Complete Snorkelling Guide to Soma Bay: House Reef, Jetty Access & Tours

Soma Bay is one of the best snorkelling destinations on the Red Sea. With a huge, healthy house reef, long jetties that give direct access to deep water, and year-round clarity, it’s the ideal place for both beginners and experienced snorkellers. This guide explains where to snorkel, how to access the reef, the best times to go, tour options, safety tips and what marine life you can expect to see.

Why Soma Bay Is Exceptional for Snorkelling

Unlike many Red Sea resorts where coral is offshore, Soma Bay sits directly beside a massive fringing reef system. This means:

• Immediate access to coral drop-offs
• Deep, clear water right from the jetty
• Calm bays ideal for beginners
• Warm water year-round
• Excellent visibility—often 20–40 meters

The peninsula shape also creates two unique snorkelling environments:

• The open-sea reef side (dramatic walls and marine life)
• The lagoon side (shallow, safe and gentle)

The Soma Bay House Reef

The house reef stretches along the eastern edge of the peninsula and is one of the most accessible reefs in the region. Expect:

• Colourful coral gardens
• Sheer drop-offs with vibrant fish life
• Schools of anthias, fusiliers and butterflyfish
• Occasional turtles, eagle rays and dolphins
• Warm, calm conditions even in winter

Because the reef is protected and away from boat traffic, it remains in excellent condition compared to many overused sites elsewhere in the Red Sea.

Jetty Access: The Best Way to Snorkel in Soma Bay

One of Soma Bay’s biggest advantages is its long snorkelling jetties, which allow you to walk over the reef safely without stepping on coral or seagrass.

Why the jetties are ideal:

• You enter the water directly over deep coral—no shallow wading
• Platforms make entry and exit easy even for beginners
• Drift snorkels are possible when currents are gentle
• You can explore both sides of the reef wall

The main jetty is particularly famous for giving direct access to crystal-clear blue water with immediate coral formations below.

Where to Snorkel in Soma Bay

1. The House Reef (Jetty Snorkelling)

Best for:

• Experienced snorkellers
• Confident swimmers
• Anyone wanting deep water and coral walls

What you’ll see: Hard corals, soft corals, orange anthias, parrotfish, unicornfish, turtles and sometimes rays.

2. The Lagoon Side (S.cape Beach & Surroundings)

Best for:

• Beginners
• Families with children
• Anyone who prefers gentle, shallow water

What you’ll see: Small reef fish, seagrass meadows, sand patches and occasional rays or nurseries of baby fish.

This area is calm, warm and perfect for people who are new to snorkelling.

3. Offshore Reefs (By Boat)

These include well-known Red Sea sites like Tobia Arbaa, Panorama Reef, Gamul Kebir and Middle Reef. Many boat trips depart from the Marina daily.

Best for:

• Guests wanting variety
• Deeper water and rich coral formations
• Full-day snorkel excursions

Marine Life in Soma Bay

Expect to see:

• Clownfish (Nemo)
• Parrotfish
• Angelfish & butterflyfish
• Barracuda (in deeper sections)
• Napoleon wrasse
• Trumpetfish
• Moray eels
• Sea turtles
• Spotted eagle rays
• Dolphins (occasional)
• Whale shark (extremely rare)

Soma Bay’s reef is especially known for great visibility and healthy hard-coral structures.

Best Time of Year for Snorkelling

Spring (March–June)

Warm water, good visibility. Excellent conditions.

Autumn (September–November)

The best overall combination of warm water, clear conditions and comfortable air temperatures.

Summer (July–August)

Very warm sea, easy snorkelling—ideal for beginners.

Winter (December–February)

Water stays warm enough to snorkel comfortably; winds can be stronger but visibility remains good.

Snorkelling is possible all year, with only minor seasonal variations.

Snorkelling Tours & Excursions

Soma Bay offers several types of snorkelling excursions:

1. Half-Day Boat Trips

Visit 1–2 reef spots with snorkelling stops. Great for seeing variety without a long day.

2. Full-Day Yacht Trips

Include multiple snorkel sites, lunch on board and relaxed cruising.

3. Dolphin House & Dugong Excursions

Popular among families. Sightings are not guaranteed but often rewarding.

4. Private Snorkelling Charters

For couples, groups or families wanting a tailored itinerary.

Most trips depart directly from the Soma Bay Marina, making logistics easy.

Gear & Safety Tips

1. Bring Your Own Mask & Snorkel
   Personal equipment ensures comfort, though rentals are available at the Orca Dive Center.
2. Use Fins for the House Reef
   Helps navigate mild currents along the reef wall.
3. Avoid Touching Coral
   Coral is fragile—keep a safe distance.
4. Enter Only from Designated Jetties
   

5. Stay Aware of Wind & Waves
   Most days are calm but wind can increase later in the day.
6. Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
   Protects the marine environment.
7. Consider a Rash Guard
   Great for sun protection and warmth in winter.

Who Snorkelling in Soma Bay Is Best Suited For

• Couples
• Families
• Beginner snorkellers
• Strong swimmers
• Underwater photography lovers
• Anyone wanting colourful reefs without long boat rides

Because of the house reef and jetty system, Soma Bay is one of Egypt’s few destinations where snorkelling is genuinely excellent right from shore.

Summary: Why Snorkellers Love Soma Bay

• Huge, healthy house reef
• Dramatic coral walls
• Easy jetty access into deep water
• Calm lagoon side for beginners
• Warm water all year
• Excellent visibility
• Boat excursions for variety

If you’re visiting Soma Bay, snorkelling should be at the very top of your list.