Hurghada Excursions – Sightseeing Tours & Day Trips
Nemo Island Hurghada
Nemo Island Hurghada
A practical guide to nemo island hurghada.
The Nemo Island Hurghada snorkelling day trip offers combining a boat journey across turquoise Red Sea water, a day on a tropical sandy island beach, and snorkelling above one of the finest shallow coral reefs in Egypt. Named for its extraordinary abundance of clownfish in their sea anemones — the real-life Nemos that inspired the film — Nemo Island delivers a snorkelling experience accessible to complete beginners yet rewarding for experienced divers. From €35 per person including all equipment and hotel transfers.
01.Nemo Island Hurghada — What Is It, Where Is It & What Makes It Special?
Nemo Island is a small coral island in the Giftun Island National Park, located approximately 25 kilometres south of Hurghada marina in the northern Egyptian Red Sea. It is one of a chain of coral islands and reefs within the protected national park area — a marine conservation zone where fishing, anchoring outside designated areas, and coral touching are strictly prohibited, creating conditions in which the reef has remained in remarkable health.
The island itself is compact — perhaps 200 metres of sandy beach at its widest — but the reef that surrounds it is extraordinary. The shallow zones (1–5 metres depth) are carpeted with hard coral formations and host an almost absurdly vivid abundance of tropical reef fish. The slightly deeper sections (5–12 metres) are accessible to confident snorkellers and provide access to larger coral formations, sea turtles, moray eels, and the occasional reef shark patrol. The combination of the sandy beach for relaxation and the accessible coral reef for snorkelling makes Nemo Island the most complete single-site Red Sea day experience available from Hurghada.
Year-round water temp
Extraordinary abundance
Protected · pristine reef
All equipment included
02.Full Day Programme — Nemo Island Tour Hour by Hour
The Nemo Island Hurghada tour is a full-day excursion that maximises time on the water and at the reef. Here is the complete programme:
Full Day Programme — Nemo Island Tour Hour by Hour
Hotel Pickup · Transfer to Marina · Private Vehicle from Your Hurghada Hotel to the Boat
Your Hurghada To Go vehicle collects you from your hotel. Transfer to Hurghada marina — 10–20 minutes. Equipment fitting onboard: masks, snorkels, and fins sized to each guest. Life jackets distributed for those who want them. Safety briefing and marine conservation guidelines from the boat guide (no touching coral, no feeding fish, no standing on the reef).
Boat Journey to Nemo Island (45 minutes) · Crossing the Northern Red Sea — Open Water, Islands & Reefs Visible
The 45-minute boat crossing from Hurghada marina to Nemo Island is itself a beautiful experience — passing the Giftun Island chain, watching the water colour shift from the greens of the harbour to the deep turquoise of the open Red Sea. Breakfast snacks and tea/coffee served onboard. The guide points out reef systems, distant islands, and occasionally visible sea life en route.
First Snorkelling Session at Nemo Island Reef · The Clownfish Reef — The Best Snorkelling of the Day
The boat anchors at Nemo Island’s main reef site — and the first look through the mask changes everything. The reef begins at 1–2 metres depth and descends gradually to 10–15 metres. The shallow zone is extraordinary: brain corals, table corals, sea fans, and anemone gardens — each anemone hosting 2–6 clownfish that dart in and out in vivid orange and white. Parrotfish graze on coral. Blue tangs school in the water column. Giant moray eels curl from crevices. Sea turtles cruise the mid-water. Two full hours of snorkelling with the guide — the guide points out marine life that would otherwise be missed, including camouflaged octopus and lionfish resting against the coral.
Beach Time · Island Relaxation · Lunch Onboard · Sandy Beach · Sun Loungers · Lunch Served Onboard the Boat
Time on Nemo Island’s sandy beach — swimming in the clear shallows (2–3 metres, sand bottom, perfect for children), sun lounging, reading, or simply watching the Red Sea horizon. Lunch served onboard the anchored boat: Egyptian cuisine including grilled fish, rice, salads, bread, and fresh watermelon. Soft drinks included. The midday light on the water at this point is extraordinary — the beach and the reef visible simultaneously, both in vivid colour.
Second Snorkelling Session (Different Site) · Second Reef Site — Deeper Coral, Different Marine Life
The boat moves to a second snorkelling site — typically a slightly deeper section of the Giftun Island reef complex, where larger coral formations, bigger fish species, and different marine life populations provide a completely different experience from the morning’s shallow reef. The afternoon light on the underwater coral is warmer and more golden than the morning — producing some of the finest natural underwater photography of the day.
