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Top Five Snorkeling Sites in Sharm el Sheikh
One of the best things about Sharm el Sheikh is that not only is it a short flight from Europe and the UK, it also boasts some of the best marine life in the world combined with 30 metre plus visibility. Sharm is already well known for top-class diving and year-round sunshine but there is also a plethora of sites that are ideal for snorkeling.
Water temperatures in Sharm seldom drop below 22 degrees Celsius even during the coldest winter months (January, February, and March). This allows you to enjoy your snorkeling in a rash vest and shorts or a thin wetsuit at any time of year.
With over 1200 species of fish and 250 different species of hard and soft coral and the majority of the reefs starting at only half a metre under the surface, this jewel will not disappoint even the most experienced snorkeler. Furthermore, as most snorkeling is guided you will not feel like a second-class citizen when compared to divers.
Without further ado, let’s jump straight in and discover five of the best sites for you to snorkel during your next visit to Sharm el Sheikh.
1) Jackfish Alley
Experience level: Medium
This reef system in Ras Mohamed National Park explodes with colour as you place your face in the water. It is one of the only areas in Sharm where you can clearly see the hard Porites corals from the surface ― which look like sacks of potatoes covered in velvet.
It is also possible to view a barracuda cleaning station at a depth of only five metres ― which is fascinating to watch as the smaller cleaner wrasse work their way in and out of this substantial fish’s mouth and gills.
As you work your way along, you are greeted by carpets of soft pink corals that look just like a duvet cover. In the sandy alley itself, it is sometimes possible to catch a glimpse of free-swimming moray eels, eagle rays, white tip reef sharks, and of course, jackfish. The current strength in this area can be reasonably strong and usually runs parallel to the reef. However, I would strongly recommend staying with the guide to see all the best features.
2) Gordon Reef
Experience level: Medium
Located in the Straits of Tiran protected area at the beginning of the Gulf of Aqaba, this is a fantastic place if you adore a reef that is just plain pretty. The coral begins at about half a metre under the surface and gently slopes down to around five metres where it is met by a white sand bottom that reflects the sunlight, before progressing to the outer, deeper reef at around 18 metres.
There are many of the Red Sea usual suspects here, such as masked butterfly fish, yellow bar angelfish, and even crocodile fish basking in the sunny sandy areas. If you are lucky, you may even spot one of the resident hawksbill turtles.
Currents on this reef can be strong at certain times of the tide, so be sure to follow your guide’s instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience.
3) Ras Katy
Experience level: Medium
This snorkel spot never seems to receive the recognition that it deserves, with most water lovers requesting to visit the Straits of Tiran or Ras Mohamed instead. However, this site is definitely one that you shouldn’t miss. It is one of the locations where you can jump in and see anything from fully grown curious eagle rays to scalloped hammerhead sharks.
Whilst it can be accessed from the shore, the steps are steep and the gates are sometimes locked ― so better not to chance it and visit by boat instead. Another bonus of reaching this area by boat is that you can enjoy a drift snorkel ― allowing you to cover a larger distance and perhaps see the schooling Red Sea bannerfish.
Similarly, to Gordon, the reef plate starts at only half a meter before progressing down to a sandy area which leads to deeper corals. Once again current strength can be strong, especially when reaching the corner.
4) Ras Nasrani
Experience level: Medium
As one of the most beautiful areas, this is like three sites rolled into one and the first time I ever snorkeled here, it reminded me of a magical wonderland. Typically done with the reef on your left as a drift snorkel from the boat, it starts with a drop-off, then a sandy area and finishes with a magnificent coral plateau.
As you swim along the wall, there is a good chance to spot large-sized napoleons, tuna, and trevally jackfish. In the sandy patch, you are almost guaranteed a snoozing pufferfish or a blue-spotted stingray. When you finally reach the flatter coral pasture, there are stunning gorgonian sea fans to enjoy.
As this snorkel starts in a sheltered bay, current in this area is minimal until you reach the corner. It is also usually sheltered from any wind. If you are fortunate enough to visit between May and September, plankton tends to get funnelled into this area ― meaning that there is also a good chance of spotting manta rays and whalesharks.
5) Na’ama Bay
Experience level: Easy
If boats are not your bag, or you are looking for a half-day of in water fun, then Na’ama Bay itself will not disappoint. Although many of the hotels have private beaches in this area, there are some public beaches where you can pay for day use ― giving you access to a sunbed and the sea.
This area is slightly different from the other reefs in this top five as it features one of the only sandy entrances to the Red Sea. Once you have simply walked into the water, you are greeted by small patch corals. One of the best things about this less publicised location is it acts as a nursery to a whole range of creatures ― including many fish that you will not see elsewhere.
Juvenile fish life can be found here in abundance, including eagle rays, network pipefish, angelfish, snapper, and tobies. Of course, if you look hard enough you still have car-sized napoleons, lionfish, and anemone fish as well.
There is rarely any current in this area, and as it is accessed from the shore, it is usually an unguided swim. There can be some boat traffic so if you are snorkeling with only a buddy, make sure to stick to the marked off snorkel and swim zones.
As passionate residents of our Dutch Caribbean Island, we must congratulate The Suit Ocean Team for creating more awareness about the importance of protecting our beautiful fringing reef systems in Curacao.
The film, Curacao Underwater Kunuku (Kunuku is Papiamento for Garden), not only documents this ultimate snorkeling adventure showing you how easy it is for everyone to access and enjoy a snorkel or diving experience, but it also showcases the interaction between man and nature, highlighting the beauty of underwater life while promoting conservation, preservation and the need to protect these vital habitats.
These are the key ingredients to this beautiful short film documentary. Watch NOW and please enjoy our “CURACAO UNDERWATER KUNUKU”.
