Sharm El Naga is a day that moves fast—then pays you back underwater. This full-day tour from Hurghada takes you into the Red Sea near Sharm El Naga National Park for shore-style snorkeling, plus time to relax on the sand with a lunch by the bay. What makes it interesting is the mix of easy travel (pickup included) and a snorkeling site that rewards patience once you’re in the water.

I especially like how straightforward the schedule feels: gear up, snorkel in calm coastal conditions, then slow down with beach time. Another big plus is the on-the-ground handling—one driver named Islam is remembered for being attentive, and the trip is set up with hotel pickup/drop-off, transfers in a comfortable vehicle, and support like a lifeguard and life jackets.

One consideration before you book: access to the water may not be the gentle, sand-to-sea kind. You should expect pier/step entry, which can be tricky if you struggle with walking into the water.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Sharm El Naga snorkeling nearby: a well-known Red Sea bay with coral and lots of fish to watch
• Private-style day from Hurghada: hotel pickup, air-conditioned transfers (when available), and a full-day plan
• Water entry can be step/pier-based: ask how you’ll get in if you prefer beach entry
• Lunch with bay views: beachside meal and soft drinks as part of the day
• Support included: snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and a lifeguard on site

The Drive From Hurghada to Sharm El Naga: Less Stress Than It Sounds

The day starts with pickup from your hotel in Hurghada. Then you’ll head over to Sharm El Naga in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, taking in the Red Sea coast along the way. This matters more than it seems: a long day at the water goes better when you’re not baking in traffic beforehand.

The scenic drive also sets expectations. You’re leaving the hotel strip for a quieter coastal area, where the sea and the shoreline feel more open. If you want the day to be relaxing (not just “efficient”), that transfer time is part of the experience.

Quick practical tip: if air-conditioning is a must for you, confirm it before you set off. The tour information says transfers are by air-conditioned vehicle, but I’d still recommend a simple check at pickup so you’re not stuck sweating the whole ride.

Getting There: Sharm El Naga National Park and Your First Look

When you arrive at Sharm El Naga, the first thing you’ll notice is the water color—bright, warm, and clear enough that you can usually spot fish activity near the surface. This is one of the reasons people book this area specifically: it’s a snorkeling destination where you don’t need complicated gear or advanced skills to have a good look around.

Your next step is to gear up with the snorkeling equipment provided by the tour. You also get life jackets, which makes the whole thing feel easier for first-timers or anyone who prefers to take things slowly. Then the day shifts into “do your thing” mode: swim where you feel comfortable, look around, and don’t rush the best sightings.

If you’re coming with kids or just want an easier pace, there’s a kids area listed as part of the setup. That’s a real benefit when you want everyone to have a decent day, not just the strongest swimmer.

Snorkeling in the Red Sea: Coral Gardens and Fish Watching

The core of this tour is the snorkeling time in the Sharm El Naga bay. You’ll be in warm, turquoise water with reef structure close enough for an easy swim. The goal isn’t just to float around. It’s to watch how fish move through coral and how the reef life changes as you shift depth and angle.

Here’s what to focus on while you snorkel:

• Start slow and scan the coral edges. Small fish tend to cluster where the reef offers cover.
• Don’t kick wildly. Gentle finning keeps you from stirring silt and improves your visibility.
• If you see a “busy” area, stay patient. The most interesting moments often happen after the first minute, when you’re no longer fighting the current.

One of the highlights is how easy it is to find colorful coral and a mix of marine life. People who go here for snorkeling tend to come back impressed by the variety right around the site. You can also keep an eye out for larger sea life like turtles—nothing in the tour description guarantees sightings, but it’s part of the expectation when snorkeling this area.

If you prefer structure, look for the practical guidance from the day’s staff. One driver, Islam, is specifically remembered for being accommodating, which often translates into a calmer day overall—less confusion, more confidence in where to go and when.

Pier Steps vs Beach Entry: The Practical Reality of Getting In

This is the part you should check before booking, especially if mobility is a concern.

The tour description talks about relaxing on the beach and snorkeling as part of the same bay experience. But the water entry may happen from a pier with steps, not by strolling straight in from sand. One key thing people learned the hard way is that if you expect shallow, sand-to-sea access, you might be surprised by the need to step down or walk in deeper water.

So what should you do?

• If you want to stop snorkeling and stand with feet in sand, ask in advance how the entry works.
• Bring water shoes if you have them; you might find them useful for step/pier entry surfaces (the tour provides equipment, but not footwear).
• If you’re nervous about balance, plan to take it slow at entry and always use the support available (like life jackets).

This tour can still be a great choice for many people. You just need the right expectations. If you know you’ll feel uncomfortable with pier access, it may not be the best match.

