After breakfast, you can slip straight into the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, snorkel over vibrant coral reefs, and dive alongside turtles, rays, and tropical fish – all just metres from your hotel sun lounger. Sound dreamy? It absolutely is! Hotels with house reefs in Egypt make this possible. For snorkellers and divers, there’s hardly anything better than exploring the fascinating underwater world of the Red Sea directly from your hotel, without lengthy boat trips or extensive travel.
We’re showcasing four TUI BLUE hotels with direct house reef access – and explaining which hotel best suits your holiday wishes.
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TUI BLUE Sensatori Coral Sea – World-Class House Reef in Sharm El Sheikh
If you’re seeking a first-class house reef combined with supreme comfort, look no further than the TUI BLUE Sensatori Coral Sea. The hotel sits in the stunning Sharks Bay (also known as Ras Nasrani Bay), just 7 km from Sharm El Sheikh Airport – short transfers included.
The House Reef – A True Highlight
The reef at TUI BLUE Sensatori Coral Sea ranks as one of the world’s finest diving sites. Guests regularly describe it as “world-class”, considering it amongst the most spectacular snorkelling spots they’ve ever experienced. Access is easy via a long jetty extending far into the sea. At its end, several platforms allow you to glide straight into the deep blue waters – ideal even for beginners.
The underwater world: Exceptional biodiversity awaits you here. Clownfish, angelfish, colourful butterflyfish, and various ray species are just the beginning. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot majestic spotted eagle rays and bluespotted ribbontail rays. The well-preserved corals and proximity to Ras Nasrani National Park and Tiran Island make this an absolute must for any underwater enthusiast.
What the Hotel Offers
- All Inclusive: At Sensatori Coral Sea, enjoy an elevated all-inclusive concept featuring global culinary diversity across multiple restaurants and bars – from buffets to à la carte dining.
- Family Swim-Up Rooms: Particularly luxurious are the family swim-up rooms with direct pool access from your terrace – perfect for families who appreciate maximum comfort.
- BLUEf!t® Sports Programme: This holistic fitness concept offers daily classes including yoga, Pilates, aqua fitness, Zumba, and body styling – all bookable through the BLUE® App. There’s also a superbly equipped fitness centre, beach volleyball, and professional childcare.
- Wellness & Dive School: The Chavanna Spa with rooftop terrace invites relaxation (at extra cost), whilst the on-site PADI dive school ensures every dive is safe and memorable.
Perfect for: Coral Sea Sensatori suits discerning snorkellers and divers wanting to combine a first-class house reef with supreme hotel comfort. Families are also wonderfully catered for.
TUI BLUE Samaya – The Family Paradise with Legendary Reef in Marsa Alam
In the protected Coraya Bay near Marsa Alam sits the TUI BLUE Samaya – a hotel particularly beloved by families and reef enthusiasts. The airport is only 5 km away, and the warm, family atmosphere with attentive service makes this hotel especially welcoming.
The Legendary Coraya Bay House Reef
The Coraya Bay house reef is legendary amongst divers and snorkellers. The bay opens northeast, preventing strong currents and high waves – meaning you can snorkel and dive 365 days a year, regardless of weather. Access to the reef is via the beach and jetty of the neighbouring Jaz Lamaya Hotel, roughly 300 metres away – a short walk that’s absolutely worthwhile.
The underwater world: This is where things get truly exciting! The house reef boasts beautiful coral growth and harbours turtles, rays, vibrant corals, and large shoals of fish. Early risers are especially fortunate: before breakfast, you can observe large green sea turtles right in the bay – a magical moment. With luck, dolphin pods also visit the sheltered bay. Typical residents include parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, clownfish, and many more.
What the Hotel Offers
- All Inclusive: Samaya excels with an outstanding all-inclusive concept and varied themed buffets regularly praised by guests.
- Coraya Aquapark: As a guest, you receive complimentary access to the nearby Coraya Aquapark – perfect for families with children.
- BLUEf!t® & Sports: The comprehensive BLUEf!t® programme includes yoga, stretching, and fitness workouts via the BLUE® App. Additional facilities include 2 tennis courts, beach volleyball, beach football, and a fitness room.
