What marine life can you spot snorkeling at Egyptian reef hotels?

At the Grand Rotana reef, snorkelers have reported tuna and barracuda in addition to the more expected rays, morays, eagle rays, and Napoleon wrasse, so the hotel reef can produce larger open-water fish as well as standard reef species.

Recent sightings suggest the large Napoleon wrasse is not limited to the left side of the pier: it has also been seen on the right side of the pier, sometimes near the surface, and even close to the entry point/pontoon.

Morays have also been reported in the Remal–Sindbad area: a very large one had been seen regularly before reaching Sindbad, and later another moray was observed at Remal actively patrolling and hunting.

Sea turtles are occasionally spotted beyond the red buoys and sometimes near the left side of the pier — one may live in the area. Sightings are irregular but genuine.

At the reef section near ROB hotel, eagle rays, stingrays, lionfish, and moray eels have been spotted. The reef is partially bleached with few colorful sections, but large marine life is present.

A large Napoleon wrasse regularly swims left to right in the afternoon on the left side of the pier. Eagle rays follow a similar route.

Common reef fish include oversized surgeonfish and many triggerfish, including blue triggerfish — spotted regularly without much effort.

Manta rays and sharks have currently moved to follow plankton blooms — a dedicated trip to specific spots is needed to see them. They are not visible from shore or hotel reefs right now.