Level: Resort nearby
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Last updated on December 7, 2022
Faraana Reef is probably the most photographed of Sharm el-Sheikh. From the cliffs that surround the bay, we overlook its turquoise waters, iridescent with coral. If this reef is less famous than some of the neighboring reefs (especially Ras Um Sid’s reef drop off), it is home to spectacular underwater life. Red Sea bannerfish, angelfish, damselfish and a wide variety of other equally colorful species are easy to spot everywhere on the reef.
Faraana Reef is part of a series of 4 very close spots, which follow one another along the southern coast of Hadaba, the southernmost district of Sharm el-Sheikh. This area is considered the best for snorkeling from the shore in Sharm. These 4 spots are, from west to east: Ras Katy, Faraana Reef, Temple Reef and Ras Um Sid. Due to their proximity, if you are a good swimmer you can consider exploring several spots during the same session, following the reef.
The easiest way to access this spot is via the pontoon installed on the reef. This allows you to enter the water directly on the outer reef, without having to cross the reef, where the depth is very shallow. It is not public but it is notably accessible from Faraana Reef Beach (the beach reserved for residents of the Faraana Reef Resort) and Gold Beach (private beach, paying).
You can also enter the water from the beach (Gold Beach, Faraana Reef Beach or the Temple Cafe & Beach), but you then have to swim a hundred meters on the reef flat to reach the outer reef.
Depending on the access chosen, you will enter the water either from a pontoon equipped with a ladder or from a sandy beach. If you enter the water from the beach, you will have to swim a hundred meters on the plateau to reach the outer reef.
The depth on the reef is about 0.5m. Illuminated by the sun, it is covered with corals and multicolored giant clams. These shallow waters are also popular with many fish, which are ideal for taking photos. Be careful not to damage the corals (and / or hurt yourself) while kicking.
On the front of the reef, where the corals cascade into the blue, we also discover a colorful underwater life: schools of Red Sea coachfish, black and white snappers, duke angelfish and zebra surgeons, among others, will accompany you during your underwater ride.
A hotel, the Faraana Reef Resort, and two private beaches, Gold Beach and Temple Cafe & Beach, offer direct access to the spot.
These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. You will enter the water from the shore (beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks) or from a boat. The water height in the sea entrance area is reasonable, but you will not necessarily be within your depth. Moderate currents can occur in the area, even when the sea conditions are good. The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas of the spot does not exceed 200 meters. This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.
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Snorkeling spots are part of a wild environment and their aspect can be significantly altered by weather, seasons, sea conditions, human impact and climate events (storms, hurricanes, seawater-warming episodes…). The consequences can be an alteration of the seabed (coral bleaching, coral destruction, and invasive seagrass), a poor underwater visibility, or a decrease of the sea life present in the area. Snorkeling Report makes every effort to ensure that all the information displayed on this website is accurate and up-to-date, but no guarantee is given that the underwater visibility and seabed aspect will be exactly as described on this page the day you will snorkel the spot. If you recently snorkeled this area and noticed some changes compared to the information contained on this page, please contact us.
The data contained in this website is for general information purposes only, and is not legal advice. It is intended to provide snorkelers with the information that will enable them to engage in safe and enjoyable snorkeling, and it is not meant as a substitute for swim level, physical condition, experience, or local knowledge. Remember that all marine activities, including snorkeling, are potentially dangerous, and that you enter the water at your own risk. You must take an individual weather, sea conditions and hazards assessment before entering the water. If snorkeling conditions are degraded, postpone your snorkeling or select an alternate site. Know and obey local laws and regulations, including regulated areas, protected species, wildlife interaction and dive flag laws.
