Snorkeling
Snorkeling is definitely the most enjoyable activity above the spectrum of colors just under these waters. The bays, reef walls and off-shore reefs along the coastline are some of the most pristine underwater habitats in the world. It's very common to run into turtles, reef sharks, or dolphins anywhere along the coastline.
When snorkeling from the shore it is important to only enter the water from a designated area like a bay (marsa) or lagoon (halk). Crossing the back reef to enter the water can be dangerous and we recommend that you wear adequate skin protection (from the sun and against abrasions) and rubber-soled booties when entering the water.
In addition to the specialist snorkeling trips below, most of the dive sites at our three villages are suitable for snorkelers. Please check in the diving centre to find out more information about joining our dive trips as a snorkeler.
Marsa Shagra House Reef
Guests staying at Marsa Shagra are invited to enjoy snorkeling free of charge (excluding equipment) on the house reef. It is, without doubt, one of the best house reefs with a huge diversity of marine life and is accessible to all levels of swimmer, snorkeler and diver. The house reef extends for over 2km from north to south meeting in a protected bay in the middle with access directly at the beach. The house reef offers a variety of marine life from resident green and hawksbill turtles, black tip and white tip reef sharks, rays, many Red Sea reef fish and sometimes passing whale sharks and manta rays. It is not uncommon to encounter spinner dolphins visiting the bay for protection, particularly in the early morning. Zodiacs are available at the jetty from early morning until sunset for those who wish to explore the outer reef.
Available at Marsa Shagra
Satayah Reef (Dolphin Reef)
Satayah (Dolphin Reef) is a large reef which makes up part of the Fury Shoals reef system. Its large, shallow lagoon is a resting place for spinner dolphins and encounters here are often special, with dolphins in large numbers. While sightings are not guaranteed, this is one of the best places to encounter wild spinner dolphins in the Red Sea and those who make the trip out to this reef are usually not disappointed.
A variety of trip options are possible:
Day trips by big boat from Hamata Port (sailing time approximately 2 hours) Overnight trips by big boat from Hamata Port (sailing time approximately 2 hours) Daily speedboat trips from Wadi Lahami (sailing time approximately 45 minutes)
Available at all villages
Marsa Nakari House Reef
Marsa Nakari House Reef is easy to access from the beach, and offers both a North and South reef for snorkelers to explore. Snorkeling on the house reef is free of charge for guests staying Marsa Nakari Village. The house reef features diverse marine life and is a particular favourite of macro lovers due to the variety of macro critters which can often be found even in shallow water, such as velvet fish, ghost pipefish, seamoths and more. Turtles are fairly common in the bay as well as rays, napoleon wrasse, indian mackerel, reef squid, and sometimes dolphins and reef sharks.
The topography of the South part of the house reef is particularly interesting to explore, with pinnacles and coral blocks covered in marine life. The north side also features a large patch of anemones. For those who want to explore the outer reef zodiacs are available from early morning until sunset.
Due to the north facing orientation of the bay sometimes rubbish washes in from the open sea in windy conditions. We do our best to keep it clean but also appreciate the help of our guests.
Shaab Samadai (Dolphin House)
Shaab Samadai (Dolphin House) is a designated marine park and has been protected by law in order to protect the spinner dolphins that come to rest there during the day. It is a pretty reef which offers beautiful snorkeling opportunities offering a variety of fish life and hard coral gardens, as well as the possibility of encountering spinner dolphins. Guests should be aware that due to the marine park rules, guests and guides must wear life vests at all times while in the water, and there are certain areas which are ‘off-limits’ to snorkelers in order to give the dolphins space to rest alone. We access the reef from Marsa Nakari village by zodiac in around 20 minutes (additional 30 minutes by car to Marsa Nakari for guests staying at Marsa Shagra).
Available at Marsa Nakari & Marsa Shagra
Fury Shoals
The world famous Fury Shoals reef system in the Deep South of Egypt is easily accessible from our third village, Wadi Lahami.
Due to the number of reefs that make up this system, the area is protected and reasonably shallow, with reefs coming almost to the surface. This means that almost all the dive sites we access from Wadi Lahami are also suitable for snorkelers, even beginners.
The coral landscapes in this region are some of the most pristine that can be found, with huge hard coral gardens, colourful soft corals and beautiful marine life that inhabits it.
As well as the beautiful coral and reef fish, there is also the chance to spot dugongs, turtles, rays, sharks and dolphins.
Available at wadi lahami village
