Which Red Sea Snorkelling Trip Should You Choose After a Nile Cruise?
It depends on where you stay and who you are travelling with. From Sharm El Sheikh, Ras Mohammed is the classic choice for reefs. From Hurghada, Giftun Island and Orange Bay suit families, and Dolphin House suits wildlife lovers. Dahab’s Blue Hole is for confident swimmers. And if someone in your group does not swim, a semi-submarine lets them see the reef too.
Many travellers finish a Nile cruise with a few days on the Red Sea. Here is how the main snorkelling trips compare.
Ras Mohammed, from Sharm El Sheikh
Best for: the best reefs, and snorkellers of all levels.
Ras Mohammed National Park sits at the southern tip of Sinai, where the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba meet. Steep coral walls and big shoals of fish make it famous. A boat day usually includes two or three snorkelling stops, plus White Island sandbank when park rules allow. See our Ras Mohammed day boat.
Giftun Island and Orange Bay, from Hurghada
Best for: families and beach time.
The Giftun islands are a protected area offshore from Hurghada. The day mixes reef stops with time on the pale sand of Orange Bay, where the water is calm and shallow on most days. See our Orange Bay and Giftun Island boat day.
Dolphin House, from Hurghada
Best for: wildlife lovers.
A horseshoe reef north of Hurghada where spinner dolphins often rest. On many days you can snorkel near them, but sightings are never guaranteed, and nobody should touch or chase them. See our dolphin watching and snorkelling boat.
The Blue Hole and the Canyon, in Dahab
Best for: confident swimmers.
Shore snorkelling, no boat needed. You swim along the shallow rim of the Blue Hole and the reef at the Canyon. Deep diving at the Blue Hole is only for experienced, qualified divers. See our Dahab Blue Hole snorkelling day.
Semi-submarine, from Hurghada
Best for: non-swimmers, young children and older travellers.
The boat stays on the surface, but its lower deck sits below the waterline with large windows. You watch the coral from a seat. Most trips add an optional snorkelling stop. See our glass-bottom semi-submarine cruise.
Quick comparison
- Best reefs: Ras Mohammed.
- Best for children: Orange Bay or the semi-submarine.
- Best chance of dolphins: Dolphin House.
- No boat needed: the Blue Hole and the Canyon.
- Non-swimmers: the semi-submarine.
Do I need to bring my own gear?
Not usually, but it varies by boat. We confirm on your quote whether masks, snorkels and fins are included. If you wear glasses, a prescription mask from home is worth packing.
Are park fees included?
National park and protected area fees are often separate. Your quote will say whether they are included.
What if the sea is rough?
The crew chooses the stops on the day, based on the wind and the sea. On a rough day a boat may change route or the trip may be moved. Calm mornings are usually best.
Any tips for the reef?
- Use reef-safe sun cream, and wear a T-shirt in the water to avoid burning your back.
- Never touch, stand on or kick the coral.
- Non-swimmers can use a life jacket and stay close to the boat.
Planning the whole trip? Read our Nile cruise and Red Sea itinerary. Every snorkelling trip on our site is quoted on request, with pickup from your hotel.
