Which Hurghada area/hotel has a good sandy beach entry and reef for snorkeling?

For snorkeling in Makadi, the reef to the right of the bay exit is recommended; from Stella, swim right and around the corner.

Zahabia is good for sea life and reef snorkeling. Regina (great central location) has a lagoon with buoys close to shore — swimming past them isn't allowed and staff whistle to stop you.

Labranda Club 4* (now acquired by Jaz) is praised as excellent. Nearby Labranda Royal 5* has great sea, a turtle regularly visits, and there's a small reef.

Jaz Fanara is noted for good beach entry and a beautiful reef, suitable for snorkeling enthusiasts.

If your hotel turns out to have a rough entry or waves, you may end up taking a taxi to other beaches to swim, such as Naama Bay or Terrazzino.

When booking, specifically check the type of sea entry (gradual sandy vs. rocky/steep) rather than trusting a general description, or you risk ending up at a hotel without a proper swimmable beach.

Pyramisa in Sahl Hasheesh is praised for good sea entry, but has a small territory. An alternative is Sunrise Royal Makadi in Makadi Bay — great water entry and sea quality, but pricier than Dana Beach.

Dana Beach is a tried option with a decent sea entry, but reportedly falls short of Sunrise Royal Makadi in terms of water entry and sea quality.

If you want a reef with fish right off the beach, look at hotels near Hurghada rather than assuming only Sharm el-Sheikh has good reefs — Hurghada can offer a decent reef too, depending on the hotel.