Best snorkeling entry points in Sharm el-Sheikh — El Fanar vs Farsha reef

The coral reef at Farsha is very tight/cramped but considered one of the best for marine life diversity — excursions are specifically brought there, it's a colorful spot. Farsha has a toilet and café. Nearby Kanabish also offers paid snacks/drinks, plus a changing room and shower.

El Fanar beach entry is paid. There's a free 'wild' entry point at the edge of the Hadaba area — coordinates can be found in the Pickalbatros Aqua Blue hotel group.

The shoreline by Sunrise Montemare and Sultan is very shallow for water entry: even at high tide there is little depth, and at low tide it can be only ankle-deep in places. Shore entry there is inconvenient for snorkeling.

Outside visitors are typically not allowed onto the Reef Oasis pontoon, so you need to enter from the shore and swim across the shallow reef. On the outer reef, to the right toward Ras Katy, there are attractive coral pinnacles and good snorkeling spots.

The pier at Holiday Beach near Farsha is currently broken. Swimming over the coral without damaging it or yourself is only comfortable at high tide.

At El Fanar, the easiest and most comfortable way to reach the reef is by entering the water from the pier.

The reef west of Farsha, heading toward the port, is more lively and diverse than the reef at El Fanar.

Directly offshore from Farsha there are live boulders covered in marine life, roughly 200–300 meters from the beach.