Family Snorkeling in Hurghada: Fun for All Ages

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Family Snorkeling in Hurghada: Fun for All Ages. Book now and enjoy a wonderfull day with the whole family exploring the Red Sea in Hurghada. If you are looking for a family-friendly destination that offers stunning scenery, warm weather, and amazing snorkeling opportunities, then Hurghada is the place for you. Hurghada is a popular resort town on the Red Sea coast of Egypt, famous for its sandy beaches, coral reefs, and marine life. Whether you are a beginner or an expert snorkeler, you will find plenty of spots to explore the underwater world of Hurghada with your family.

In this article, we will guide you through some of the best snorkeling spots in Hurghada, both off the beach and on the nearby islands. We will also give you some tips on how to plan your family snorkeling trip, what to expect from the water conditions, and what to pack for your adventure.

Why Snorkel in Hurghada?

Hurghada is one of the most accessible and affordable destinations for snorkeling in Egypt. It has a long coastline with many resorts, hotels, and beaches that cater to different budgets and preferences. You can easily find a place to stay that suits your family’s needs and offers easy access to the water.

Hurghada also has a diverse and rich marine ecosystem that attracts snorkelers from all over the world. The Red Sea is home to more than 1,000 species of fish, 200 species of coral, and dozens of marine mammals, turtles, rays, and sharks. You can see colorful fish, coral gardens, shipwrecks, caves, and even dolphins while snorkeling in Hurghada.

Hurghada also has a pleasant climate all year round, with sunny days and warm water temperatures. The average air temperature ranges from 18°C (64°F) in winter to 33°C (91°F) in summer, while the water temperature ranges from 21°C (70°F) in winter to 29°C (84°F) in summer. The visibility is usually excellent, reaching up to 30 meters (100 feet) or more.

How to Plan Your Family Snorkeling Trip in Hurghada

There are two main ways to enjoy snorkeling in Hurghada: off the beach or on an excursion to the islands. Both options have their pros and cons, depending on your family’s preferences, budget, and time. Contact us for more info: https://www.snorkeling-hurghada.com/

Snorkeling Off the Beach

Snorkeling off the beach is convenient and cheap, as you don’t need to pay for transportation or entrance fees. You can simply walk into the water from your hotel or resort and start exploring the reef. However, not all beaches in Hurghada have good snorkeling conditions. Some of them have shallow water, rocky shorelines, or damaged coral due to human activity.

If you want to snorkel off the beach in Hurghada, you need to do some research and choose a beach that has a healthy and accessible reef. Some of the best beaches for snorkeling in Hurghada are:

  • Makadi Bay: This bay is located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Hurghada and offers some fantastic snorkeling directly off the beach. You can see clear water, colorful corals, and a variety of fish species. The ocean floor is not very deep and there are some shallow areas that are suitable for beginners and kids².
  • Sahl Hasheesh Bay: This bay is situated close to Makadi Bay, just a little towards the north. It has a more “romantic touch” to it and snorkeling is absolutely amazing³. You can see sea turtles, octopus, seahorses, crabs, angelfish, barracuda, grouper, pufferfish and more⁴. The coral reef attracts a variety of fish species.
  • Mahmya Beach: This beach is part of Giftun Island National Park and can be reached by boat from Hurghada Marina. It has a pristine white sand beach and a protected coral reef that is ideal for snorkeling². You can see butterflyfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish and more. The water is calm and clear.

Snorkeling on an Excursion to the Islands

Snorkeling on an excursion to the islands is more expensive and time-consuming than snorkeling off the beach but it offers a more rewarding and diverse experience. You can visit some of the most beautiful and remote islands in the Red Sea that have untouched coral reefs and abundant marine life. You can also enjoy other activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and lunch on the islands.

Some of the best islands for snorkeling in Hurghada are:

  • Giftun Islands: These are two islands (Big Giftun and Little Giftun) that are located east of Hurghada, in the Red Sea. They are part of a national park that protects the coral reefs and the wildlife. You can join a boat trip to visit these islands and snorkel in different spots around them. You can see dolphins, turtles, rays, and even sharks while snorkeling in Giftun Islands³.
  • Abu Ramada Island: This is a small island that is also known as the Aquarium because of its rich and colorful marine life. It is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in Hurghada and it offers a variety of coral formations and fish species. You can see lionfish, moray eels, triggerfish, and more². The water is deep and clear.
  • Magawish Island: This is another small island that has a shallow reef that is suitable for beginners and kids. It has a sandy bottom and a coral garden that hosts many fish species. You can see clownfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and more². The water is calm and turquoise.

