Where to swim in Sharm El Sheikh in November: sheltered bays, house reefs and kid-friendly lagoons

Expect the sea to be quite choppy at times in November. For a trip with children, choose a beach with a lagoon: even a small sheltered section can be enough for kids to swim comfortably.

Swimming comfort depends heavily on calm conditions: in early December, wind made the sea feel both rougher and colder. A good reef can still provide many fish species and even turtle sightings.

Even if the house reef directly off the beach seems underwhelming, snorkeling farther from the main swimming area may be more rewarding. Check with the hotel for permitted and safe directions before heading out.

When comparing hotels, factor in seasonal wind: Moreno can be windier in winter than Pasha in summer. Moreno is reported to have a reef, although its rooms are considered less appealing.

For the cooler, windier season, choose a Sharm El Sheikh hotel in a bay: exposed stretches of coast can be much windier and may have little reef life or few fish.