Snorkeling at Ras Katy

How to get to Ras Katy snorkeling spot?

Ras Katy is a rocky point located in Sharm el-Sheikh, a few hundred meters west of famous Faraana Beach, bordered by numerous hotels and restaurants. It is part of a series of 4 very close spots, which follow one another along the southern coast of Hadaba, the southernmost district of Sharm el-Sheikh. This area is considered the best for shore snorkeling in Sharm. These 4 spots are, from West to East: Ras Katy, Faraana Reef, Temple Reef and Ras Um Sid. Due to their proximity, if you are a good swimmer you can consider exploring several spots during the same session, following the reef.

To reach this spot, three main options are available:

1. Getting into the water from Ras Katy Beach. It is a public beach, located in a residential area. Use a mapping app or ask a taxi to drop you there. A small path goes down to the beach.
2. Snorkeling from Faraana Beach area, either from the jetty of the Faraana Resort (approximately 400m), or from the jetty of the Reef Oasis Beach Resort (approximately 700m). This option is only for experienced snorkelers with good physical condition. Never do it alone, and check the currents before entering the water. It is when the current follows the east-west direction that the snorkeling conditions are at their best: you can get in the water in Faraana, get out at Ras Katy beach, and then walk back (or grab a taxi).
3. Booking a boat trip. Some local guides offer 2-hours tours to snorkel the reef.

For the first two options, we recommend snorkeling this spot early in the morning only, because many glass bottom and dive boats then make the area dangerous.

Water entrance for snorkeling Ras Katy

Depending on the option to reach the spot, you will get into the water:

1. From Ras Katy beach. Beware of the low water level on the reef flat, which can make access to the drop-off tricky.
2. From a jetty. Ladders allow easy water entrance, directly on the drop-off.
3. From a boat

Ras Katy snorkeling exploration tips

Ras Katy is edged by a fringing reef, which is 30 to 50m wide depending on the location. On the reef flat, the water level is constant, on average 1-2ft/0.5m. At the end of the reef flat, you’ll reach the drop off, which falls on sandy bottoms (15ft/5m).

This spot features several large coral pinnacles, which outcrop below the surface about 20 to 30m from the reef edge. These are interesting areas to explore, but don’t swim there if boats are present in the area.

Although very busy, Ras Katy reef is still in good general condition, with a wide variety of corals forming a colorful underwaterscape. An array of reef fish species are commonly seen at reef, including hundreds of sergeant majors, Sohal surgeonfish, several species of butterflyfish, parrotfish, and small schools of Red Sea bannerfish.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

There is no hotel or restaurant in Ras Katy, which is located on a rugged coastline bordered by housing estates. Several resorts, bars and restaurants are found in Faraana Beach, a few hundred meters from the spot.