The Red Sea Snorkeling: 20 Must-Visit Spots from Egypt to Eritrea
The Red Sea snorkeling experience is magical, offering some of the world’s most transparent waters and vibrant coral ecosystems. From Egypt’s famous reefs to the untouched archipelagos of Eritrea, snorkeling in the Red Sea is an adventure every marine enthusiast should embark on. This guide explores the best snorkelling in the Red Sea across five countries—Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Eritrea—plus two bonus spots only accessible by liveaboard cruises. Whether you’re seeking accessible beach snorkelling or remote reef walls, here’s your ultimate list of Red Sea snorkelling destinations.
Egypt – Snorkeling Capital of the Red Sea
Ras Mohammed National Park (Sharm El Sheikh)
Ras Mohammed National Park is one of the best snorkelling locations in the Red Sea Area, with ample opportunities to spot vibrant coral reefs, marine life, and rare species like reef sharks. Two of the most iconic snorkeling positions, Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef, are in this area. So, if you are an avid marine life enthusiast looking for a red sea snorkeling getaway, you must try out this fantastic location.
Blue Hole (Dahab)
Blue Hole, a natural sinkhole with dramatic coral walls that plunge into the more bottomless ocean, is another spot that might intrigue you. With unbeatable underwater scenery, you can see everything from colorful reef fish to reef sharks. This has gained popularity due to its geographical formation, and it is suitable for snorkelers of every skill level.
Tiran Island (Sharm El Sheikh)
Tiran Island is another famous hotspot for snorkeling on the Egyptian coast. This offshore island is usually accessed via boat tours and offers some of the best untouched and secluded snorkeling spots. Being away from the crowded shore snorkelling spots, the visibility is comparatively high, and you might even have a chance of facing off with exotic species like rays and sharks.
Abu Dabbab Bay (Marsa Alam)
Abu Dabbab Bay is another very famous spot for snorkelling in Egypt. The bay is renowned for its resident Dugong population, which offers a chance to snorkel with these rare marine mammals among the seagrass meadows. Apart from these chunky fellows, you would also get to see turtles.
El Quseir
El Quesir is an interesting Red Sea snorkeling location. This spot offers tranquil snorkelling opportunities off the beaten path. Vibrant house reefs are accessible by foot from the shore, and some resorts even offer specialised tours to explore these reefs.
Fury Shoals
Fury Shoals is a remote snorkeling location in the Red Sea that offers visitors a tranquil and peaceful snorkelling experience. If you’re looking for places with quiet, calm vibes to explore the marine environment, this is the place to be.
Makadi Bay
Makadi Bay offers the best snorkelling in the Red Sea for beginners. With lively house reefs, colorful corals and seagrass meadows, the possibilities of spotting unique and exotic marine species are limitless. This is the place to be if you want a luxury Red Sea snorkelling experience.
Giftun Island (Hurghada)
Giftun Island is another offshore snorkeling location accessible from the Egyptian coastline. It offers a chance to witness fantastic coral formations underwater with crystal clear visibility. The sandy beaches on this spectacular island also provide ample opportunities to relax between snorkelling sessions.
Sataya Reef (Dolphin Reef)
Sataya Reef is well regarded among the community for its possibility of snorkelling with resident spinner dolphins. You don’t have to search for these bubbly creatures; they will find you and interact with you while trying to explore the underwater world of vibrant coral gardens.
Soma Bay
Soma Bay has one of the longest house reefs on Egypt’s coastline, giving ample opportunities to explore this vibrant underwater world. With crystal clear water, you will have a great time swimming through these reefs, meeting exotic fish, and occasionally spotting turtles and dolphins.
Jordan – Compact but Colorful
South Beach (Aqaba Marine Park)
South Beach of Jordan, commonly known as Aqaba Marine Ark, is a marine park with many things to explore. From vibrant coral reefs to shipwrecks and aquatic animals, the Jordanian Red Coast is a place to be, even for beginners.
Saudi Arabia – Hidden Gem of Red Sea Snorkeling
Al Lith (Off Jeddah)
Al Lith is located off the coast of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and is a famous spot for snorkelling in the entire Saudi Arabian coastline. This excellent snorkeling spot offers remote reefs in pristine conditions, which attracts many advanced snorkelers. If you’re lucky, you might even see whale sharks in this location.
Farasan Islands (Asir Region)
Farasan Islands is a remote archipelago that offers an untouched marine environment for snorkelling. The pristine conditions of these vibrant coral reefs will blow your mind away. There are abundant sightings of marine species that call these reefs home; some are even endemic to this region.
Jeddah & Yanbu Reefs
Jeddah and Yanbu are the most popular snorkeling spots in the whole Red Sea. These popular laces are often crowded, but due to the large, extensive reef systems, there are ample opportunities for all snorkelers to enjoy the marine exploration adventure.
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Duba (Tabuk Region)
Duba is another lesser-known snorkelling spot in Saudi Arabia. It also offers untouched marine reefs. If you are looking for a spot away from the crowds for a peaceful and quiet marine adventure, this is the place to be.
Sudan – Remote and Remarkable
Sanganeb Atoll
Sangeneb Atoll is located off the coast of the Port Sudan area. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic coral formations. This marine protected area offers snorkeling conditions alongside pristine coral reefs and large pelagic fish. Due to its protected nature, the environment is at its best.
Sha’ab Rumi Reef
This is the most famous snorkelling spot in Sudan. It features steep walls covered in vibrant corals, which allows a unique experience for all marine adventure enthusiasts. Very is famous for Jacques Cousteau’s expedition; if you would like to have a similar experience, this is the place to be.
Eritrea – The Frontier of Snorkeling the Red Sea
Dahlak Archipelago
Dahlak Archipelago, located off the coast of Eritrea, offers remote snorkelling experiences. Filled with amazing marine wildlife and coral formations, it offers untouched marine exploration opportunities for all snorkelers.
Liveaboard Trips
St. John’s Reef (Deep South Egypt)
St. John’s Reef is located off the coast of Egypt and is only accessible via a liveaboard trip. This remote location is ideal for experienced snorkelers to witness truly untouched reefs. The richness in biodiversity would blow your mind away. Here, you would get the chance to see vibrant corals, tropical fish, and even the occasional shark.
The Brothers Islands (Egypt)
This is another remote location off the coast of Egypt. It is known for its dramatic underwater landscapes, featuring steep walls covered in coral formations. This is also ideal for advanced snorkelers, and in addition to looking for vibrant corals, you will get the chance to spot large pelagic species like hammerhead sharks or manta rays.
From Egypt’s bustling reef scenes to Eritrea’s untouched archipelagos, snorkelling in the Red Sea promises unforgettable encounters and endless beauty. Whether you’re looking for beginner-friendly bays or remote reefs reachable only by boat, the best snorkelling in Red Sea has a destination just for you. Don’t forget to bookmark this list of the top 20 Red Sea snorkeling spots—from Egypt to Eritrea—and explore a marine paradise unlike any other.
