NO

Even if you don't get your hair wet as long as you've got a mask on and look down there is so much to see

suggestion at the hotel they do a try dive in the hotel pool usually FREE try it then try it again in the sea but you have to pay for that one

Michelle

Don't worry. I'm a useless swimmer & can't swim under water, but I adore snorkelling in the warm waters of Sharm. When I first tried it, I used to lie on a rubber ring. I got a bit more confident later, especially with a pair of fins on . My missus likes diving down to the bottom to get a better look at things, but I'm content to lie for hours on the surface looking down. Don't forget a T-shirt or something, though.

- Tony -

The first time I went to Egypt I nearly didn't snorkel because I didn't think I would cope with the mask or snorkel. However, my children showed me how to do it and I practised in the pool first. I am so glad I did - it was one of the best experiences of my life. You don't have to wear fins if, like me, you find them tricky - as you will be able to get swim shoes in resort - these are invaluable just in case you accidently kick coral (obviously not for walking on it which is an absolute no no). I am as blind as a bat so use disposable contact lenses which I change after snorkelling. As for swimming under water, you don't, you just lie on the top and float. Many people wear buoancy aids if they are not confident swimmers.

DO GIVE IT A GO - you really don't want to miss out and you might find you just love it!

Caro

I can swim but it didnt stop me enjoying the Red Sea.Its amazing.

thanks for the answers,dont know if it was cause i,m big up top i cant get under i wont drown

The Red Sea is more bouyant than here anyway, so you should be OK. Have fun.

Michelle

I'm very positively bouyant (sounds better than having your own built in floation system !!) and need to put on about 9kg of weights to go diving in the red sea. I'm not very good at diving down to the bottom of the sea when snorkelling eiter but that doesn't really matter as you can just chill out, relax, float and watch the wildlife below you (don't forget the t-shirt so you don't burn)

If it helps to know I also need to put on a weight belt to sink in a swimming pool - even with all my scuba gear on! so I can really empathise with you. I enjoy reading a book whilst floating in the pool without an airbed!!

Enjoy your snorkelling

I am quite happy just to float on the 'very salty red sea' but my husband gets frustrated as its difficult to swim under water - but, have totally banned him on taking any weights on holiday to help him down as we have enough problems trying to make sure we dont go over our allowance with our luggage!!!!! Its something that the hotels might think about - hiring our a weighted belt for us snorkellers.