The Red Sea reefs
Hard coral and parrotfish a few metres from shore, along the whole coast.
Duration
2 hrs – 4 hrs
Best time
Mornings, before the wind
Open
Every day
Entry price
To confirm
The Red Sea is a young ocean arm, formed by the African and Arabian plates pulling apart, and its geometry explains its reefs: few rivers run into it, so there is little sediment, so the water is very clear and sunlight reaches the coral at depth.
It holds over two hundred species of hard and soft coral, a good share of which exist nowhere else. Along much of the Hurghada coast the fringing reef starts a few metres out: you enter from a jetty and are above the drop-off within a few strokes.
Getting there
From the hotel jetties along the coast or the public beaches. The fringing reef starts a few metres out.
What the price covers
hotel beach access is charged for non-residents; mask and snorkel are hired
What to bring
- Mask and snorkel
- Reef shoes
- Board
Rules on site
Stonefish and sea urchins live on the reef flat: never put a foot on the reef, and wear booties. The wind gets up in the early afternoon and chops the surface.
