Below the surface · Hurghada
Red Sea Marine Life Guide
The Red Sea off Hurghada is one of the world’s most biodiverse dive and snorkel destinations, home to more than 1,200 fish species and around 200 types of coral. Here is what to look for and which Daily Red Sea tours give you a chance to explore these habitats.
Dolphins
Wild spinner dolphins are regularly spotted around Dolphin House reef areas, where pods may rest in sheltered water during the day. Keep a respectful distance and never chase or touch them; sightings and in-water encounters are never guaranteed.
Best tour: Dolphin House Snorkeling Boat Trip
Sea turtles
Green and hawksbill turtles graze on seagrass beds and coral reefs around the Hurghada region. They surface to breathe, but guests should stay calm, avoid blocking their path and give them plenty of room.
Best tours: Orange Bay, Paradise Island, and Full Day Diving Trip.
Coral reefs
Hurghada’s fringing and offshore reefs contain hard corals such as staghorn and brain coral, alongside soft corals and sea fans in deeper channels. The exact reef stop always depends on the day’s wind, visibility and sea conditions.
Best tours: Orange Bay, Full Day Snorkeling Trip, and Mahmya Island.
Reef fish
Look for clouds of anthias, parrotfish grazing on coral, clownfish sheltering in anemones and, occasionally, a Napoleon wrasse. Reef fish are present at most snorkeling and diving sites, although wildlife sightings vary on every trip.
Best tours: Browse the diving and snorkeling collection.
Rays
Blue-spotted stingrays can rest on sandy patches beside reefs, while eagle rays are occasionally seen crossing open water on deeper dives. Give every ray space and never try to touch or corner it.
Best tour: Full Day Scuba Diving Trip.
Moray eels
Moray eels shelter in reef crevices, often with only their head visible. Their open-mouth movement pumps water across their gills and is not necessarily a threat display. Divers generally have a better chance of spotting them than surface snorkelers.
Best tour: Full Day Scuba Diving Trip.
Respect the reef
- Never touch or stand on coral; damaged coral can take decades to recover.
- Use reef-conscious sun protection and follow the boat crew’s local guidance.
- Keep at least a fin’s length from marine life.
- Do not feed fish, turtles or dolphins.
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