Where to Swim and Snorkel in Hurghada: Beaches, House Reefs and Boat Trips Compared

Can you snorkel from the beach in central Hurghada?

Generally no. Liveaboard.com says the reefs fronting Hurghada city were destroyed by hotel construction. A hotel guide on loudavymkrokem.cz (last updated 1 August 2026) says central beaches are mostly sandy shallows, so you take a boat to reach coral. Better shore snorkeling is reported in specific bays further south.

A central beach still works for swimming and sun. It is not where the sources send you for fish.

Where can you snorkel from the shore in Hurghada?

Sources name Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay. Liveaboard.com calls Makadi Bay the snorkel site in Hurghada most renowned for coral reefs, and Click&Boat (19 November 2025) describes a fringing house reef along the length of the bay. These are resort areas, not stops on our trips.

A house reef is a reef that starts at a hotel's own beach or pontoon. The loudavymkrokem.cz hotel guide describes one at Fort Arabesque in Makadi Bay (coral from half a metre off the beach), one straight off the beach at Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, and a well-preserved one at Kempinski Soma Bay.

These are that guide's descriptions. We have not verified whether non-guests can use a hotel's reef or beach, so ask the hotel before you travel.

Are there free beaches in Hurghada, and what do they cost?

Sources disagree. Click&Boat (19 November 2025) says there are no free beaches in Hurghada and that fees run from 20 to over 200 Egyptian pounds, which it converts to roughly one to ten euros. A Wanderlog listing for Public Beach No. 4 shows 3 EGP, while its reviews mention 20 EGP. Treat every figure as indicative.

Fees reported on the pages we opened (read 5 October 2026)

• Click&Boat: 20 to over 200 EGP, depending on the beach.
• Wanderlog, Public Beach No. 4: 3 EGP per person in the listing; 20 EGP in reviews on the same page.
• Wanderlog, Dream Beach: a 200 EGP day pass with towel, sunbed and a small bottle of cold water. No price date is given, and some reviews complain of overcharging on bills.
• Islands.com (7 December 2024): says some beaches belong to resorts and can cost money to enter, with no amounts.

Ask for the price at the gate and what it includes, because prices on these pages are not dated.

What should you expect at a public beach?

Expect basic facilities and possibly a rocky entry. The Wanderlog listing for Public Beach No. 4 advises beach shoes for the rocky areas, and reviews on that page mention sharp rocks, broken glass, free showers and toilets. It is crowd-sourced, so conditions vary by beach and day.

The same reviews praise the snorkeling there. We could not verify coral at that beach, and two other sources say central beaches are mostly reef-free.

How do beach, house reef and boat trip compare?

A boat trip gives the most reliable reef, a house reef gives the most convenience if you already stay in the right bay, and a central beach is the cheapest way to swim. The table summarises the options, with outside figures attributed to their source.

When is a boat trip better than a beach?

Choose a boat when you want coral and fish rather than a swim. World Travel Guide says most of Hurghada's dive sites are offshore, at least half an hour by boat. HEPCA says at least 40% of the city's dive sites are off Giftun, and it counts more than 196 types of coral there.

• Staying in the city centre: a boat is the practical way to reach a reef.
• Staying at a resort with a house reef: start there, then add one boat day for the offshore reefs.
• Want a beach and a reef: pick an island trip. Our island trip comparison covers the differences.

Liveaboard.com puts Giftun about 45 minutes away by boat. Travel times vary by boat and day.

Which of our trips is the best way to snorkel?

For the most time in the water, take our snorkeling trip: two sea stops, no island beach, €45 per person. For a reef plus a beach, Orange Bay, Giftun Island and Paradise Island cost €45 each. Dolphin House is a snorkel day at Shaab El Erg where dolphins are possible but never guaranteed.

• Snorkeling trip: two sea stops with a guide.
• Orange Bay: one reef stop, then free time on the beach. The bay is better known for shallow, sandy water than coral.
• Giftun Island: guided stops in the Giftun area plus island time.
• Paradise Island: a reef stop and a lively beach stop in the Giftun islands.
• Dolphin House: snorkeling at selected spots around Shaab El Erg.

Spots can change with weather and sea conditions. Separate environmental or park fees may apply; we confirm any fee after booking.

What if someone in your group cannot swim?

Tell the guide before entering the water. Our trip pages say a non-swimmer can snorkel with a life vest or float and stay close to the guide, or stay on the boat. Shallow island beaches also work for wading. Our guide for kids and non-swimmers gives the full detail.

How does Divers Trips handle this?

We sell the boat days, so you do not need a house reef or a beach ticket. Snorkeling, Orange Bay, Giftun Island, Paradise Island and Dolphin House each cost €45 per person, with hotel pickup, equipment, a guide and lunch on board. See the snorkeling and island trips page or book via our booking page.