Water Activities in Egypt
Egypt's Red Sea is one of the world's great underwater destinations, and it sits just a few hours from the pharaonic sights.
Warm, clear water year round, coral reefs a short boat ride offshore, and some of the cheapest diving anywhere make the Red Sea the reason many travellers pair a beach week with the temples. Snorkellers, first-time divers and certified divers all find their level on the same day boats.
Where to go
The action concentrates on the Red Sea coast. Hurghada is the busiest and best-value base, with three-island snorkel trips, Orange Bay cruises and dry submarine rides for non-swimmers. Sharm El Sheikh is Egypt's diving capital, home to Ras Mohammed National Park and world-class reef walls. Marsa Alam is quieter and wilder, known for wild dolphins at Sataya and dugongs at Abu Dabbab, while Dahab offers legendary shore diving at the Blue Hole.
What it costs and how to choose
Prices start low: a submarine or semi-submarine trip is the cheapest way onto the water and suits families and non-swimmers, while full-day yacht and dive trips cost more but reach the best reefs. Book a smaller boat where you can, since a twenty-person vessel is a very different day from a hundred-and-fifty-person one for a similar price, and always compare the same trip across booking platforms before you pay.
Water Activities by destination
Top-rated across Egypt
Hurghada: 3 Islands, Dolphins & Snorkel Yacht Trip w/ Lunch
Hurghada: Luxury Cruise Trip to Orange Bay with Lunch
HRG: Orange Bay W/ Snorkel, Local Breakfast & Seafood Lunch
Hurghada: Royal Seascope Submarine Cruise with Snorkel Stop
Hurghada: Speedboat, Dolphins, Snorkeling & 2 Islands
From Sharm: White Island and Ras Mohamed Snorkeling Trip
Hurghada: Quad Bike Tour of the Desert and Red Sea
Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohamed & White Island Dive & Snorkel
From Sharm: Ras Mohamed, White Island Snorkel & Dive & Lunch
Hurghada: Hula Hula Cruise with Lunch, Massage, & Snorkeling
Hurghada: Hula Hula Speedboat w/ Optional Snorkeling & Lunch
Red Sea : Horse Riding Beach and Desert Tour With Transfer
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best diving and snorkelling in Egypt?
The Red Sea coast: Sharm El Sheikh (Ras Mohammed and reef walls) is the diving capital, Hurghada offers the best-value island and snorkel trips, Marsa Alam has wild dolphins and dugongs, and Dahab has the famous Blue Hole shore dive.
Can non-swimmers do Red Sea water activities?
Yes. Submarine and semi-submarine trips let you view coral and fish through hull windows while staying dry, from a low price, which makes them ideal for non-swimmers, young children and older travellers.