Snorkeling Trip to Sharm El-Luli and El-Qulaan from Marsa Alam

Your day starts with a pickup from your accommodation in Marsa Alam in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. As you head south, the resorts thin out, and the road runs between the sea and the bare ridges of the Red Sea Mountains, with long stretches where there is nothing but sand and sky.

At the marina you meet your guide and boat crew. You are given snorkeling equipment, including a mask, snorkel, and fins, and a safety briefing about the day. Take a few minutes to check that your mask seals properly and that your fins fit snugly without pinching; it makes a big difference once you are in the water.

Pack a towel, hat, sunglasses, reef-friendly sunscreen, and a rash guard or light long-sleeved top. Bring cash for the Sharm El-Luli entrance fee, which is not included, as well as for tips and personal purchases. A dry bag will protect your phone and money from water and sand.

You board the boat and set out across calm, bright water toward Sharm El-Luli. The cruise gives you time to settle in, find a shady spot, and enjoy views of a coastline that has changed very little over time: low desert hills, wide beaches, and the long line of the reef just offshore.

Sharm El-Luli lies within the protected area of Wadi El Gemal National Park, one of Egypt's largest protected zones, created to preserve the desert, coastal, and marine environments of this part of the Red Sea. That protection is one reason the area has stayed so unspoiled, with very little construction on the shore.

As you approach, notice the color of the water. Over the white sand of the bay it turns a pale, glowing turquoise, deepening to blue where the reef drops away. It is a popular photo spot on the Egyptian Red Sea coast, and it looks just as striking in person.

At Sharm El-Luli, you slip into the clear water and explore the coral gardens. The calm conditions and guided format mean snorkelers of all ages and experience levels can enjoy it. Your guide leads the group and points out notable species.

The reef here is home to a wide range of marine life. Look for parrotfish grazing on the coral, colorful tropical fish darting through the branches, and rays resting on the sand. Peer into sea anemones to find clownfish, the bright orange fish that live safely among the stinging tentacles. Butterflyfish, wrasses, and small reef fish add to the color.

Move slowly and float flat on the surface; the less you kick, the more you see, and the less you disturb the fish. Keep a good distance from the coral and never stand on it. If you get tired, signal to the guide and rest. Your mask may fog from time to time; a quick rinse in seawater usually clears it.

The trip continues to El-Qulaan, a protected area known for its shallow reefs and pristine marine environment. The area is also famous for its mangroves, rare on this coast, which grow along the shore and provide a nursery for young fish.

Here you have a second chance to snorkel, this time over intricate coral formations in clear, calm water. The shallow reefs make it easy to see detail: the textures of different corals, small fish hiding in crevices, and sea cucumbers on the sand. The excellent visibility and peaceful setting make this stop a favorite with nature lovers.

If you snorkeled confidently at Sharm El-Luli, try diving down a little to look under ledges, but only if you are comfortable doing so and the guide allows it. If you are a beginner, simply float and watch. The best moments in snorkeling are often the quiet ones, when a fish comes close out of curiosity and you realize you have become part of the reef's daily life.

After the snorkeling sessions, you stop for lunch. A traditional Egyptian lunch is included, served at a local restaurant, on board, or at a beachside spot depending on the day's arrangements. Expect local seafood and traditional dishes.

A meal after a morning in the water is very welcome. Snorkeling uses more energy than you might expect, and the sun, wind, and salt can leave you tired. Drink plenty of water with your meal; bottled water is included throughout.

Use the break to rest and dry off in the shade. If you are at a beachside location, take in the view of the coast, with the desert hills rising behind the beach and the reef visible as a dark band in the clear water. Keep your hat on; the light reflected from the sand and sea is intense. This is also a good time to review your photos and compare the two sites with your companions.

After a day of snorkeling and relaxation, the boat heads back to the marina. The return trip is usually calm and quiet, a chance to doze in the shade, enjoy the breeze, and watch the coastline go by.

Before you leave the boat, return your mask, snorkel, and fins to the crew and check that you have all your belongings. Tips are not included and are customary in Egypt; if the guide and crew looked after you well, now is the time to thank them.

Your private, air-conditioned vehicle is waiting at the marina to drive you back to your hotel in Marsa Alam. Once there, rinse off the salt, drink plenty of water, and use after-sun lotion if your skin feels hot. Two snorkeling sites in one day is a rich experience, and you are likely to sleep well. If you enjoyed it, ask about other trips along this coast; the southern Red Sea has many more reefs to explore.