Snorkeling Tour Hurghada: Which Island Trip, Beginner Tips and the Best Time

A snorkeling tour Hurghada trip is the easiest way to see the Red Sea reefs without any diving course or experience. You put on a mask, float on the surface and look down at coral gardens and fish just a few metres below you. This guide helps you choose between our island snorkeling trips, gives practical tips for your first time in the water, lists what to bring and explains when the sea is at its best. For the reefs and the marine life themselves, see our snorkeling in Hurghada guide.

What a snorkeling boat trip from Hurghada is like

Most snorkeling tours from Hurghada are full-day boat trips. The day starts with hotel pickup in Hurghada and a short drive to the marina, where you board the boat. From there the boat heads out towards the Giftun Islands, a protected national park just off the coast, with clear water and reefs that are easy to reach.

A typical day has three parts:

- Two snorkeling stops at reefs, where the boat anchors and the group gets in the water with a guide. - Time on an island beach to swim, relax in the shade and take photos.

• •Lunch on board, with drinks, while the boat moves between the stops.

You are usually back at your hotel in the late afternoon. The order of the stops and the exact times differ from trip to trip, so always check the tour page for the plan and for exactly what's included.

Orange Bay, Paradise Island or Hula Hula: which trip to choose

All three of our island trips follow the same idea: two snorkeling stops and a beach stop on an island. The reefs you visit are similar, so if snorkeling is your main goal, any of them is a good choice. The real difference is the beach where you spend part of the day.

Orange Bay

The Orange Bay sea trip takes you to a long, soft sand beach on Giftun Island with shallow turquoise water. It is a classic choice for a first trip and for people who want calm water close to the shore. Read more in our Orange Bay guide.

Paradise Island

The Paradise Island sea trip is a relaxed beach day with umbrellas, sun loungers and the well-known PARADISE sign that everyone wants a photo with. It suits families and anyone who wants a slow, easy day between the two snorkeling stops. Our Paradise Island guide has more about the island.

Hula Hula

The Hula Hula Giftun Island sea trip goes to a beach known for its hammocks, wicker chairs and laid-back style. It is the one to pick if photos and a chilled beach atmosphere matter to you as much as the snorkeling.

Still unsure? A simple rule: choose Orange Bay for the classic sandy beach, Paradise Island for an easy family day, and Hula Hula for the stylish beach and photos.

First time snorkeling? Simple tips that make it easy

Snorkeling is easy to learn, and most people are enjoying it within a few minutes. These tips help:

- Check that the mask fits. Without the strap, press the mask gently to your face and breathe in through your nose. If it stays on by itself, it fits. Move hair away from the edge so water can't get in. - Stop the mask from fogging. Rub a little anti-fog or baby shampoo on the inside of the glass and rinse it once. Ask the guide if you forgot yours. - Breathe slowly through your mouth. Before you put your face in the water, practise breathing through the snorkel on the boat or the ladder. Slow, calm breaths work best. - Wear the life jacket if you are unsure. It keeps you floating without any effort, so you can relax and look down at the reef. Even good swimmers often use one on the first stop. - Kick slowly with long legs. With fins, slow kicks from the hips work better than fast, short ones, and they don't stir up sand.

• •Stay with the guide. The guide knows where the best parts of the reef are and keeps an eye on the group. If you feel tired or cold, just raise your hand or swim back to the boat.

If someone in your group can't swim, tell us when you book. That way the guide knows before you get in the water.

Look after the reef

The reefs around Hurghada are alive, and they only stay beautiful if visitors are careful with them:

- Don't stand on or touch the coral. It is a living animal, it breaks easily and some kinds can sting or cut you. - Don't feed the fish and don't chase or touch any animal you see. - Leave shells and coral where they are. Taking them is not allowed.

• •Go easy on sunscreen in the water. Put it on well before you swim, or wear a T-shirt or rash vest instead, which also protects your back from the sun.

What to bring

Pack a small bag the night before so the morning pickup is easy:

- Swimwear, already on under your clothes - A towel and a change of clothes - Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses - A T-shirt or rash vest to wear in the water - A waterproof pouch for your phone or a small action camera - Seasickness tablets if boats don't agree with you

• •Some cash for extras such as photos

Snorkeling equipment is part of our trips; check the tour page for exactly which items are included. If you have your own well-fitting mask, bring it.

The best time to snorkel in Hurghada

The good news is that you can snorkel in Hurghada all year round. What changes is the water temperature and the wind.

- August to October: the warmest water, often around 27 to 28°C, so you can stay in for a long time. The air on land can be very hot in August, but out on the boat the sea breeze helps. - November to January: the water cools down slowly, but the days are still sunny and a full day at sea is very pleasant. - February and March: the coolest water, around 21 to 22°C. Many people are happy in a short wetsuit, and the air can feel fresh when you come out, so bring a warm layer.

• •April to June: the water warms up again and the weather is comfortable, which makes spring one of the nicest times to go.

Hurghada can be windy, and the sea is often calmer in the morning, which is why snorkeling trips leave early. On a very windy day boat trips can be changed or moved, so it helps to plan your sea trip early in your holiday and keep a free day for later. For the full picture by month, read our guide to the best time to go to Hurghada.

Avoiding seasickness on the boat

Most days on the Red Sea are smooth, but if you get seasick easily:

- Eat a light breakfast and avoid heavy, greasy food before the trip. - Take a seasickness tablet before the boat leaves, not when you already feel unwell. - Sit in the middle or at the back of the boat and look at the horizon.

• •Get some fresh air on deck instead of staying inside.

Once you are in the water, most people forget about the boat completely.

Ready to book your snorkeling day?

Choose the island that fits your group: the Orange Bay sea trip for the classic sandy beach, the Paradise Island sea trip for an easy family day, or the Hula Hula Giftun Island sea trip for the stylish beach. Each tour page shows the live price, the plan for the day and what's included. If you have a question about swimming, ages or the best day for your trip, send us a message on WhatsApp with the buttons on this page and our team will help you choose.