Return Boat Journey to Hurghada · Hotel Transfer · Late Afternoon Return · Arrive Hotel by 16:30–17:00
Return boat journey to Hurghada marina — the late afternoon Red Sea light is warm and golden, the water takes on a deep teal colour in the afternoon sun. Private vehicle from the marina back to your hotel. Arrive by approximately 16:30–17:00 — plenty of time for a late afternoon at your hotel pool before evening dinner. Full Day · Hotel Transfer · All Equipment · Lunch · 2 Snorkel Sessions · From €35 pp Nemo Island Hurghada Day Tour — Book Now Book Nemo Island Tour
03.Marine Life at Nemo Island — What You Will See
The Nemo Island Hurghada reef is one of the most biodiverse shallow marine environments accessible from any Red Sea resort — protected within the Giftun Island National Park since 1986, the reef has developed without the fishing and anchoring pressure that degrades most accessible coral gardens. Here is what you will realistically encounter on a Nemo Island snorkelling tour:
The Amphiprion bicinctus (Red Sea two-banded clownfish) in their host sea anemones — in numbers that consistently stagger first-time snorkellers. Look into any large anemone and you will find 2–6 clownfish; across the reef, the total number is in the hundreds. They approach snorkellers with curious confidence and are by far the most photographed species at the site.
Chelonia mydas — green sea turtles are resident at the Nemo Island reef, resting on the coral and foraging on sea grasses in the sandy areas between coral formations. Encounters are common but not guaranteed. When they occur — a 60–80 kg turtle hovering motionless in the clear water, turning one ancient eye to look at you — they are among the most moving wildlife moments available in the Red Sea.
Multiple species of parrotfish graze continuously on coral at the Nemo Island reef — using their fused beak-like teeth to bite off coral polyps and excrete fine white sand (parrotfish excretion is a significant source of the white sand beaches in the region). Their vivid blue-green and pink colours are extraordinary in direct sunlight.
Giant moray eels (Gymnothorax javanicus) — up to 2.5 metres long — curl from coral crevices throughout the reef. They look menacing and are harmless if undisturbed. Your guide will point them out — they are highly camouflaged and most snorkellers swim directly over them without noticing. They are, on close inspection, remarkably beautiful.
Porcupine pufferfish (Diodon hystrix) are found drifting in the mid-water — round, spiky, and oddly endearing. Red Sea lionfish (Pterois miles) rest against coral formations with their extraordinarily beautiful poisonous fins spread — never touch them, but the guide will show you where they are hiding.
Common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) are found across the Nemo Island reef — but almost entirely invisible to unguided snorkellers due to their extraordinary camouflage ability. Your guide knows where they rest and will bring you to within 30 centimetres of an octopus that you would have swum directly past. The moment when the octopus shifts colour and “reveals” itself is consistently described as one of the most astonishing experiences of the day.
04.Best Coral Reef in Egypt — Where Does Nemo Island Rank?
Where is the best coral reef in Egypt? Egypt’s finest reefs span a range of accessibility and character — from the deep dramatic walls of the Brothers Islands (liveaboard only) to the easily accessible coral gardens of the Giftun Island National Park. Here is how Nemo Island compares:
| Reef / Site | Type | Access | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brothers Islands | Deep walls | Liveaboard only | Advanced divers | ★★★★★ |
| Ras Mohammed (Sharm) | Walls + reefs | Boat from Sharm | Intermediate+ divers | ★★★★★ |
| SS Thistlegorm Wreck | Wreck dive | Boat from Hurghada | Certified divers | ★★★★★ |
| Giftun / Orange Bay | Shallow reef | Boat from Hurghada | All levels + snorkel | ★★★★★ |
| Nemo Island ★ (this tour) | Shallow reef + beach | Day trip Hurghada | All ages · beginners | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel beach reefs | Degraded reef | Directly from hotel | Absolute beginners | ★★★ |
Which beach is best for snorkeling in Hurghada? The honest answer is that hotel beaches are not the best option for snorkelling — the reefs closest to the shore are the most degraded due to boat traffic, anchoring, and human contact. The finest snorkelling in the Hurghada area is at the offshore protected reefs — Nemo Island, Giftun Island, and Dolphin House — where the coral is in excellent health and the marine life is extraordinarily diverse. The boat journey of 30–45 minutes is entirely worth it.