What to Expect from the Water Conditions in Hurghada

The water conditions in Hurghada are generally favorable for snorkeling, but they can vary depending on the season, the weather, and the location. Here are some factors that you should consider before snorkeling in Hurghada:

  • Water Temperature: The water temperature in Hurghada is warm all year round, ranging from 21°C (70°F) in winter to 29°C (84°F) in summer. However, some people may still feel cold after spending some time in the water, especially if there is wind or current. Therefore, it is advisable to wear a wetsuit or a rash guard to keep yourself warm and comfortable while snorkeling.Click here for more info about the weather and water temperature all year round: https://duiken-hurghada.nl/wat-is-de-beste-periode-en-tijd-om-te-duiken-in-de-rode-zee-bij-hurghada-in-egypte/
  • Water Visibility: The water visibility in Hurghada is usually excellent, reaching up to 30 meters (100 feet) or more. However, it can be affected by plankton blooms, sandstorms, or waves that stir up the sediment. Therefore, it is advisable to check the weather forecast and the sea conditions before snorkeling and avoid snorkeling on windy or cloudy days.
  • Water Current: The water current in Hurghada is usually mild or moderate, but it can be strong or unpredictable in some spots or during some seasons. Therefore, it is advisable to always snorkel with a guide or a buddy who knows the area well and can help you if you get into trouble. It is also advisable to wear a life jacket or a flotation device to keep yourself safe and visible while snorkeling.
  • Water Depth: The water depth in Hurghada varies depending on the location and the tide. Some spots have shallow water that is easy to access from the shore, while others have deep water that requires a boat ride. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a spot that matches your skill level and comfort zone while snorkeling. It is also advisable to avoid touching or standing on the coral as it can damage the reef and hurt you.

What to Pack for Your Family Snorkeling Trip in Hurghada

Snorkeling in Hurghada is an amazing experience that you and your family will remember for a long time. However, you need to pack some essential items to make your trip more enjoyable and hassle-free. Here are some things that you should bring with you when you go snorkeling in Hurghada:

  • Snorkel Gear: You can either bring your own snorkel gear or rent it from your hotel or resort. However, if you have your own gear, you will have more comfort and hygiene while snorkeling. You will need a mask, a snorkel, and fins to explore the underwater world of Hurghada. You may also want to bring a wetsuit or a rash guard to keep yourself warm and protected from the sun.
  • Sun Protection: The sun in Hurghada can be very strong and harmful for your skin and eyes. Therefore, you should bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a cover-up to protect yourself from the sun while snorkeling. You should also apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before entering the water and reapply it every 2 hours or after swimming.
  • Water Bottle: Snorkeling can be dehydrating as you lose water through sweating and breathing. Therefore, you should bring a water bottle with you and drink plenty of water before, during, and after snorkeling. You should also avoid drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks as they can dehydrate you further.
  • Camera: Snorkeling in Hurghada will offer you many opportunities to capture beautiful photos and videos of the coral reefs and the marine life. Therefore, you should bring a camera with you to document your adventure. You can use a waterproof camera or a smartphone with a waterproof case to take photos and videos while snorkeling. You may also want to bring a selfie stick or a tripod to get better angles and shots. However, you should be careful not to drop your camera or disturb the wildlife while taking photos and videos.
  • Snacks: Snorkeling can be tiring and hungry as you burn calories and use energy. Therefore, you should bring some snacks with you to replenish your energy and satisfy your appetite while snorkeling. You can bring some fruits, nuts, granola bars, or sandwiches that are easy to eat and digest. You should also avoid eating too much or too spicy food before snorkeling as it can cause nausea or indigestion.
  • First Aid Kit: Snorkeling in Hurghada is generally safe and fun, but accidents can happen. Therefore, you should bring a first aid kit with you to treat any minor injuries or illnesses that may occur while snorkeling. You should include some bandages, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, anti-inflammatory pills, anti-histamines, and anti-diarrhea pills in your kit. You should also know how to use them and when to seek medical attention.

Conclusion

Snorkeling in Hurghada is a wonderful activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Hurghada has many snorkeling spots that offer clear water, colorful corals, and diverse marine life. You can snorkel off the beach or on an excursion to the islands. You can also expect warm weather and water all year round.

However, you need to plan your family snorkeling trip well and pack some essential items to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. You also need to follow some safety tips and respect the environment while snorkeling.

We hope that this article has given you some useful information and tips on how to snorkel in Hurghada with your family. We wish you a great snorkeling adventure and a memorable vacation in Hurghada!