Okay so — real talk for a second. I still remember my first time putting my face underwater here. It was 2009, I was hungover (classic holiday mistake), and I honestly didn't expect much. Then I looked down.
Fish. Everywhere. Colors I didn't know existed. Coral that looked like someone painted it in Photoshop. I probably floated there for ten minutes just... staring. Like an idiot. Mouth-breathing into the snorkel. The German couple next to me definitely thought I was having some kind of episode.
Fifteen years later? Still get that same feeling sometimes.
Here's the thing though — not all snorkeling trips are created equal. Some are tourist traps where they pack 80 people on a boat and call it an "experience." Others? Actually magical. So let me break down what's worth your time (and money).
The Big Three: Where You Actually Want to Go
🏝️ Giftun Islands National Park
Giftun is like... the Disneyland of Red Sea snorkeling. But in a good way? Protected marine park, which means the fish are genuinely chill around humans. Sea turtles just doing their thing. Coral gardens that make you forget you're floating 20 meters from a beach where some kid is screaming about ice cream.
The islands themselves — proper white sand, palm trees, the whole postcard situation. You'll spend maybe 3-4 hours in the water and the rest building sandcastles or just... existing in paradise. Not complicated.
One warning though: the boat ride can get choppy. Took my mum here once — she was... not amused. Seasickness tablets. Trust me.
🧡 Orange Bay Island
Orange Bay is newish — opened maybe 5 or 6 years ago? And honestly? It's the one I recommend when people say "I want something relaxed and Instagram-worthy."
It's more of a... beach club vibe than hardcore snorkeling. They've got sunbeds everywhere, this floating bar thing where you can drink cocktails while literally standing in the sea (genius, honestly), and the snorkeling area is calm and shallow enough that even complete beginners feel safe.
Took my friend Sarah here — she was terrified of fish touching her. By the end she was swimming around like she'd been doing it for years. The shallow sections really help nervous people relax.
🐬 Dolphin House (Sha'ab El Erg)
This is why people come to Hurghada. Full stop.
Sha'ab El Erg — locals call it Dolphin House — is this horseshoe-shaped reef where wild spinner dolphins like to hang out in the mornings. Not trained dolphins. Not "swim with dolphins" tourist nonsense. Actual wild dolphins that could swim away whenever they want... but don't. They just... chill there. Play with each other. Sometimes come check you out.
Had a British lady on my boat last year who started crying when they swam past. Like, proper sobbing. Her husband just kept saying "I know, I know" while filming everything. Most magical wildlife moment of my life — her words, not mine. But also... yeah, accurate.
The reef itself is gorgeous too. Huge coral formations, giant moray eels hiding in crevices, that sort of thing. But let's be honest — you're going for the dolphins.
Quick Comparison (I know, I know, you're skimming)
| Place | How Long | Who It's For | Damage to Wallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giftun Islands | Full day | Everyone, really. Families especially. | €35-55ish |
| Orange Bay | Full day | Couples. Instagram people. Relaxation seekers. | €50-75ish |
| Dolphin House | Half day | Wildlife nerds. Bucket-listers. | €40-60ish |
| Mahmya Island | Full day | Fancy people. Honeymooners. | €65-90ish |
| Private Boat | Your call | Groups. Control freaks. Birthdays. | €300-500 (total) |
🌟 Okay but actually listen to this
For Dolphin House — book the 6:30 AM departure. Yes, it's brutal. Yes, you'll want to die when the alarm goes off. But dolphins are most active early morning before all the boats show up. By 10 AM it's a flotilla out there and the dolphins have had enough.
There's this captain at the marina — Ahmed something, boat's called "Sea Dream" or "Sea Star" (sorry, terrible memory) — anyway, he knows EXACTLY where the pods hang out. Ask around. The locals know him.
What to Actually Pack
Every guide lists the same stuff. But here's what you'll actually want:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (seriously, the reef doesn't need more chemicals)
- Rash guard — unless you want to look like a lobster
- Waterproof phone case (the good kind, not the £3 one that leaks)
- GoPro or underwater camera if you have one
- Seasickness tablets (drama prevention)
- Towel and dry clothes (you'll be salty)
- Cash for tips — around €5-10 per crew member (see my tipping guide)
- Snacks if you're a hungry person (not everyone is)
Real Talk: Safety Stuff
The Sun Will Destroy You
Look — I'm not being dramatic. The Egyptian sun at noon is like standing under a heat lamp. And here's the sneaky part: you're in the water, you feel cool, you think you're fine. Then you get back on the boat and realize you've burned your entire back, shoulders, and that random patch behind your knees you forgot about.
