If you want a snorkelling day that feels calm, clear, and easy, a Sharm El Naga snorkeling trip from Hurghada is one of the best choices on the Red Sea. It’s not a party boat day. It’s not “climb on, jump off, rush back on”. It’s the kind of trip where you can actually relax, snorkel at your own pace, and come out of the water feeling like you’ve seen something proper.

The biggest reason people love Sharm El Naga is simple: you snorkel from the shore. No boat required. That means:

  • less motion and less stress

  • easier for beginners

  • easier for families

  • easier to take breaks whenever you want

Your own tour page describes it as a full-day snorkelling day with hotel pickup from Hurghada, time on a sandy beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, and snorkelling straight from shore over coral reefs with colourful fish, plus lunch and soft drinks.

It’s also close enough to Hurghada that it feels like a proper day trip, not a mission. Drive time is typically under an hour, with Rome2rio showing around 52 minutes and roughly 52 km by road from Hurghada to Sharm El Naga.

So what does the day actually feel like?

You arrive, you get settled on the beach, and then you do snorkelling in short, enjoyable sessions. You can do:

  • one long snorkel

  • or two or three shorter snorkels with breaks

  • or even just float, swim, and do a bit of reef time

That flexibility is why it works for so many people. If you’re a strong swimmer, you can explore more. If you’re nervous, you stay shallow and build confidence. If you’re with kids, you keep it short and fun.

And yes, the reef is the main point. Sharm El Naga is widely described as a spot with calm water and vibrant coral, which is exactly what you want for an easy snorkelling day.

What you’ll see underwater (realistic, not hype)

On a Sharm El Naga snorkeling trip from Hurghada, the main win is that you’re not fighting waves, boat ladders, or rushed time slots. You can slip into the water, snorkel, come back out, then go again when you feel like it.

What the snorkelling is like

Think of it as easy shore snorkelling with a reef you can reach without needing to be a strong swimmer.

You’ll usually do best if you treat it like short sessions:

  • snorkel 20–40 minutes

  • come out, drink water, chill

  • go back in for round two

That’s how you keep it fun and avoid the “I’m tired so I’m not enjoying this anymore” moment.

What you can realistically see

You’re going for coral + colourful reef fish. You’re not going for “guaranteed dolphins on demand” or anything like that.

Typical sightings on a calm Red Sea reef day:

  • bright reef fish in small groups

  • coral gardens (the “look down and it’s busy” feeling)

  • the occasional bigger fish passing through

  • lots of movement close to the reef edge

The nice thing about Sharm El Naga is you don’t need to chase anything. If you float calmly and keep your kicks gentle, the reef feels more alive.

The easiest way to get the best view (without overthinking)

Do this simple setup:

  • mask on properly (no hair in the seal)

  • snorkel mouthpiece comfortable

  • float first, then start moving slowly

  • stay relaxed and breathe steady

People who splash and rush see less. People who move slowly see more.

If you’re a beginner (or nervous)

This trip is beginner-friendly because you can control everything:

  • how deep you go

  • how far you swim

  • how long you stay in

A calm first snorkel looks like:

  • stay close to the shore

  • do 10–15 minutes max

  • come out while you still feel good

  • go again later

That’s how confidence builds.

If you’re going with kids

Kids usually love it when it’s framed as a game:

  • “who can spot the brightest fish?”

  • “who sees the biggest coral shape?”

  • “two minutes floating, then we check what we saw”

Short, happy snorkels beat long, forced snorkels every time.

The simple “best day” plan (that fits most people)

  • Snorkel 1: easy warm-up, stay shallow, get comfortable

  • Long chill: shade + drink + snack

  • Snorkel 2: longer session once you’re relaxed

  • Optional snorkel 3: only if you still feel excited (not tired)

That’s the sweet spot for a Sharm El Naga day: enough water time to feel like you really did it, with plenty of rest so it stays enjoyable.