Beach Time and Lunch With Bay Views: A Nice Reset

After snorkeling, you’ll shift to relaxing on the sandy shore. This is where the day turns from “active” to “easy.” You can sunbathe, swim a bit more if you want, or just sit and watch the bay.

Then comes lunch. The tour includes lunch and soft drinks, served at a beachside restaurant overlooking the bay. You’ll eat while you’re still close to the water, so it doesn’t feel like a long detour to food. The meal is described as a buffet, and it’s generally treated as a solid part of the value since you’re not hunting for lunch elsewhere.

What I like about the lunch setup is the pacing. You’re not starving between swim sessions, and the food gives you energy for the return drive. Also, having drinks included is a small comfort on a hot day.

A practical note: you’ll still want sunscreen and a hat even after snorkeling. Shade can be limited depending on where you sit.

Comfort, Gear, and Safety Details That Actually Matter

This tour includes several items that reduce decision fatigue:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jackets
• Lifeguard on site
• Entrance fees to Sharm El Naga
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transfers by air-conditioned vehicle (as stated)
• Lunch and soft drinks

It also lists a kids area, which signals this setup is meant to be family-friendly rather than a “hardcore reef expedition.”

What’s not included is also clearly stated: the guide and snorkeling instructor aren’t included. That doesn’t mean you’re left alone—it usually means the tour may handle movement and safety support, but you shouldn’t expect a dedicated one-on-one snorkeling coach. If you want heavy instruction, you may need to look for a different format.

What to bring (don’t skip this):

• Passport
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Not allowed: pets.

Also, the tour is offered in English and Arabic, which helps if you want clear instructions before you enter the water.

Price and Value: Is $75 Per Person a Good Deal?

At $75 per person, the tour sits in the “worth it if the snorkeling site works for you” category.

Here’s why it can be good value:

• Entrance fees are included.
• Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are provided.
• Lunch and soft drinks are included.
• You’re not organizing transfers yourself (pickup/drop-off plus a vehicle).

You’re paying for a full-day package that removes the hassle. And in a place like Hurghada, convenience adds up fast—time is money, and a smooth transfer day makes a snorkeling trip feel effortless.

Where value can drop for some people is when expectations about water entry or on-site conditions don’t match the reality. If you strongly prefer beach-level entry from sand, you may feel like you got less than you expected. If reef conditions are impacted by nearby activity (for example, noise from construction nearby), the day can feel less peaceful than you pictured.

So my advice is simple: decide what matters most to you. If “reef time plus easy transport plus lunch included” is your priority, $75 can be a fair price. If “sand entry and total calm” are non-negotiable, read the access details carefully and ask questions before you go.

When This Tour Is a Great Fit (and When It’s Not)

This is a solid match if you:

• Want a full-day outing without planning logistics.
• Are comfortable snorkeling in coastal conditions.
• Appreciate coral and fish watching where you can stay at the surface.
• Want a lunch stop built into the schedule with soft drinks included.
• Prefer a day that includes practical support like life jackets and a lifeguard.

It may be a poor fit if you:

• Need easy, sand-to-sea entry and would feel unsafe with pier steps.
• Have strong limits on how much walking you can do in and around the water.
• Are extremely sensitive to noise from nearby work (coastal areas can change over time).

Also, keep in mind this is described as a private trip from Hurghada. Private-style pacing tends to help you keep control of your comfort level. Still, you should be ready for the water entry method to be the main variable.

Provider Notes: FTS Travels and Your Expectation Check

This tour is offered by FTS Travels. That matters mainly for troubleshooting. When you arrive, pay attention to how equipment is handled, how entry points are explained, and how clearly staff communicate where to go for snorkeling.

If you want a smoother day, do one simple thing: ask how you’ll enter the water at that exact stop. Even if the brochure text makes it sound like straightforward beach access, the real-world entry method is the one detail that can affect your whole experience.

Should You Book This Sharm El Naga Snorkeling Tour?

I’d book it if you want a convenience-first snorkeling day and your priority is coral and fish near the surface, with lunch and transfers handled. The bay is known for clear water and the kind of reef life that keeps you watching.

I’d think twice—or at least ask for clarification—if pier/step entry would make you uncomfortable. Also check your comfort level with conditions around the site. Coastal areas can be working areas, and noise can change the vibe.

If you’re flexible and prepared, this tour can deliver a memorable Red Sea day without turning it into a logistics project.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada.

What snorkeling gear do I get?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with life jackets.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and soft drinks are provided as part of the meal.

Where does the tour operate from, and is pickup available elsewhere?

Pickup is included from Hurghada. Pickup from Makadi, Sahl Hasheesh, El-Gouna, Soma bay, and Safaga is listed as available if you select it on checkout.

Which languages are available on the tour?

Languages listed are English and Arabic.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your passport, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

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