Snorkelling and Diving the Red Sea: Where to Go for What

The Red Sea has warm water, high visibility and healthy coral along most of the Egyptian coast, but the four main bases offer quite different experiences.

Hurghada — easiest, best for families

Reefs are a short boat ride offshore, the shallows are calm, and there are more non-diving options than anywhere else.

Also the best base if you want to combine the sea with a Luxor day trip.

Sharm El Sheikh — the best reefs

Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran are world-class, with dramatic drop-offs and big pelagics.

Better for confident swimmers and divers than for nervous first-timers.

Dahab — shore diving and freediving

The Blue Hole and the Canyon are accessible directly from the shore. No boat required.

One of the world's freediving capitals, with a very relaxed town attached.

Marsa Alam — wildlife

Dugongs and green turtles in the seagrass bays, and Elphinstone for serious divers.

Quietest and least developed of the four.

Reef etiquette that actually matters

Do not touch, stand on, or kick the coral. A single fin strike can destroy decades of growth.

Reef-safe sunscreen, or better, a rash vest instead of sunscreen.

Keep three metres from turtles and dugongs. Chasing them is why they leave.