How risky are the coral reefs for swimming/snorkeling in Sharm El Sheikh and how to avoid injuries?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 1 day ago
TL;DR
Shallow coral near the shore is sharp — it's easy to cut a knee or foot when swimming from the pontoon to the reef. Wear reef shoes (from $2.5 at Fix Price-type stores), stay away from the reef near the buoys, and avoid long solo snorkel swims.
What the community said
One traveler scraped her knee on the reef while swimming right of the pontoon and started avoiding that buoy area afterward. Lime juice helped disinfect the small wound.
1 day ago buoy area right of the pontoon
On the very first swim from the high pontoon, hit the reef with a foot and cut a toe deeply even while wearing reef shoes — the shoes prevented a worse injury. New reef shoes cost about $2.5 at a local Fix Price-style store.
1 day ago reef shoes $2.5, Fix Price-style store
During a long swim in a full-face snorkel mask from Jaz Fanara hotel to Fanar beach, breathing became difficult due to CO2 buildup — had to climb onto a coral ledge and remove the mask. Short swims near the reef by the hotel were fine.
1 day ago Jaz Fanara hotel to Fanar beach route