Snorkeling Trips from Sharm El Sheikh

Which tour suits whom?

Snorkeling tours from Sharm come in three kinds, and the length of the day usually tells you which. Half-day trips of four to five hours go by bus into Ras Mohammed National Park – Magic Lake, the Earthquake Crack, the mangroves, Allah’s Gate – with a swim or snorkel as one part of the programme. Boat days of six to nine hours spend most of their time on the water, with reef stops at Ras Mohammed and White Island or at Tiran. The longest are combination days with jeep, Coloured Canyon, camel and Dahab, where snorkeling is one stop among several.

Among the boat trips the differences are comfort and service rather than route. Standard boats serve a buffet or BBQ lunch on board and usually include the hotel transfer. Trips called Luxury, Premium or Elite promise more service on a similar route, one even a speedboat transfer and unlimited drinks, so read the inclusions instead of trusting the name. Some boats add an introductory dive, which suits a couple where only one wants to try scuba.

Families with small children and anyone who gets seasick will do best with a bus half-day, because no boat is involved. Keen snorkelers and photographers should pick a full boat day: more hours at the reef, fewer on the road.

Before booking, check the pick-up time for your bay, whether the park fee is included and what the lunch covers.