The forbidding sands of the Sahara cover most parts of Egypt, but the country keeps it at bay with mighty rivers and seas. In addition to adventures in the desert, travellers can also explore the blue beyond by swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving from beaches in Egypt for tons of watery fun. The best Egyptian beaches are on the Red Sea coast, but inviting stretches of serene sands can also be found on the Mediterranean.
1. Blue Hole, Dahab
The most famous – or perhaps infamous – beach for snorkelling and scuba diving in Egypt is the Dahab Blue Hole on the Red Sea coast of the Sinai Peninsula. The Blue Hole, an underwater sinkhole with deep blue waters and underwater canyons and arches, has a reputation because it has sadly claimed the lives of several divers. However, the shallower surrounding reefs and lagoons filled with rich marine life and dramatic coral formations are safe for snorkelling. The area can get busy, so visit early in the morning, and after your time in the water, relax at one of the many beachfront cafes.
2. Sharm El Sheikh
At the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh has some of the best beaches in Egypt. The city stretches along the water, providing excellent Red Sea beaches no matter where you stay. Naama Bay is Egypt's best beach for families, thanks to its sheltered and shallow waters. Keen snorkellers and scuba divers can find more colourful coral reefs north of Naama Bay, and many of the resorts have their own ‘house reefs’. You can enjoy some of Egypt’s best snorkelling around the Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort, near the dive site called Far Garden, which has large pinnacles of coral stretching towards the surface and vertical wall reefs near the dock.
3. Ras Mohammed National Park
Established in 1983, Ras Mohammed is Egypt’s first national park and is home to top-notch Egypt beaches. Just offshore from Ras Mohammed’s Red Sea beaches are world-famous scuba diving sites that also offer some of Egypt’s best snorkelling. This protected area is renowned for its extraordinary marine biodiversity, including stingrays, schools of barracuda, reef sharks and sea turtles. To reach Ras Mohammed National Park, you can take a boat tour from Sharm El Sheikh, or for a more immersive experience, book a tent right on the beach at Bedawi Eco Camping.
4. Nuweiba
On the Red Sea north of Dahab, the laid-back Bedouin town of Nuweiba is ideal for beach bums looking to kick back and get away from the crowds. Many of the beach camps around Nuweiba, particularly north of town, offer a back-to-nature experience of sleeping on the sand in basic palm-frond huts, promising blissful sea views backed by the mountains across the water in Saudi Arabia. Family-run Al Magarra Camp (which means ‘the galaxy’ in Arabic) has named its adorable huts after planets, while Basata Eco-Lodge has serious eco credentials and is a welcoming space for female and solo travellers.
5. El Gouna
Just north of Hurghada on the Egyptian mainland’s Red Sea coast, El Gouna is a resort town that’s purpose-built for beachy fun. With year-round sunny weather, El Gouna consists of nearly two dozen islands surrounded by shallow lagoons (the meaning of its name in Arabic), making these Egypt beaches a haven for sunbathers and swimmers, as well as more active kitesurfers, snorkellers, and scuba divers. The development is dotted with upscale hotels with well-maintained facilities, promising a comfortable experience on some of the best beaches in Egypt.
6. Mahmya Island, Hurghada
Take a day trip from Hurghada to Mahmya Island, a slice of paradise just a 40-minute boat ride from the mainland. Part of Giftun Island National Park, Mahmya Island is home to some of Egypt’s best snorkelling, as you float above gardens of coral and flitting schools of butterflyfish and unicornfish. To add to the magic, you might even see pods of spinner dolphins jumping out of the water on your journey.
7. Soma Bay
Close to the town of Safaga, south of Hurghada, Soma Bay is an exclusive Red Sea beach resort area known for its luxurious accommodations and pristine sands. The bay's clear, warm waters and thriving coral reefs make it ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. If you’d rather stay on top of the water, Soma Bay is also famous for its water sports, including windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing, and plenty of outfitters can get you the gear.
8. Abu Dabbab Beach
Located near Marsa Alam in southern Egypt, Abu Dabbab Beach is famous for its resident dugongs. These majestic creatures are related to the manatee and feed on seagrass that grows on the sandy bottom. Add in frequent sightings of sea turtles, glittering waters, and a gentle slope that gradually increases the depth, and you have the recipe for a perfect underwater adventure on this Egyptian beach.
9. Marsa Matrouh
Marsa Matrouh on the Mediterranean coast boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Egypt and is popular with holidaying Egyptians in July and August when the rest of the country is baking under the desert sun. The nearby Egyptian beaches are a delight and little visited by foreigners. The transparent blue water contrasts wonderfully with chalk-white rock formations, and several are even important historical sites. Cleopatra's Beach, with its crystal-clear waters and soft white sand, is said to have been a favourite of the legendary queen, who built a palace here, while Rommel's Beach is named after the German general in WWII, who set out battle plans for the Afrika Korps at this Egypt beach.
10. Aswan
Yes, the Nile does have a few beaches and swimming spots where you can jump into the waters of one of the most famous rivers in the world. (And no, there aren’t any Nile crocodiles here!). There can be strong currents and other safety hazards like large boulders and rapids, so check locally before venturing into the water. You can access the swimming beach from the Nubian village of Gharb Soheil on the west bank of the Nile from Aswan. The water isn’t clear, so you can’t snorkel, but some local companies rent out kayaks.