05.Which Island to Visit in Hurghada? — Nemo vs Giftun vs White Island vs Magawish
Which island to visit in Hurghada is one of the most common questions from guests — and the answer depends on what you prioritise. Here is the complete comparison:
25km from Hurghada · 45-min boat
✓ Most vivid clownfish reef in the area ✓ Sandy beach for relaxation ✓ Perfect for beginners + families ✓ Protected national park ✓ 2 snorkelling sites per trip Best for: families, first-timers, clownfish lovers
Giftun Island / Orange Bay
30km from Hurghada · 50-min boat
✓ Largest island with longer beach ✓ Multiple reef sites ✓ Excellent for experienced snorkellers ✓ More facilities on the island Best for: all-day beach + snorkel combo
White Island Hurghada
20km from Hurghada · 35-min boat
✓ Brilliant white sandbar ✓ Shallow turquoise water ✓ More photogenic beach ✓ Shallow snorkelling for beginners Best for: photography, shallow water, scenery
Magawish Island Hurghada
15km from Hurghada · 25-min boat
✓ Closest to Hurghada marina ✓ More vegetated island ✓ Quieter, less visited ✓ Good snorkelling on leeward side Best for: those wanting less travel time
Our Recommendation: For first-time visitors and families, Nemo Island is the clear choice — the clownfish reef is the finest in the accessible Hurghada area, the beach is comfortable, and the snorkelling is suitable for all ages and experience levels. For experienced snorkellers wanting maximum reef diversity, combine the Nemo Island morning with an afternoon at Orange Bay / Giftun Island on a combined day trip. Ask our team about combined options.
Note on “Point Nemo”: Point Nemo is a completely different location — it is the oceanic pole of inaccessibility, the point in the ocean furthest from any land, located in the South Pacific approximately 2,700 km from the nearest land. It has nothing to do with Nemo Island Hurghada or the clownfish of the Red Sea. The name connection is purely coincidental — both derive from Finding Nemo‘s cultural impact.
06.Is It Safe? — Snorkelling in Hurghada, Sharks & Red Sea Safety
Is it safe to snorkel in Hurghada with sharks? Yes — snorkelling at Nemo Island and all managed Hurghada reef sites is completely safe. The question about sharks is common among first-time Red Sea visitors, and the honest answer is reassuring:
Shark Reality at Nemo Island
- Sharks present are reef sharks (white-tip and black-tip reef sharks) — non-aggressive and almost exclusively interested in fish, not humans
- These species actively avoid snorkellers and divers in the vast majority of encounters
- No recorded unprovoked shark attacks on snorkellers at Nemo Island or the Giftun Island area
- Seeing a reef shark at Nemo Island is a positive encounter — a sign of healthy reef ecology, not a danger
Standard Safety Guidelines
- Never snorkel alone — always with your guide or a partner
- Don’t touch marine life — including coral, fish, and especially lionfish (venomous spines)
- Don’t feed fish — disrupts natural behaviour
- Stay close to your guide — especially in unfamiliar reef sections
- Non-swimmers use a life jacket — provided free of charge onboard
07.Nemo Island Hurghada Tour Price
| Traveler | Price | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | €35 per person | Adult traveler |
| Child | €20 per child | Ages 4–11 |
| Infant | Free | Under 4 |
All prices include hotel transfers · boat · snorkelling equipment · lunch · 2 snorkel sites
+What’s Included
- Hotel transfers — private vehicle from and to your Hurghada hotel
- Boat trip to Nemo Island and return — comfortable day boat with shaded areas and sun deck
- All snorkelling equipment — mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit (on request), life jacket
- Marine guide — experienced reef guide who identifies marine life and ensures reef safety
- Lunch onboard — Egyptian cuisine, soft drinks included · fruit and snacks throughout the day
- 2 snorkelling sites · national park entry fee · bottled water · free cancellation 24 hours before
08.10 Insider Tips for Your Nemo Island Hurghada Day
Book the earliest departure for the best snorkelling conditions
Book the earliest departure for the best snorkelling conditions. The Nemo Island reef is at its finest in the morning — the clearest water, best light penetration, most active fish behaviour, and fewest other snorkellers in the water. The Hurghada To Go boat departs at 09:00 AM, which arrives at the reef by 09:45 AM when conditions are perfect. Afternoon arrivals encounter cloudier water (from boat traffic and tidal movement) and reduced visibility.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Use reef-safe sunscreen. Standard chemical sunscreens are harmful to coral reefs and are prohibited in the Giftun Island National Park. Reef-safe mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide based) are available in Hurghada pharmacies and dive shops. Apply before leaving the hotel — the 20-minute absorption time means you are fully protected when you arrive at the marina.
Bring a waterproof camera or GoPro
Bring a waterproof camera or GoPro. The clownfish at Nemo Island approach close enough for exceptional close-up photography. A GoPro or waterproof phone case produces excellent results at the shallow depths of the Nemo Island reef (1–8 metres). Avoid using flash — it startles the fish and produces flat, washed-out images. Natural light in 1–5 metres depth is extraordinary in the morning.
Let the guide show you the hidden animals
Let the guide show you the hidden animals. The most interesting marine life at Nemo Island is the most hidden: octopus camouflaged against coral, sleeping turtles in crevices, lionfish pressed against the reef. Without a guide, most snorkellers miss 90% of what is actually present. Stay close to the guide and follow where they point — the reveal of a previously invisible animal is one of the finest moments of the day.
