Where and when can you spot sea turtles while snorkeling in Hurghada?

In the Eqwa (Экви) area, large green sea turtles are often spotted, but usually in deep water further from shore. They can be seen at any time of day, though mornings offer better chances; turtles sometimes surface to breathe. One traveler shared that early one morning last summer they swam alongside a large turtle for about 23 minutes.

The most recent tip says a sea turtle may show up in the morning near a flooded pontoon. The reef there is described as partly degraded, but there are still enough fish to make it worth an early snorkeling stop with fins.

Even if turtles visit this spot, sightings can be brief: one traveler said they only saw the shell before the turtle quickly dived. It’s better to come early and be ready for a short encounter.

A practical wildlife tip: do not touch sea turtles. This is important both for your safety and to avoid harming the animals’ natural microflora.