What are the swimming conditions like at Sharm el-Sheikh hotel beaches — depth, space, marine life?

Some recommend wearing a wetsuit or a long-sleeve rash guard with hydro-shorts for extended swims — otherwise there's a real risk of stings from marine life, and it gets chilly in the wind after getting out. In a regular swimsuit you can manage about an hour, but there's more risk of sunburn or getting cold.

There's a differing view on snorkel masks: a full-face mask (e.g. Subea brand) is comfortable for surface swimming — no fogging, no headache — but diving down or equalizing is harder in it. A classic mask and snorkel is better for diving, though the mouthpiece can tire out your upper lip over long use.

At some hotel beaches, the depth increases gradually rather than dropping off immediately: entry is comfortable for swimming, and the water goes beyond neck depth into deeper sections.

The current is not constant and can vary with the tides. Fins make swimming much easier, and for confident swimmers it is usually still manageable even when there is current.

There is current along the shoreline almost everywhere — stronger in some spots, weaker in others. Swimming without fins is very hard; fins make it much easier, though it's still not a relaxed swim. The route from Remal to Sensatori and back takes around 3–3.5 hours.

The beach is large with plenty of room for everyone. You can swim right toward the neighboring hotel. The pier is short and drops off quickly into deep water. Marine life varies — sometimes plentiful, sometimes sparse. Don't swim past the buoys or lifeguards will whistle you back.

At low tide the lagoon is waist-deep, at high tide it reaches chest level. You don't need to go far — all the good snorkeling is right in the local lagoon.

Full-face snorkel masks are inconvenient for short swims — exhaled air goes into the water creating lots of bubbles, and they're bulky. A classic mask and snorkel is more practical and compact for casual snorkeling.