Sharm El Shiekh,11 Spots for snorkeling & diving excursions

Sharm El Sheikh is a great place for those who love diving and snorkeling because of its stunning marine life and crystal-clear waters. The vibrant coral reefs and the diverse marine ecosystem provide unforgettable underwater experiences, whether you are a seasoned diver or a new snorkeler. Here are some of the best locations in Sharm El Sheikh for diving and snorkeling

1.Ras Mohammed National Park:

Highlights

Location: On the Sinai Peninsula’s southernmost tip.
Features: Amazing coral reefs, diverse marine life, and underwater caves.

Experience Level: Suitable for novices and seasoned divers.
One of the most famous diving destinations in the world, Ras Mohammed National Park is a protected area. Over 1,000 fish species, 150 coral species, and various sea creatures—rays, turtles, and even sometimes sharks—are found in the park. This is a must-visit destination because of the coral reefs’ health and the clear water.

2.Tiran Island:

Highlights

Location: It is at the Gulf of Aqaba’s entrance.

Features: Each of the four main reefs—Jackson, Gordon, Thomas, and Woodhouse—offers unique diving adventures.

Experience Level: Suitable for all levels, but due to strong currents, some sites are better suited for divers with more experience.

Another excellent place for diving and snorkeling is Tiran Island. The area’s stunning reefs and diverse marine life are well-known. The water visibility is high, and schools of fish, barracudas, and even dolphins can be seen easily here. The coral reefs are in excellent condition.

3.Dahab’s Blue Hole:

Highlights

Location: North of Sharm El Sheikh, near the town of Dahab.

Features: A circular sinkhole that is deeper than 100 meters deep.

Due to the technical nature of the dive, this is the most suitable experience level for divers with experience.

The Blue Hole in Dahab, a world-famous dive site, is worth mentioning, though it is not actually in Sharm El Sheikh. Its deep blue waters and arduous dives draw adventurous divers who want to explore its depths. The shallow areas around the Blue Hole give snorkelers the chance to see a variety of marine life and vibrant corals.

4.Shark and Yolanda Reef:

Highlights

Location: It is in Ras Mohammed National Park.

Features: Named after the cargo ship Yolanda, which sank in 1980.

Due to strong currents, this experience level is suitable for experienced divers.

Another popular diving spot in Ras Mohammed National Park is Yolanda Reef and Shark Shark. The site is famous for its dramatic underwater scenery; among these are the remains of the Yolanda wreck, which spilled pipes, toilets, and bathtubs into the sea; and large coral formations. In addition, a wide range of fish and occasionally sharks live in this region.

 5.Naama Bay:

Highlights

Located in the middle of Sharm El Sheikh  :Features: Direct beach access to reefs is simple.

Experience Level: Ideal for families and beginners. For those who prefer snorkeling right off the beach, Naama Bay is the perfect place. Ensuring calm waters and convenient access to the coral reefs, the bay is protected. For families and beginners, there is a lot of marine life to look at in shallow waters.

6.Ras Um Sid:

Highlights

Location: Near the lighthouse of Sharm El Sheikh.
Features: Diverse fish species and rich coral gardens.

Experience Level: Compatible with all levels.

Ras Um Sid is famous for its impressive fish variety and stunning coral gardens. Popular for diving and snorkeling, the location is accessible from the shore. An abundance of marine life and vibrant corals make the underwater scenery here stunning.

7.Tiran’s Straits:

Location: Located between the Sinai Peninsula and Tiran Island.
Features: Deep walls, strong currents, and pelagic species.

Experience Level: Ideal for divers with experience.

Some of the most exciting diving experiences in Sharm El Sheikh can be found at the Straits of Tiran. Larger pelagic animals like barracudas and sharks are attracted to deep walls and strong currents. A favorite among experienced divers is the area due to its stunning underwater topography and rich marine life.

8.Jackson Reef

Highlights:

Location: Northernmost reef in the Tiran Island group.

Features: Deep walls, diverse marine life, wreck of the Lara.

Experience Level: Suitable for experienced divers due to strong currents.

Jackson Reef is known for its steep walls and strong currents, attracting a variety of large pelagic species. The wreck of the Lara, a Cypriot freighter that sank in 1981, lies at the northern end of the reef and adds to the underwater attractions.

9.Gordon Reef

Highlights:

Location: Part of the Tiran Island group.

Features: Shallow reefs, diverse coral formations, wreck of the Loullia.

Experience Level: Suitable for all levels.

Gordon Reef is famous for its shallow coral gardens and the wreck of the Loullia, a Panamanian cargo ship that ran aground in 1981. The reef offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities with abundant marine life.

10.Thomas Reef

Highlights:

Location: Part of the Tiran Island group.

Features: Vertical walls, deep canyons, vibrant coral formations.

Experience Level: Best suited for experienced divers.

Thomas Reef is known for its vertical walls and deep canyons, offering some of the most spectacular underwater scenery in the Tiran Island group. The strong currents and depth make it more suitable for experienced divers.

11.Woodhouse Reef

Highlights:

Location: Part of the Tiran Island group.

Features: Long, narrow reef with strong currents, diverse marine life.

Experience Level: Suitable for experienced divers.

Woodhouse Reef is a long and narrow reef with strong currents, making it an exciting dive for experienced divers. The reef is home to a variety of marine life, including turtles, rays, and schools of fish.

Tips for a Safe and Satisfying Experience:

• Check Weather: Before going out, always check the weather and sea conditions.
• Hire a Guide: If you are new to the area, consider joining a guided tour or hiring a local guide.
• Respect the Environment: Take care of the delicately structured marine ecosystem.
• Avoid disturbing marine life or touching corals.
• Stay Hydrated: Due to the intense sun, keep hydrated and bring plenty of water.
• Use sunscreen that is reef-safe: By using environmentally friendly sunscreen, you can safeguard your skin and the reefs.
• In Sharm El Sheikh, there are numerous opportunities for diving and snorkeling, and each site offers unique underwater experiences.
• The underwater landscapes and marine life are guaranteed to leave you in awe, whether you are exploring the deep waters of the Blue Hole or the vibrant reefs of Ras Mohammed. Enjoy diving!
  

  Explore Egypt Tour Tripadvisor