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Travel

by Iffat Nawaz

Diving And Snorkelling Hotspots In the Red Sea

8 Sept 2025

Source: unsplash.com

The Red Sea, stretching over 2,000 kilometres along the coasts of Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and more, is a world-renowned destination for underwater exploration. With its consistently warm, crystal-clear waters and incredible visibility, it is a paradise for divers and snorkelers of all skill levels.

What sets the Red Sea apart are its exceptional geological formations, from underwater caves and drop-offs to pristine coral gardens, which are home to some of the world's most diverse and resilient marine ecosystems.

The rich and healthy coral reefs teem with a tremendous variety of marine life, including schools of colourful fish, graceful sea turtles, and majestic manta rays. This one-off environment, with its high salinity and limited freshwater runoff, creates exceptional diving conditions, offering phenomenal opportunities to explore throughout the year. Plan your next snorkelling adventure in the Red Sea and discover the magic beneath the surface!

Whether you are a seasoned professional seeking thrilling drift dives and deep wrecks or a family looking to experience the magic of the underwater world for the first time, the Red Sea is the best for an unforgettable adventure. From famous hubs like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh to more remote dive sites accessible by liveaboard, the Red Sea is an undisputed hotspot for your next diving or snorkelling holiday. Let's dive in with The Sandy Times to get more details about the best diving and snorkelling spots in the Red Sea.

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Ras Mohamed National Park. Source: commons.wikimedia.org

Hotspots for Red Sea diving

The Red Sea is a distinguished diving destination, boasting some of the world's most beautiful coral reefs, plentiful marine life, and highly diverse sites to dive. Spanning across several countries, it dispenses a unique diving experience.

Egypt

  • SS Thistlegorm: A must-visit wreck dive site, featuring military supplies and an array of marine life.
  • Ras Mohammed Marine Park: A protected area with stunning coral reefs, drop-offs, and an abundance of marine life.
  • Elphinstone Reef: A well-known spot for drift and wall diving, featuring colourful soft corals and a variety of fish.
  • The Brothers: Acclaimed for dramatic encounters with pelagic species, including manta rays and sharks.

Saudi Arabia

  • Abu Galawa Reef: A heavenly reef in the Seven Sisters area, known for its vibrant coral and marine life.
  • Farasan Banks: An excellent spot for spotting whale sharks from March to June.

Jordan

  • Aqaba: An underwater paradise spot for shore diving, boasting healthy corals and a diverse array of marine life.

Sudan

  • Sha➫ Rumi South: A spectacular dive site with awe-inspiring hammerhead sharks.
  • Umbria Wreck: A massive shipwreck covered in coral and home to manta rays, whale sharks, and tiger sharks.
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Stern view of SS Umbria wreck. Source: commons.wikimedia.org

Tips for diving in the Red Sea

  • March to May and September to November offer comfortable temperatures and optimal visibility.
  • Advisable for all levels, from beginner to advanced.
  • Go for liveaboard trips — a great way to explore remote areas and make the most of your dive time.
  • Always use a surface marker buoy (SMB) for drift dives and follow local guidelines.
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Source: unsplash.com

Best spots for Red Sea snorkelling

The Red Sea offers some of the best snorkelling opportunities in the world. With numerous locations to explore coral reefs, exotic fish, and crystal-clear waters, the Red Sea has it all. Popular snorkelling spots arranged according to countries include:

Egypt

  • Sharm El Sheikh: A top rated snorkelling destination with pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life.
  • Hurghada: Well reputed for its shallow, warm waters and lush coral gardens, it makes it ideal for beginners.
  • Marsa Alam: A growing hub for snorkelling and diving, with choices to see marine life, including sea turtles and dugongs.

Saudi Arabia

  • Jeddah: Spectacular coral reefs easily accessible from shore.
  • Yanbu: A more local experience with scenarios to swim with colourful fish and explore underwater caves.
  • Sharm Obhur: Rich marine life, including sea turtles and lionfish.
  • Farasan Islands: Pristine coral reefs with incredible biodiversity.

Jordan

  • Aqaba Marine Park: A protected area with knock-out coral reefs and diverse marine life, including clownfish and angelfish.
  • Japanese Garden: A shallow reef with colourful coral and abundant fish.
  • The Tank (Seven Sisters): A sunken American tank turned artificial reef, teeming with marine life.
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Source: unsplash.com

Tips for snorkelling in the Red Sea

  • Avoid touching or climbing on the reefs to prevent damage. Maintain a safe distance.
  • Be mindful of potential encounters with venomous creatures and give them space.
  • Guided boat trips can take you to multiple snorkelling spots and provide access to exceptional house reefs and national parks.
  • Organisations like PADI or Coral Garden Diving Centre can offer equipment rental, tours, and advice.
  • Wear water shoes to avoid cuts from rocks and sharp coral.
  • Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the ecosystem.

A Red Sea snorkelling tour by boat can take you to multiple prime locations, including those with better reef health and fewer crowds.