Do I need special water shoes for swimming at Sharm El Sheikh beaches because of coral?

From messages by 2 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 9 days ago

TL;DR

Not every Sharm El Sheikh beach has coral reefs at the shore — some spots have a smooth, sandy entry where no shoes are needed. Where corals are present, crocs or flip-flops work fine for walking to the pier, flippers for swimming, and dedicated coral shoes are only necessary if the seabed is really sharp.

What the community said

Water shoes can be more convenient for entering the water along the sandbar beside the Sunrise pier, allowing you to wade there instead of using the pier.

28 days ago Sandbar beside the Sunrise pier

Some beaches in Sharm El Sheikh have no coral at all — the entry is smooth and sandy, similar to a calm Black Sea beach. If the entry/sunbed price is reasonable, this type of beach is worth choosing for comfortable swimming.

Smooth sandy entry, coral-free

For walking along the shore to the pier, crocs worn without socks work best — this was rated the most comfortable option, and dedicated coral shoes aren't needed for that.

Crocs, no socks

For swimming, bring flippers, and for wading and walking on the beach, use crocs or regular sandals; dedicated coral shoes are only needed as a last resort if the seabed has sharp coral.

Flippers + crocs/sandals