| Area | Hotels named | What the source says | Weak point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makadi Bay | Fort Arabesque | Reef reachable on foot from the beach, no boat | Can be crowded |
| Sahl Hasheesh | Tropitel, The Oberoi | Reef from the jetty; luxury with a reef in front of the beach for The Oberoi | About 25 km from the centre |
| Soma Bay | Kempinski | Very well preserved reef, clear water | High price, isolated area |
How to check a house reef
- Read recent reviews and travellers' photos: coral can be damaged.
- Ask how you enter the water: jetty, beach, steps; some reefs require shoes, and walking on coral is forbidden.
- Check tide and wind: access changes with the weather.
- Do not walk on coral: it is forbidden and dangerous; see snorkelling in Hurghada.
Which area to choose
See where to stay in Makadi Bay, where to stay in Sahl Hasheesh and where to stay in Soma Bay. To compare with the beaches of the centre: the best beaches in Hurghada.
Add a boat trip
A hotel reef does not replace Giftun or Orange Bay: see Orange Bay. To learn first, see introductory dive.
FAQ
Is there a reef in front of the hotels in the centre? Generally not: sandy beach and shallows.
Is the sea warm enough for snorkelling? From May to November without a wetsuit; see sea temperature.
The Hurghada Authority editorial team, 26 October 2026.
