Are fish dangerous on the reef in Sharm el-Sheikh and how to swim safely?

In early October 2026 holidaymakers warned that a surgeonfish lives on the fenced reef by their beach and has already given several people minor cuts. The person warning keeps away from it and does not stand on corals, and it leaves her alone. Another holidaymaker wrote that there are many surgeonfish there, a stonefish was seen too, and people go in barefoot over slippery rocks and in waves — many get injured.

For those who are nervous, a calmer option was suggested in September 2026: in some spots you can wade in waist-deep over the shallows and see a coral forest — safe and beautiful. Popular spots by the columns get crowded, so go early in the morning or around 4–5pm.

The experience of a snorkeler with 20 years on the Red Sea (September 2026): he has never seen an injury from a lionfish or stonefish, has seen cuts from surgeonfish, and has been burned by fire coral himself. He has had no serious incidents in the water.

Take surgeonfish seriously: cuts have been reported, including deep wounds that required stitches. Be especially careful in very shallow areas with uneven reef bottom where these fish are numerous; do not try to stand or swim directly over corals.

When there is a noticeable current, swimming diagonally along the coral line may be easier because the flow can be weaker than when heading straight against it. Do not overestimate your stamina: cramps can occur and may require lifeguard assistance.

Near the shallow 'kiddie pool' area, in July 2026 holidaymakers saw a lot of surgeonfish, so they swam straight out to deeper water. They entered via a submerged pontoon, with a life vest, mask and snorkel, and reef shoes as a must.

For up-to-date information about the sea and reef, in July 2026 participants advised skipping the hotel reception, where staff may not know, and asking the lifeguard on the beach or a dive center instead.

A participant in July 2026 pointed out that under the codes of underwater federations, being underwater without a mask is treated as a distress signal. So lifeguards may react if they see someone underwater without one.

According to a participant in July 2026, surgeonfish swim practically everywhere, including at the Fanara reefs, and in his view their danger is overstated. He mostly saw lionfish in the evening.

In July 2026 a holidaymaker spotted four lionfish right next to a water entry point — before sunset, while everyone was swimming. She is wary of them and unsure whether they can attack; by comparison, needlefish and surgeonfish no longer bother her.

In July 2026 a holidaymaker warned about a spot near the shore with lots of fish: there are corals there, and she cut her foot even though she was wearing water shoes.

In July 2026 holidaymakers noticed lifeguards becoming more active: besides whistling, they patrol on SUP boards and move away anyone hovering in a mask directly over the corals.

A long-distance swim will not be allowed, a holidaymaker said in June 2026: there is a zone for watching fish and the reef, and it is enough. That day there was a strong current that carried swimmers off and tired them out. Lifeguards watch everyone in the water closely.

As a holidaymaker observed in June 2026, lifeguards mostly whistle at people walking on corals. If you swim past the buoys toward a neighboring hotel, you are on your own. Also note that the whistle is often inaudible while wearing a mask.

The main rule on the reef, as a participant advised in June 2026, is to stay calm, especially if someone is swimming nearby. Panic frightens fish and their reaction is unpredictable; in a panic it is also easy to swallow water or hit the corals.

Do not touch corals: some of them cause burns, participants reminded in June 2026. In September an experienced snorkeler added that he had been burned by fire coral more than once.

There are many surgeonfish in Sharm el-Sheikh and they can be aggressive: in June 2026 a holidaymaker recalled that in Sharm they literally lunged at people's legs. At another resort she visited later, people entered the water calmly and without fear.

Participants recommend bringing reef shoes: experienced holidaymakers always wear them and watch their step. In August 2026 others added that it depends on the hotel and the water entry: one person swam without them at first and then in them, another did the opposite. Others swim from the pier in fins and wear reef shoes in the shallow area.