Hurghada: Full-Day Snorkeling Tour in Sharm El Naga w/Lunch

REVIEW · HURGHADA

Hurghada: Full-Day Snorkeling Tour in Sharm El Naga w/Lunch

  • 4.643 reviews
  • From $75
Book on GetYourGuide →

Operated by FTS Travels · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Traveller rating 4.6 (43)Price from$75Operated byFTS TravelsBook viaGetYourGuide

Sharm El Naga makes snorkeling feel easy, even on a full day. I like the private feel of getting to the bay directly from Hurghada, and I like that the trip includes snorkeling equipment and a life jacket so you’re not hunting gear. The one thing to think about: getting into the water can be from a pier with steps, not straight off a sandy beach.

The bay itself is the big draw. You’ll spend time in clear Red Sea water looking over coral areas with fish, and you get a chance to relax afterward on shore. Lunch is part of the plan, served during your beach time with sea views.

One more practical note: the day runs on a fixed rhythm—hotel pickup, drive, snorkeling, beach break, then back to Hurghada in the late afternoon—so if you hate waiting around, plan your mood accordingly.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

Hurghada: Full-Day Snorkeling Tour in Sharm El Naga w/Lunch - Key Things to Know Before You Go

  • Sharm El Naga National Park access focuses on a single standout snorkeling bay, not a rushed circuit
  • Gear + life jackets included, plus a lifeguard on hand for added comfort
  • Water entry may be via pier steps, so check this if you need shallow, sand-to-water entry
  • Lunch with soft drinks is built into the day so you’re not scrambling for food
  • Working air-conditioning matters on the ride—double-check comfort needs when you book
  • Quiet can vary if nearby work is happening, since some areas may have construction noise

Sharm El Naga’s Bay: Why This Trip Gets People Right Back Into the Water

Hurghada: Full-Day Snorkeling Tour in Sharm El Naga w/Lunch - Sharm El Naga’s Bay: Why This Trip Gets People Right Back Into the Water
Sharm El Naga is one of those Red Sea spots where the “what will I see?” question answers itself fast. The water is described as crystal-clear and warm, with coral areas and lots of tropical fish. Even if you’re not planning anything fancy, that combination—clarity, easy visibility, and lots of marine life—makes snorkeling feel rewarding without requiring big experience.

I also like that the day is structured around one primary bay. Instead of hopping between multiple sites, you get time to settle, swim at your pace, and then actually enjoy the shore after. That matters because the best snorkeling days are about comfort: less stress, more time in the water, and fewer moments where you’re rushing to catch a window.

And yes, you may see more than fish. The plan includes the possibility of sea turtles and dolphins, which is always a nice bonus when the water is calm and you’re moving slowly.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hurghada

Getting There From Hurghada: The Ride You’ll Feel More Than You Think

Hurghada: Full-Day Snorkeling Tour in Sharm El Naga w/Lunch - Getting There From Hurghada: The Ride You’ll Feel More Than You Think
Your day starts with convenient hotel pickup in Hurghada, then a drive along the Red Sea coastline to Sharm El Naga. It’s sold as an air-conditioned transfer, and for many people that’s the make-or-break detail—Egypt heat is real, especially before you’ve had your first drink with lunch.

Two practical things to watch:

  • Air-conditioning reliability: some experiences described the vehicle as not having working AC. If you’re heat-sensitive, this is worth checking before you commit.
  • Long, scenic travel: the drive is part of the day. Even if you’re mostly relaxing, bring your usual road-day helpers: sunglasses, water (even though soft drinks are included later), and something to keep you comfortable.

This is also a private-style outing in how it’s marketed, meaning your day is designed around your group rather than a fast-moving public bus schedule. That’s a good fit if you want a calmer day where timing is controlled.

You’ll return to Hurghada in the late afternoon, so it’s not an all-day “sleepover” situation—it’s a full daylight outing with a clear end point.

