Which Sharm el-Sheikh hotels have a good live reef accessible from the beach?

Faraana Reef hotel has a good reef with eagle rays regularly spotted there, though the hotel itself is considered quite run-down.

Xanadu hotel has noticeably poorer reef formations compared to nearby hotels. However, its beach, grounds, and service are well regarded.

El Fanar's reef is reportedly poorer than expected — eyewitnesses say it falls short of Ras Mohammed and does not live up to its reputation.

The reef near Novotel and Jazz hotels is half-dead but has plenty of fish. The Mövenpick reef requires a much longer swim to reach.

Sentido hotel stands out for having a reef accessible directly from the beach, which is increasingly rare in Sharm el-Sheikh.

El Fanar is one of the few remaining Sharm hotels with a live reef right off the beach, and it's conveniently located close to the main areas.

Sunny Beach hotel has a reef, but the water there is very shallow (waist-deep). The lagoon is murky and uninviting, and strong winds blow around the clock.

If you're willing to travel, the Three Pools reef in Dahab is considered one of the best in the region — a stunning live coral reef accessible directly from shore.

Ras Mohammed National Park has an excellent reef below the observation deck, but it requires a dedicated trip from Sharm el-Sheikh.

Live reefs in Sharm el-Sheikh are deteriorating year by year, largely due to tourists walking on corals. When choosing a hotel with a reef, be prepared for possible disappointment with its current condition.