The essentials

  • Risk: very low, but not zero. Reported incidents involved open-water sharks (tiger shark, oceanic whitetip) that came close to shore, rarely reef sharks.
  • Do: swim on hotel beaches with flags and lifeguards, stay inside the marked area, respect the red flag.
  • Avoid: swimming alone far from shore, at dawn or dusk, in murky water, near boats throwing fish, or in areas closed by the authorities.
  • If you are afraid: the semi-submarine or glass-bottom boat lets you see the fish without swimming.

Which sharks do you really see?

At Elphinstone Reef and the offshore dive sites, divers meet oceanic whitetips, hammerheads and reef sharks, as described in Hurghada's dive sites. These encounters happen on guided dives, far from shore, with precise instructions. Near beaches, harmless reef sharks are more common.

Swimming safety rules

  • Swim where there are flags, lifeguards and other people.
  • Respect beach closures: the authorities have closed beaches after incidents before.
  • Do not swim beyond the reef or the marked area.
  • Avoid swimming at dawn and dusk, when big predators hunt.
  • Do not wear shiny jewellery and do not swim with an open wound.
  • Do not feed the fish: it attracts predators.

Snorkelling and boat trips

Choose a serious operator, with a guide in the water, a life jacket and a limited number of swimmers. Stay in the group, stay near the boat or reef, and leave the water if the guide asks. To choose a trip: see which snorkelling trip to choose. To see fish without swimming, the semi-submarine trip is the most reassuring for children and anxious people.

Diving

Divers are supervised by a guide, and shark encounters are sought after. Oceanic whitetips are more frequent in autumn and spring (see the Elphinstone page); always follow your instructor's briefing.

What to do if you meet one

Stay calm, do not thrash, do not turn your back on the shark, swim slowly back to the boat or beach, and alert a lifeguard immediately. Travel insurance with evacuation is useful: see travel insurance for Egypt.

Frequently asked questions

Are there sharks in Hurghada? Yes, in the sea; most are harmless, but rare open-water species have attacked in the past.

Can you swim in Hurghada? Yes, on supervised hotel beaches and in authorised areas.

Is snorkelling dangerous? The risk is very low with a guide; follow his or her instructions.

What if I am afraid? Choose a semi-submarine or glass-bottom trip, where you stay dry.