El Gouna Snorkeling Day Trip

The coastline north of Hurghada looks and behaves differently. El Gouna sits on a series of low islands and lagoons rather than a single strip of shore, the water between them is shallow and unusually clear, and the reefs offshore see fewer boats than the sites closer to the city.

This is a full day out on that water, with a guide who gets in with you rather than pointing from the deck.

What the day looks like

Pickup is from your hotel in El Gouna in an air-conditioned private vehicle. The boat makes several stops over different reef, chosen on the day for conditions rather than run to a fixed script - which is why the guide matters. Equipment, life jackets and instruction are provided, and lunch with drinks is served on board between stops.

The group is capped at 20 people. On a boat that size you get space on deck, a short queue for the ladder, and a guide who can actually keep an eye on everyone.

If you have never snorkeled

Say so when you board. Fitting a mask properly is the difference between a good day and a frustrating one, and it takes about two minutes to get right. A life jacket keeps you afloat with no effort, so you can put your face in the water and simply look, without treading water or worrying about depth.

Good to know before you book

• The trip runs about 8 hours door to door.
• Transfers are included from hotels inside El Gouna. Pickup from Hurghada, Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El Ahyaa or Soma Bay carries a $5 per person supplement.
• Photography and video are not included.
• Please use reef-safe sunscreen, and never stand on or touch the coral.

What to bring

Swimwear worn under your clothes, a towel, a hat, reef-safe sunscreen and a light layer for the ride back. A rash vest is worth considering - your back is exposed to the sun the entire time you are face down in the water.

$46 per person (regular price $55), including guide, equipment, life jacket, lunch and transfers.