What to bring (and what people always forget)

A Sharm El Naga snorkeling trip from Hurghada is easy, but your day is only as good as your comfort. The sea is salty, the sun is strong, and “I forgot one small thing” can turn into an annoying hour.

Here’s what to bring so the day feels smooth.

The essentials (don’t skip these)

  • Swimwear (and a backup if you hate putting wet stuff back on later)

  • Towel

  • Sunscreen (reef-friendly if you can)

  • Hat/cap for breaks out of the water

  • Sunglasses

  • Water (even if drinks are included, you’ll still want extra)

  • Cash for small extras and tips

  • Phone waterproof pouch (or keep it safely in a dry bag)

Snorkelling gear (simple choices)

Most trips have snorkelling gear available, but if you’ve got your own mask and it fits your face well, bring it. A good-fitting mask is the difference between:

  • floating and enjoying the reef
    and

  • spending the whole time clearing water from your mask

If you wear glasses:

  • consider a simple prescription mask option (if you have one)

  • or keep your snorkels short and shallow so you don’t feel disoriented

The “I’m glad I packed that” extras

Pick a few of these and you’ll feel like a genius:

  • Rash guard / swim shirt
    Helps with sun and stops your shoulders burning.

  • Light beach cover-up
    Nice for breaks and lunch.

  • Flip-flops or water shoes
    Useful for walking on hot sand or rocky patches.

  • A small dry bag
    Keeps everything together and stops the “where’s my stuff?” stress.

  • Snacks you actually like
    Even if lunch is included, a small snack keeps energy stable.

What people always forget

1) They forget how strong the sun feels after snorkelling.
You come out of the sea, you feel cool, then ten minutes later you’re roasting.

Fix: sunscreen early, then reapply after your first snorkel.

2) They forget a second towel or spare top.
Being wet and salty on the drive back is not fun.

Fix: bring a spare t-shirt/top and you’ll be comfortable instantly.

3) They forget to protect their phone.
Water + sand + phones don’t mix.

Fix: waterproof pouch or keep the phone dry and away from sand.

Quick comfort rule for the day

If you want the best experience:

  • do two good snorkels

  • take proper shade breaks

  • and keep your gear simple and comfortable

Who this trip suits (and who should pick a different day)

A Sharm El Naga snorkeling trip from Hurghada is popular because it’s simple. You’re not locked into a boat schedule. You can snorkel from shore, take breaks whenever you want, and keep the day calm.

Here’s who it suits best — and who should choose a different kind of trip.

Perfect for you if…

1) You want easy snorkelling without a boat

This is the big one. Shore snorkelling means:

  • less hassle

  • fewer steps

  • easier breaks
    If boat days make you nervous, this is a great choice.

2) You’re a beginner

Beginners usually struggle with two things: deep water stress and feeling rushed. Sharm El Naga fixes both because you control:

  • how far you go

  • how long you stay in

  • when you stop and rest

If you want your first “proper reef snorkel” day, this is one of the easiest ways to do it.

3) You’re going with kids

Kids usually love snorkelling when it’s:

  • short sessions

  • lots of breaks

  • warm shallow water to reset in

Sharm El Naga works well because you can do 10–20 minute snorkels, then chill in the shade without anyone feeling forced.

4) You want a calm day with beach time

Some snorkelling trips feel like constant movement. This one can feel like:

  • snorkel

  • beach

  • lunch

  • snorkel again
    That’s a proper holiday day.

5) You like taking your time

If your ideal snorkel is slow floating and looking properly at coral and fish, you’ll enjoy this. It’s not a “rush to the next stop” kind of day.

You might want a different trip if…

1) You want dolphins or big wildlife as the main goal

You can see amazing marine life on the Red Sea, but if your main dream is dolphins, you’ll be happier on a dolphin-focused boat trip. Sharm El Naga is mainly about reef snorkelling.

2) You get bored if you’re not constantly moving

This day has a relaxed rhythm. If you want lots of different snorkel spots in one day, a boat trip with multiple stops might suit you better.

