holiday guide. Since sea conditions and water temperature change with the season, you may also want to read our article on when to go to Sharm el-Sheikh.

Frequently asked questions

Can non-swimmers go snorkelling?

Some non-swimmers do snorkel with a life jacket, in calm water and with an experienced person beside them. For your safety, however, it is important to learn basic swimming skills and never to be alone at the edge of the reef.

I have never dived before. Can I dive in Sharm?

Yes, introductory dives with an instructor are organised for exactly this purpose. You need to fill in the health form and follow the instructor's instructions.

How do you get to Ras Mohammed?

Ras Mohammed is usually visited on boat trips or on day trips organised by land. These tours are optional; you can get information from your guide on arrival.

How soon after diving can you fly?

After scuba diving there is a period you need to wait before flying. Since this period varies with the type of dive, ask your dive centre and do not set aside your return day for diving.

Should I take my own snorkelling equipment?

Equipment can be rented locally, but taking your own mask that fits your face well improves comfort and hygiene. Fins and life jackets are usually provided on boat trips.