This film, produced by the Lawrence Mensa Foundation (LMF), is also available in multiple languages including: Spanish, Papiamentu, Dutch, Portuguese and German.
Snorkeling in Europe brings to mind golden sands dotted with beach umbrellas, clear waters, and rocky landscapes busy with Mediterranean fish life. Europe offers all of that, but it also offers so much more for snorkelers. Among Europe’s diverse countries, you can find impossibly bright blue lagoons, idyllic islands, and pristine marine reserves that host thousands of sea turtles and playful seals. You can snorkel over a sunken Roman city and explore one of the world’s premier marine megafauna hotspots. Ready for a summer vacation? Get inspired with our round-up of 8 unique places to go snorkeling in Europe.
Comino, Malta
Sitting between the islands of Malta and Gozo, Comino Island is a paradise for snorkelers and divers alike. This tiny island hosts the brightest blue waters in the Maltese Islands and offers fantastic snorkeling among sheltered inlets and caves busy with diverse marine life.
Comino is best-known for hosting the Blue Lagoon; a bucket-list destination with crystal-clear waters and striking rocky landscapes. It is the perfect place to go snorkeling, take a hike, or simply marvel at the gorgeous scenery.
Medes Islands, Spain.
With over 500 dive sites and seaside destinations all along its coastline, Spain draws tourists from around the world. This vibrant country is one of Europe’s top vacation spots.
The Costa Brava in northeastern Spain is home to some of the most famous snorkeling spots in the country, one of which is the Medes Islands. This small archipelago of seven islets off L’Estartit is one of the best marine reserves in all of the Mediterranean.
Fishing was banned at the Medes Islands over 30 years ago, which has allowed marine life to flourish there. Seagrass meadows and rocky areas busy with fish await. A visit to this exceptional marine ecosystem is a must if you are visiting Spain.
Zakynthos, Greece.
If you love sea turtles, Greece should be top of your list of places to go snorkeling in Europe.
Zakynthos is home to Marathonisi Island, also known as ‘Turtle Island’. This small island sits within the National Marine Park of Zakynthos and is a vital breeding ground for loggerhead sea turtles. The National Marine Park of Zakynthos was created in 1999 to protect these turtles, plus rare Mediterranean monk seals, which give birth to their young in Zakynthos’s secluded caves.
Marathonisi, nearby Cameo Island, and Zakynthos, are the top places in Europe to swim with turtles. In the summer months, thousands of loggerhead turtles visit the area to lay their eggs and you can go snorkeling with them.
Lundy Island, United Kingdom.
Snorkeling with seals is bound to leave a smile on your face. These cheeky animals are known for getting up close to snorkelers, checking them out, and occasionally nibbling fins.
Lundy Island is one of the best places to go snorkeling with seals in Europe. This island sits just 12 miles off the coast of Devon and hosts a breeding colony of Atlantic grey seals. The seals can be found playing in the surf and lounging in the sunshine at various points around the island.
Grab your snorkeling kit and dive in. Below the water, you will find shallow sunlit kelp forests, a variety of reefs, sea caves, and pinnacles. Lundy is a popular place for diving, but you will see plenty of marine life from the surface, including bright cup corals, anemones, fish, and hopefully seals.
Sunken City of Baiae, Italy
Not every great snorkeling experience is about marine life. In Italy, you can snorkel over ancient Roman ruins.
Two thousand years ago, Baiae was the destination for rich Romans to escape the city and relax by the seaside. Countless emperors and merchants flocked to Baiae’s shores every year, until tectonic activity forced this thriving city underwater.
Today, Baiae is an intact underwater city and one of the top highlights of snorkeling and diving in Italy. Observing these ruins is a breath-taking experience that brings history to life. There are Roman statues, a thermal spa, paved roads, and pillars dating back to the 1st century BC.
Corsica, France
Corsica is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and shallow bays perfect for snorkeling with your kids.
This gorgeous island in the Mediterranean Sea boasts dramatic cliffs and white-sand beaches that hosts a wealth of accessible snorkeling spots. There are rich seagrass beds and rocky landscapes, plus small hidden coves dotted around the island. All of which host a diverse array of marine life, including huge schools of fish, octopi, moray eels, and starfish.
Corsica’s calm waters make it ideal not just for kids, but also for beginner snorkelers and those who want an easy time in the water. With water temperatures reaching up to 26 °C, plus water visibility of up to 30 meters, Corsica ticks the boxes for a laidback beach and snorkeling vacation.
Traun River, Austria
You might not think of Austria for snorkeling, but this land of iconic mountains and lush green landscapes has pristine lakes that attract divers and snorkelers every year. Away from the lakes, you can go snorkeling in spring-fed rivers that gleam in the sunshine.
Forget about floating on the surface when you go river snorkeling. At the Traun River in Upper Austria, river snorkeling involves rock jumping, canyoning, and some relaxed floating downstream. Along the way, you can explore interesting rock formations, underwater caves, and a waterfall, and meet freshwater fish life. This is also an excellent spot to go drift diving.
The Azores, Portugal
Sitting in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by endless blue waters, the Azores is a mecca for marine megafauna.
These famous islands host a remarkable amount of marine life, including more than 27 whale and dolphin species, mobula rays, and sharks. Snorkeling at the Azores is a great way to experience this wealth of life. You can swim with dolphins and snorkel among dozens of mobula rays and big pelagic fish.
And if you have a scuba certification, you can also go diving with mako and blue sharks. With water visibility reaching up to 60 meters, the Azores is incredible whichever way you choose to explore.
Kathryn Curzon, a conservationist and dive travel writer for SSI (Scuba Schools International), wrote this article.
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