Snorkeling Gear and Safety: What’s Included, What’s Not, and What You Should Confirm

Hurghada: Full-Day Snorkeling Tour in Sharm El Naga w/Lunch - Snorkeling Gear and Safety: What’s Included, What’s Not, and What You Should Confirm
This tour includes the essentials:

  • snorkeling equipment
  • life jackets
  • entrance fees to Sharm El Naga
  • a lifeguard

That’s a big value piece. You’re not paying extra for basic gear at the last second, and you get the safety belt that helps first-timers feel more confident. The plan also notes a kids area, which is useful if you’re traveling with family.

One item that’s easy to misunderstand is instruction. “Guide and snorkeling instructor” is listed as not included. At the same time, the day is described as having a friendly guide who greets you and manages the trip. So what this likely means in practice is: you’ll have someone organizing the day, but you shouldn’t assume the package includes a one-on-one snorkeling instructor coaching your technique.

Before you go, the most important confirmation isn’t about gear—it’s about how you enter the water.

The water-entry issue (important)

Some experiences clearly point out that entry can be from a pier with a narrow stair and deeper water rather than from the sandy beach. That’s exactly the kind of detail that changes whether the trip is comfortable for you.

If you:

  • stop snorkeling often because you like your feet in sand,
  • have limited mobility,
  • feel nervous stepping into deeper water,

then ask directly how the entry works on your day. You want to know whether you’ll be walking into the sea from sand or stepping down from a pier.

This one question can save you a stressful day.

The Snorkeling Time at Sharm El Naga: Coral, Fish, and How to Get the Most Out of Your Swim

Hurghada: Full-Day Snorkeling Tour in Sharm El Naga w/Lunch - The Snorkeling Time at Sharm El Naga: Coral, Fish, and How to Get the Most Out of Your Swim
Once you’re in the water, the goal is simple: look over coral areas and swim alongside the fish. The water is described as warm and turquoise, which usually means comfortable floating and clearer viewing compared to cooler conditions.

What you can realistically aim for:

  • Clear visibility over coral gardens
  • lots of tropical fish close to the reef
  • the chance of seeing sea turtles or dolphins (not guaranteed, but possible)

I’d also plan your snorkeling around slow movement. When the water is calm and the visibility is good, the most interesting viewing often comes when you hover and watch rather than when you race to cover distance. Take a breath, look left and right, and let the reef do the work.

A note on reef condition

One caution from real-world experiences: the reef may not always be in the same condition. On some days it’s reported as less intact than expected, which can mean you’ll see fewer coral formations than you hoped. That doesn’t remove the value of the bay, but it does shift the expectation from perfect reef-to-every-moment to “good snorkeling with possible variation.”

Nearby noise: when peace isn’t guaranteed

This is rare, but it matters: construction noise near the area can happen. One account mentions jackhammer and excavator noise disrupting relaxation. If you’re the type who wants a silent, postcard day, ask about current conditions when you book, or expect that the environment can vary.

Beach Time and Lunch: Where the Day Softens After the Water

Hurghada: Full-Day Snorkeling Tour in Sharm El Naga w/Lunch - Beach Time and Lunch: Where the Day Softens After the Water
After snorkeling, you’ll shift from sea time to shore time. The plan includes relaxing on sandy areas, swimming in calmer conditions, and generally taking it easy.

Lunch is included, with soft drinks. In the day description it’s framed as traditional Egyptian food served at a beachside spot with views over the bay. In practice, that usually means a simple but satisfying meal you can eat without rushing, which is exactly what you want after you’ve been in the sun.

This part is valuable for two reasons:

  1. You get an actual break instead of immediately heading back out.
  2. The views stay part of your day, not just the snorkeling.

If you’re deciding between snorkel trips, don’t ignore how they handle food and downtime. A good lunch can be the difference between feeling refreshed or feeling drained for the return drive.

Price and Value: Does $75 Pay Off Here?