Apply sunscreen BEFORE you get on the boat. Reapply constantly. Wear a rash guard. I don't care if it's not "sexy." Neither is skin cancer.
Don't Touch the Reef (Please)
The coral is alive. Which sounds obvious but people still stand on it, grab it for balance, kick it with their fins... it takes decades to grow and seconds to kill. Just float. If you can't float comfortably, get a life jacket — no shame in it.
Also — don't chase the fish. Or the turtles. Or especially the dolphins. They'll come to you if they want. Usually they want.
Hydration Matters
Saltwater + sun + exercise = dehydration city. Boats always have water and soft drinks. Drink them. Your head will thank you later.
🛡️ Quick Insurance Note
Even if you're just snorkeling, accidents happen (coral cuts, sea urchins, slipping on the boat ladder). Make sure your travel insurance covers "water sports".
I recommend Ekta — they cover snorkeling and diving automatically.
👉 Get a Quote
or see my Full Insurance Guide.
Questions Everyone Asks
Where is the best place for snorkeling in Hurghada?
The **Giftun Islands** (Orange Bay, Paradise, Mahmya) are the gold standard because they have shallow sandy entries perfect for beginners. For seeing actual coral reefs, the **Old Sheraton** reef (check hotel access) or the reefs around **Small Giftun** are incredible. Dolphin House (Sha'ab Samadai) is world-famous but is further out.
Is snorkeling better in Marsa Alam or Hurghada?
Honest answer? Marsa Alam has healthier reefs and more sea turtles/dugongs because it's quieter. Hurghada has better access, more boats, and is much cheaper. If you want pristine untouched nature, go to Marsa Alam. If you want a fun day out with easy logistics, Hurghada wins.
What is the difference between Orange Bay and Paradise Island?
This confuses everyone. **Orange Bay** has that shallow, ankle-deep water that looks like the Maldives (great for Instagram). **Paradise Island** has a more traditional beach layout with umbrellas and a lively party vibe. Both are on Giftun Island, just different sides. Orange Bay is generally more "chill", Paradise is more "fun".
How to get to Giftun Island from Hurghada?
You can't swim there! You need a boat. You have two main ways: 1) A full-day boat tour (costs €25-40, includes lunch and snorkeling stops). 2) A private speedboat rental (faster, more expensive, total freedom). Do NOT try to rent a jetski to get there — it's too far and unsafe.
Wait, I can't really swim. Is this stupid?
Nope! Life jackets are available on every single trip. Some people snorkel their entire lives wearing one. The important thing is being comfortable in your face mask — practice in shallow water first if you're nervous. For Dolphin House though... yeah, ideally you want to be able to swim a bit, since the reef is deeper.
Best time of year for snorkeling?
Honestly? Year-round is fine. Water's around 21°C in winter (you'll want a wetsuit), maybe 28°C in summer. Best visibility is usually spring and autumn — see my weather guide. Perfect weather, fewer people, dolphins are around.
Can I bring my kids?
Giftun and Orange Bay are perfect for families — shallow areas, calm water, patient crew. Most operators take kids aged 6 and up. They've got child-sized gear. But maybe skip Dolphin House until they're older and stronger swimmers.
Should I bring my own gear?
If you have a mask that fits your face perfectly? Bring it. Nothing ruins a snorkel trip faster than a leaky mask. Everything else (fins, snorkel) is usually fine quality from the rentals.
I get seasick. Help?
Mate same. Take tablets 30-60 minutes BEFORE boarding — they don't work if you wait until you feel sick. Sit in the middle of the boat, not the front or back. Stay outside, look at the horizon. And if all else fails... Orange Bay has the shortest boat ride.
Right then. Go Book Something.
Stop scrolling. The Red Sea isn't going to swim itself. 🐠
See All ActivitiesFinal Thoughts (Then I'll Shut Up)
Look, you can book through your hotel — they'll mark it up 30% and put you on a crowded boat. Or you can walk to the marina yourself, find an operator, and negotiate. Same trips, way better prices, smaller groups.
Book 1-2 days ahead in peak season (December-February, July-August). Otherwise you can usually just show up same-day.
Whether you choose Giftun's classic vibes, Orange Bay's chill beach situation, or the absolute madness of dolphins swimming three feet from your face at sunrise... you're in for something special.
The Red Sea really is one of those places that deserves all the hype. And Hurghada is the easiest way to experience it.
Now seriously — close this tab and go book already. 🌊