Don’t worry about swimming ability
Don’t worry about swimming ability. Life jackets are available free of charge and are used by many guests — particularly parents who want to watch their children snorkelling rather than swimming independently. The life jacket allows you to float comfortably face-down above the reef without any effort, making snorkelling accessible to all levels of swimming confidence.
The beach at Nemo Island is sandy and perfect for children
The beach at Nemo Island is sandy and perfect for children. The inshore swimming area at Nemo Island is calm, sandy-bottomed, and 1–2 metres deep — ideal for children who want to play in the water between snorkelling sessions. Parents can watch from the beach while children swim safely in the supervised shallow area.
Seasickness — take precaution if prone
Seasickness — take precaution if prone. The open-water crossing from Hurghada to Nemo Island (45 minutes each way) can be choppy in winter months (November–February) when north winds create wave conditions. If you are prone to motion sickness, take Stugeron or Kwells the night before and again the morning of the trip. Once in the water snorkelling, seasickness typically disappears entirely.
Wear a rashguard for extended snorkelling
Wear a rashguard for extended snorkelling. The combination of sun exposure (even through water) and extended snorkelling time means sunburn is possible on the back and legs even with sunscreen. A lycra rashguard or thin wetsuit adds UV protection and is available from the boat or can be brought from the hotel.
Don’t skip the second snorkelling site
Don’t skip the second snorkelling site. After lunch, some guests prefer to stay on the beach rather than entering the water for the afternoon session. The second reef site is typically a deeper section with different marine life — including larger coral formations, bigger fish, and occasionally reef sharks. The afternoon light on the underwater coral (13:30–15:00) is warm and golden. Go in for the second session.
Combine with the Dolphin House for an extraordinary full day
Combine with the Dolphin House for an extraordinary full day. The Dolphin House (Sha’ab El Erg) is 45 minutes north of Nemo Island — some private boat charters visit both sites on the same day: Dolphin House in the morning for the wild spinner dolphin encounter, then Nemo Island for the reef and clownfish in the afternoon. Ask the Hurghada To Go team about combined day charters when booking.
09.Frequently Asked Questions — Nemo Island Hurghada
Which island to visit in Hurghada for snorkelling?
For snorkelling, Nemo Island is the best choice for families, beginners, and guests who want the most vivid clownfish reef experience. Giftun Island / Orange Bay is the best choice for experienced snorkellers wanting maximum reef diversity. White Island is the best choice for photogenic shallow-water scenery. Magawish Island is the closest to Hurghada marina and best for guests wanting a shorter boat journey. All four islands are available as day trips through Hurghada To Go .
Is it safe to snorkel in Hurghada with sharks?
Yes — snorkelling at Nemo Island and all managed Hurghada reef sites is completely safe. The sharks in the Giftun Island area are predominantly reef sharks (white-tip and black-tip reef sharks) — non-aggressive species that actively avoid snorkellers. There are no recorded unprovoked shark attacks on snorkellers at Nemo Island or the wider Giftun Island area. Standard guidelines apply: no touching marine life, stay with your guide, don’t swim alone. Seeing a reef shark at the second snorkelling site (deeper water) is a positive ecological sign — and a moment guests invariably describe as extraordinary.
Which beach is best for snorkeling in Hurghada?
The best snorkelling near Hurghada is at the offshore protected reefs within the Giftun Island National Park — specifically Nemo Island, Orange Bay (Giftun), and Dolphin House. Hotel beaches in Hurghada generally offer degraded reefs due to boat traffic and proximity to the shore. The 45-minute boat journey to Nemo Island provides access to coral reefs in genuinely outstanding health, with marine life diversity that makes hotel beach snorkelling feel tame by comparison. The effort of the boat trip is entirely worth it.
Where is the best coral reef in Egypt?
Egypt’s finest coral reefs include: (1) Brothers Islands (far south Red Sea, liveaboard only) — world-class deep walls; (2) Ras Mohammed National Park (Sharm El Sheikh) — dramatic walls, hammerhead sharks; (3) Giftun Island National Park (Hurghada) — the finest accessible shallow reefs in Egypt, including Nemo Island. For a day trip from Hurghada, the Nemo Island reef represents the best coral reef experience available — protected, biodiverse, and accessible to all levels from beginners to experienced divers.
Is Nemo Island Hurghada suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes — Nemo Island Hurghada is accessible to non-swimmers. Life jackets are provided free of charge and allow non-swimmers to float comfortably above the reef without any swimming effort. The life jacket allows full mask-and-snorkel viewing of the reef and marine life from the surface — the clownfish, coral, and fish are all visible from directly above the surface. The beach area has a sandy-bottomed, calm, 1–2 metre shallow swimming zone that is entirely safe for non-swimmers who want to be in the water without the reef snorkelling. There is no pressure to enter the water at all — the view from the boat deck is also extraordinary.
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