3) You’re not comfortable in water at all

You don’t have to be an expert swimmer, but you should be comfortable floating and breathing through a snorkel. If you’re truly nervous in water, you’ll enjoy the day more if you start with very short, shallow sessions and stay close to shore.

The easiest day plan (two snorkels + long chill)

A Sharm El Naga snorkeling trip from Hurghada is at its best when you don’t treat it like a challenge. The win is calm water time, proper reef views, and breaks that keep your energy up.

Here’s the easiest plan that works for most people.

Step 1: Arrive, set up, and don’t rush into the water

When you get there:

  • pick your spot

  • sort your mask/snorkel

  • do sunscreen now (not later)

  • drink water before your first snorkel

This makes the first swim feel smoother.

Step 2: Snorkel 1 (short and easy warm-up)

Make the first snorkel a confidence builder:

  • 15–30 minutes

  • stay shallower

  • move slowly

  • come out while you still feel good

If you’re with kids, make it even shorter. You want them thinking, “That was fun”, not “I’m tired.”

Step 3: Long chill (shade + drink + snack)

This is where the day becomes a holiday.

  • sit down

  • hydrate

  • snack or lunch (depending on timing)

  • let your body reset

Even 30 minutes of proper sitting makes the second snorkel way better.

Step 4: Snorkel 2 (the “best one”)

Your second snorkel is usually the best because:

  • your mask fits better now

  • you’re calmer

  • you’re not rushing

This is the one where you go a bit longer:

  • 30–50 minutes (if you’re enjoying it)

  • float more, kick less

  • look at the coral detail rather than trying to “cover distance”

Step 5: Optional Snorkel 3 (only if you’re still excited)

This is where people make the classic mistake: they force a third snorkel because “we should”. Don’t.

Only do a third snorkel if:

  • you still feel energised

  • you’re curious and happy

  • you’re not thinking about the drive back yet

If you’re even slightly tired, skip it and enjoy the beach instead.

Best time of day (and how to avoid the rough bits)

This trip is usually easiest when you:

  • start early enough to avoid peak heat

  • do your longer snorkel sessions before the hottest part of the day

  • keep breaks shaded and hydrated

Simple rule:

  • snorkel more in the morning

  • chill more around midday

  • one final short snorkel later if you want

Also, wind can affect comfort. If the sea feels choppy, shorten your snorkel sessions and stay closer to shore. The whole point is enjoying it, not fighting the water.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Mistake 1: Rushing the first snorkel

Fix: do a short warm-up snorkel first. Your second snorkel will be better.

Mistake 2: Kicking too hard and getting tired fast

Fix: float and move slowly. Calm snorkellers see more.

Mistake 3: Forgetting sunscreen reapply

Fix: reapply after snorkel 1. Sun after sea hits differently.

Mistake 4: Wearing a mask that doesn’t fit

Fix: test the seal before you get in. If it leaks, adjust or swap it early.

Mistake 5: Staying in too long until you’re exhausted

Fix: come out while you still feel good. You can always go again.

Mistake 6: Not bringing a dry top for the ride back

Fix: spare t-shirt = instant comfort.

Mistake 7: Touching coral or standing on the reef

Fix: keep fins/feet away from coral. Look, float, enjoy.

FAQs (quick answers)

Is this good for beginners?

Yes. Shore snorkelling is easier because you can control depth, distance, and breaks.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, as long as you keep snorkels short and do plenty of breaks. Make it fun, not long.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You should be comfortable floating and breathing through a snorkel. If you’re nervous, stay shallow and go in short sessions.

Will I see lots of fish?

You’ll usually see colourful reef fish and coral life, but wildlife is never guaranteed. The reef is the main draw.

Is it a boat trip?

No. The big benefit is shore snorkelling, which feels calmer and more flexible.

A Sharm El Naga snorkeling trip from Hurghada is one of the easiest ways to enjoy Red Sea reef snorkelling without the boat-day chaos. Two good snorkels, long shade breaks, and a relaxed beach vibe is the formula. Keep it simple and the day feels like a proper holiday.