Hurghada: Full-Day Snorkeling Tour in Sharm El Naga w/Lunch - Price and Value: Does $75 Pay Off Here?
At about $75 per person, this tour sits in the “solid mid-range” category for Red Sea day trips. The reason it can feel like good value is that the package includes several cost items up front:

  • hotel pickup and drop-off
  • air-conditioned transfers (as promised)
  • entrance fees
  • snorkeling equipment and life jackets
  • lunch and soft drinks
  • lifeguard
  • kids area

When you add those together, you’re not left with a bunch of separate add-ons. Even if you already own basic snorkel gear, you’ll still benefit from how the day is organized and how the entry-to-exit flow is handled.

Where value can slip

The value depends on your comfort with water entry and conditions:

  • If pier steps are a problem for you, the day can feel like poor value even if the snorkeling itself is beautiful.
  • If AC isn’t working on the vehicle you get, the drive comfort can disappoint.
  • If nearby construction is going on, the beach portion may feel less restful.

So the bargain math changes based on what you need for comfort, not just what you see under water.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Ask More Questions)

This is a strong fit if you:

  • want a straightforward day focused on one snorkel bay
  • like coral-and-fish snorkeling where you can stay near the surface
  • want lunch included without planning your own meal

It’s also a decent family-style option thanks to the kids area being part of the plan.

Who should pause and ask questions first

I’d be extra careful if you:

  • need sand-to-water entry, not pier steps
  • have mobility limits that make stairs hard
  • get uncomfortable when you’re required to step into deeper water

For you, that water-access detail is the dealbreaker. The scenery won’t help if the entry makes you stop before you start.

Also, if you’re sensitive to heat, ask about the vehicle’s AC in advance, since at least some experiences describe AC problems.

Practical Tips That Make This Day Smoother

Hurghada: Full-Day Snorkeling Tour in Sharm El Naga w/Lunch - Practical Tips That Make This Day Smoother
Bring what the tour asks for:

  • passport
  • sunglasses
  • sun hat
  • swimwear
  • towel
  • sunscreen

You can also make your life easier by packing a small beach kit:

  • something to keep your phone safe from splash
  • an easy-to-rinse container for wet gear
  • flip-flops or water shoes if you’re unsure about the entry surface

And because the day includes soft drinks but you may still get thirsty in the sun, I’d personally plan to drink steadily before lunch. The day is outdoors enough that waiting until noon can feel too late.

Finally, pets aren’t allowed. If anyone in your group is traveling with an animal, you’ll need a different plan.

Should You Book This Sharm El Naga Snorkeling Day?

Hurghada: Full-Day Snorkeling Tour in Sharm El Naga w/Lunch - Should You Book This Sharm El Naga Snorkeling Day?
Book it if you want a classic Red Sea snorkeling day with:

  • included gear and life jackets
  • a relaxed shore-and-lunch rhythm
  • a focus on one standout bay near Sharm El Naga National Park

Don’t book blindly if you strongly prefer entering from the beach into shallow water. Ask how you’ll get into the sea on your day—pier steps vs sandy entry can make the difference between a fun afternoon and an uncomfortable one.

If you’re okay with that risk, this tour can be a great value way to get coral views, fish watching, and a proper lunch—then head home before the day gets long.

FAQ

What’s included in the Sharm El Naga snorkeling tour?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees to Sharm El Naga, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, lunch, soft drinks, a kids area, and a lifeguard.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included.

Is lunch included, and are drinks provided?

Yes. Lunch is included, and soft drinks are provided as well.

Are hotel pickups available from other areas besides Hurghada?

Pickup is included for Hurghada. Pickup service from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma Bay, and Safaga is not included unless you select the option on checkout.

What languages are used during the tour?

The tour is available in English and Arabic.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your passport, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed.

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Hurghada we have reviewed

Scroll to Top

Explore Egypt

From the Giza plateau to the Red Sea reef, every place and every way to see it.