Shore Dives in Sharm El Sheikh Red Sea

Discovering the Shore Dives in Sharm El Sheikh Red Sea: A Practical Review

If you’re planning to experience the beauty of the Red Sea without committing to a lengthy boat trip, the Shore Dives in Sharm El Sheikh may catch your eye. This tour offers a snapshot of the vibrant marine life and coral structures that make this region famous, all with the flexibility of shore access. While not a comprehensive underwater expedition, it provides an affordable and convenient way to get a taste of what the Red Sea has to offer.

What we love about this experience are its easy accessibility, affordable price point, and the flexibility to plan your own dive times. Plus, the included short boat trip on the semi-submarine offers a unique perspective—ideal for families or those not keen on full water immersion. However, some travelers have noted issues with coral health and pricing for drinks, which are worth considering before booking. This tour appeals most to those seeking a quick, scenic introduction to Sharm’s underwater scenery, especially if you’re pressed for time or prefer a more relaxed schedule.

Key Points

• Affordable and flexible: You can plan your diving times and enjoy a short, budget-friendly outing.
• Convenient transfers: Hotel pickups and drop-offs simplify logistics.
• Unique perspective: The semi-submarine ride offers a panoramic view of marine life without getting wet.
• Limited coral health: Some reviews mention that much of the coral is dead, affecting the overall viewing experience.
• Group size and inclusions: Small groups (max 15) and one included beach dive make for a comfortable experience.
• Potential extra costs: Be prepared for additional expenses for drinks and onboard photos.

The Experience in Detail

Pickup and Transfer

Your journey begins with hotel pickups, a significant advantage for travelers unfamiliar with local transport or those wanting to skip the hassle of navigating on your own. The pickup process is smooth, with multiple times scheduled throughout the day, covering all hotels in Sharm El Sheikh. The short drive to the main jetty keeps travel time minimal, aligning well with the tour’s overall short duration.

The Semi-Submarine Adventure

The highlight for many is the 1 hour 30 minutes semi-submarine tour, included in the package. You’ll be taken aboard a vessel moored at the El-Salam jetty, where you can explore the deck briefly before setting out. Once underway, the semi-submarine glides over the reef, with a fully air-conditioned viewing gallery offering clear, panoramic views of the underwater world.

This setup is particularly beneficial for families with young children or travelers who prefer not to get wet but still want to enjoy vibrant coral and marine life. The review mentions that pictures can be taken in abundance, providing excellent opportunities for memorable photos. After the reef visit, there’s a short period for relaxing with a drink (which comes at an extra charge) on the deck—an ideal moment to reflect on the underwater sights.

The Beach Dive

The core activity of the tour is a single beach dive, which generally lasts for a predictable period. While some travelers found this to be a worthwhile experience, others, like Osman, expressed disappointment in the coral health, noting that “80% of the coral is dead”. This highlights an important point: expectations for underwater beauty should be tempered by the current environmental condition of the reef, which varies over time.

Return and Convenience

After the dive and the semi-submarine experience, you’ll be transported back to your hotel. The entire operation is designed for convenience, with minimal waiting and quick turnaround. The tour’s duration of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours makes it perfect for travelers who want a quick, scenic outing without dedicating an entire day.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $40 per person, this tour is remarkably budget-friendly, especially considering the included semi-submarine ride and hotel transfers. You’re paying mainly for the experience of glimpsing the reef and marine life in a comfortable setting, rather than a full-day adventure.

Many reviewers find it offers good value for money, especially for those who want a glimpse of the Red Sea’s underwater scenery without shelling out for more costly or time-consuming excursions. However, some, like Osman, felt that the coral condition and extra costs for drinks detracted from the overall value, emphasizing the importance of managing expectations.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book in advance for flexible scheduling and to secure your preferred pickup time.
• If you’re interested in photography, bring a waterproof camera or smartphone case—there’s plenty of photo opportunities.
• Consider bringing cash for drinks or souvenirs onboard, as they are not included and are reportedly overpriced.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 8 years old, so plan accordingly if traveling with young kids.
• Keep in mind that the coral reef’s condition may not be as pristine as in other regions, which is important for snorkelers seeking vibrant, colorful underwater scenes.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a quick, affordable introduction to the Red Sea’s marine environment without dedicating an entire day. It’s perfect if you’re staying in Sharm El Sheikh and looking for an easy, family-friendly activity that combines a semi-submarine tour with a short beach snorkel.

Those seeking a serious coral or marine life spectacle might find this tour lacking, especially given concerns about coral health. It’s also a good pick for families with young children, as the semi-submarine is safe, comfortable, and engaging, and the group size caps at 15 for a more personalized experience.

Final Thoughts: Value and Authenticity

To sum it up, the Shore Dives in Sharm El Sheikh tour offers a cost-effective and flexible way to get a taste of the Red Sea. While environmental factors like coral health may impact the experience, the combination of hotel transfers, a semi-submarine ride, and a beach snorkel makes it a practical choice for many travelers.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic outing that fits into a busy schedule, this tour will serve you well. It’s especially suitable for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a low-stakes introduction to the region’s underwater scenery. Just be prepared for some environmental decline in marine life and plan to spend a bit extra on drinks if you plan to enjoy them onboard.

FAQ

What is included in this tour?
You get hotel pickup and drop-off, one beach snorkel session, and a semi-submarine ride with panoramic views of the reef.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, making it a quick yet enjoyable outing.

Is it suitable for children?
It’s not allowed for children under 8 years old, but older kids and families generally find the semi-submarine fun and engaging.

What is the condition of the coral reef?
Some reviews indicate that about 80% of the coral is dead, which affects the vibrancy of underwater views.

How much should I expect to pay for extras?
Drinks and photos are available onboard but come at an extra charge, with some reviews mentioning pricing as being a bit high.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund if canceled on time.

In summary, this tour offers a practical way to enjoy some of the Red Sea’s marine beauty without a full-day commitment or high cost. While it may not satisfy avid divers or those seeking pristine coral, its convenience, affordability, and family-friendly approach will appeal to many travelers looking for a short, scenic escape.