Scuba diving has been on my living list for quite a while. I never thought I’d cross it off soon and definitely did not think I’d do so in Egypt. But when Mark and I found ourselves in Sharm el Sheikh, a coastal city along the Red Sea, we knew it was the perfect opportunity to get our flippers wet for the first time.
Getting to Sharm el Sheikh from Cairo
To get to Sharm el Sheikh, we booked an 11 pm flight from Cairo via Egypt Air. We arrived about an hour and a half later to a city that was a complete contrast to Cairo, where we’d been for the past week. Sharm el Sheikh was a breath of fresh air. Completely devoid of Cairo’s traffic and noise, I knew we were going to love our stay here.
My First Snorkeling Experience…
The hotel we opted to stay in was situated on the beach at Na’ama Bay’s entrance. This was the site we went snorkelling for the first time and what an experience that was! Since I can’t swim I’m not a very good swimmer, jumping into the Red Sea did not seem like a great idea and I was extremely terrified to do so at first, even though I was wearing a life jacket.
Can Non-Swimmers Go Snorkeling?
While snorkelling does require a good level of swimming skills, it is possible to go for it without knowing how to swim. I find that having someone who can swim close by is a major key to enjoying the experience. Just don’t try to drown them, like I almost did with Mark. (I freaked out once when the water got into my snorkel gear).
The experience of being underwater, admiring the beautiful coral reefs and fish was priceless. After my brief panic episode, I got a bit more comfortable. Even more so after I changed my gear to a full face mask and took my flippers off.
Scuba Diving in the Red Sea
On our second day in Sharm, we decided to take our underwater adventures further by going scuba diving in Tiran Island. We booked a tour with ‘Mister Diver’, a local operator, got an instructor assigned to us and soon we were off to board a boat to the dive site.
We were welcomed by a pod of wild dolphins en route the first dive site. Everyone was so excited to see them. The dolphins swam very close to the boat too. The day was definitely starting on a good note.
Soon afterwards, it was time to get into the water. The professional divers went in first, while we had the option to either snorkel or stay on the boat. After my experience snorkelling at the hotel, I was leaning towards the latter. But I went in – after much convincing. It was fun but I decided to remain on the boat for other stops!
The second dive site was our chance to get off the boat and go deeper into the water. I almost bailed out completely, but again, after a bit of reassurance from our excellent instructor and Mark, I went for it.
Scuba diving was amazing! It was so much easier than snorkelling. I thought that the reverse would be the case but it wasn’t (in my experience). I also thought I would struggle with the underwater breathing apparatus, but I was absolutely fine. I am now looking for the next opportunity to go scuba diving again!
If you’re willing to try either snorkelling or scuba diving for the first time, here are some tips for you;
Tips for First Time Snorkelers/Scuba Divers
- Snorkelling: Wear a life jacket if you can’t really swim (well)
- Having someone who can swim close by is a major key to enjoying the experience
- If available, wear a full-face snorkel mask. It makes breathing underwater so much easier.
- Scuba Diving: Go with a professional guide/company.
- Pay attention to the safety briefing, hand signals, etc…
- It is advisable not to fly immediately after a dive. Some experts recommend waiting up to 24 hrs before you do so. We flew out the next day after our dive BUT we didn’t go too deep into the sea for that to be a problem.
Overall, our experience in Sharm el Sheikh was a wonderful introduction to the world under the sea. It’s one I would recommend whether you can swim or not.
Photo Credit: Mark. H
Hey there! I loved this post! It’s actually inspired me to go to Sharm el Sheikh. Do you have any recommendations for a particular tour operator? I am also not a great swimmer and that’s held me back but would love to try this experience 🙂
Thank you, Panda 🙂
For this trip, we used an operator called ‘Mister Diver’. I thought they were pretty good, so you can check them out. I found them on Trip Advisor.
I found Scuba Diving a 100 times easier than snorkelling and I also can’t swim that well. It’s definitely an experience worth having.
Thanks Amarachi, I’m going to look into this and plan a trip next year 💚
I was laughing at you from the photo where you looked like you weren’t having it. But I am glad you enjoyed scuba diving and snorkeling. I loved snorkeling and I’m looking forward to seeing how I feel about scuba diving.
Haha, I was so nervous! Questioned my decision to go in so many times. If you loved snorkeling, you’ll absolutely enjoy the dive!
Oh my!! I thought scuba diving and snorkelling wouldn’t be possible if you don’t know how to swim, thanks for sharing your experience.
I wish I can have this experience in Lagos 😭
It’s been on my list for so long!
I’m actually so proud of you for going snorkeling and scuba diving.
Didn’t think you would do it.
Now I definitely have to get my feet ‘wet’ too.
Thanks UN! Let’s contact Scuba Dive Lagos. Maybe we can arrange an Unravelling tour? 😀
Ooo, that’s such a great idea. Let me get on it!
You’re such a good storyteller and adrenaline junkie. I enjoy reading from you and of course, living my best life through you. Thanks for tagging me along. Now, scuba diving is on my list. 🙂
Thanks girl! And you will absolutely love scuba diving..
Hhahaha I also notice the picture where you looked like…. why am I doing this? I’ve always snorkeled and I can’t swim. Life vest and mask and I’m good to go. Now scuba diving I didnt know you could do without being a swimmer. I shall look into it, but first, back to swimming lessons for me!
Yep, I was thinking that the whole time! We really need to learn how to swim perfectly, Dee. So we can go snorkeling and scuba diving together someday.
Your life is amazing and I am almost jealous and so inspired. I must attempt this travel thingy someday. The irony is my job makes me travel locally a lot, but I just stay stuck inside my hotel room.
Thanks Ayo. I hope this blog does more to inspire you to seize the opportunities you have now to travel more – whether locally or globally. I traveled through 20+ states in Nigeria before my first international trip. You could start with that too.
Awww…I’m definitely going to try this! There was a picture where you looked like you were about to break down in tears 🤗…thank you for sharing your experience !!!
Haha, I was on the verge of quitting at that point! I hope you share your experience when you try it too 🙂