Update: April 2026
The idea of wearing a mask, a breathing tube, and swimming fins to explore life beneath the water fascinated me.
When I asked my daughter about snorkelling, she handed me a copy of Finding Nemo and said, “Watch this, it will give you a good idea of what to expect.” I remember thinking, that can’t be real… it can’t possibly be that beautiful.
I was wrong.
There are many places around the world known for snorkelling — the Caribbean, Mexico, Seychelles, the Maldives. But Egypt’s Red Sea is something special. Its coral reefs are among the healthiest in the world, making it a true paradise for ocean lovers.
I travelled solo to Hurghada to try snorkelling as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
And here is the truth — I couldn’t swim, I had never snorkelled, and I had never even been to Hurghada before.
I booked a local day trip and, when I told the tour operator I was a complete beginner, he paired me with a young Egyptian man who had also never snorkelled!
Not quite what I expected but I went with it.
After all, it felt like part of the adventure.
The boat ride to the snorkelling spot took about an hour and a half and had a lively, party atmosphere. There were many Russian tourists on board, and vodka seemed to flow freely.
We stopped near a small sandy island in the middle of the Red Sea — quite surreal, really. Lunch was served, drinks were plentiful, and the atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful.
Before entering the water, we were given our equipment and safety instructions including how to breathe through the mouth.
Now that… felt completely unnatural.
When the moment came, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. My stomach tightened, my heart raced, but I told myself: you can do this.
I stepped into the water and followed the guide.
Then I looked down…
And panicked.
I gulped water, flapped my arms, and completely lost control. The guide quickly came to my rescue, calmly reminding me to breathe through my mouth and relax.
It wasn’t easy but I was determined.
Because in that brief moment before panic set in, I had seen something extraordinary.
I tried again.
And this time… I saw it.
A whole new world.
Below me were the most beautiful, colourful corals and fish I had ever seen. It felt unreal — like watching a nature documentary, except I was inside it.
I became so mesmerised that I drifted away without realising. When I finally looked up and saw how far I had gone, panic returned but I was quickly guided back. Apparently, this happens often with beginners.
After that, I wanted to go back in again and again.
From the surface, the sea reveals very little.
But once you put your face beneath the water, an entirely different world comes to life — vibrant, alive, and breathtakingly beautiful.
The clarity, the colours, the movement… it was simply magnificent.
If you have never snorkelled, I would encourage you to try it at least once in your life.
And if you can, try it in the Red Sea.
This is not the same as paddling off a beach. This is something far more extraordinary. It is an experience that stays with you.
And if I can do it…
so can you.
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Great adventure. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Village Modou. You too can have a great adventure. You will love it.
Revisiting youthful experience is mother of bravery. The experiences bring out the remain youthful experiences in you.
Oh yes indeed. I’m loving it! Thank you.
Brave! But snorkelling is worth it.
Yes Jim. It was a brave thing to do but worth it. Honestly, it was so so worth it.