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.