- Coraya Divers Dive Centre: The professional dive centre offers not only house reef dives but also complimentary boat shuttles to the bay’s north and south reefs – allowing you to explore the entire Coraya Bay.
Perfect for: Samaya is ideal for families and divers/snorkellers seeking a pristine, fish-rich house reef in a calm, family atmosphere. Also perfect for those who value flexible diving times right at the hotel.
TUI BLUE Crystal Bay – Modern Elegance with Lagoon Atmosphere in Hurghada
The TUI BLUE Crystal Bay sits just 15 km from Hurghada Airport and impresses with contemporary architecture and a private lagoon – a genuine highlight for families with younger children. I’ve visited and thoroughly enjoyed it. Read here what awaits you at the hotel.
The Lagoon and House Reef
Highlight: The hotel features an artificially created, shallow lagoon with crystal-clear water – ideal for safe splashing with little ones. For reef snorkelling, you’ll need to walk approximately 15 minutes through two neighbouring hotels (Sunrise Mamlouk Palace and Sunrise Garden Beach). There you’ll reach a long jetty leading to a lovely coral reef.
The underwater world: The reef offers good fish diversity with parrotfish, butterflyfish, rays, and many colourful reef fish. The walk to the jetty is somewhat longer but interesting for exploring neighbouring beaches and hotel grounds. Species diversity is present, though not quite as pronounced as in Marsa Alam. I’ve snorkelled there myself and can confirm the fish variety is unexpectedly abundant, though the corals themselves are largely unremarkable. More about the best diving spots in Hurghada.
What the Hotel Offers
- All Inclusive: Crystal Bay offers a comprehensive all-inclusive package with buffet restaurant and à la carte options.
- Swim-Up Rooms & Posh Club: Luxury awaits! The hotel features swim-up rooms with direct pool access, jacuzzi suites with rooftop whirlpools, and even villas with private pools. Exclusive “Posh Club” guests enjoy a private beach section, personal daybeds, and a dedicated bar – plus butler service.
- BLUEf!t® & Fitness: The sports programme includes yoga, Pilates, dance, and stretching classes, bookable via the BLUE® App. Additional facilities include a fitness room, football and tennis courts, plus a water sports station.
- Aquapark Access: Access to the neighbouring hotel’s aquapark included – perfect for families.
- BLUE Spa: The spa offers two saunas (complimentary, with reservation) plus Oriental massages and hammam treatments at extra cost.
Perfect for: Crystal Bay suits families with younger children who appreciate a safe lagoon for swimming, and guests who love modern comfort and stylish ambience. The house reef suffices for snorkellers, whilst divers can access boat excursions from the jetty to islands and Hurghada’s finest diving spots.
- 7 Nächte
- All Inklusive
- Inkl. Flug
- 2 Erwachsene
ab € 1.868
TUI BLUE Makadi (& Makadi Gardens) – Adults-Friendly with House Reef in Makadi Bay
The twin hotels TUI BLUE Makadi and TUI BLUE Makadi Gardens sit in the extensive Makadi Bay, approximately 30 km south of Hurghada. Both hotels embrace an adults-only concept (ages 16+), catering to grown-ups seeking peace and relaxation.
The House Reef in Makadi Bay
From the hotel beaches, you can walk straight into the water or use the neighbouring Madinat Makadi’s jetty to reach the renowned reefs “Sabina” and “Gabriel”. Makadi Bay offers several reef areas at varying depths (5 to 18 metres), plus artificial reefs like “Lego” and “Pyramide”. More about diving spots in Makadi Bay.
The underwater world: At the house reef, you can spot turtles, crocodilefish, small white moray eels, boxfish, leopard rays, and lionfish. Honest assessment: For beginners and occasional snorkellers, it’s a lovely experience, though more ambitious or experienced divers may find the fish diversity less impressive than it was before tourism’s rise.
What the Hotels Offer
- All Inclusive: Both hotels excel with a comprehensive all-inclusive concept and the special “Dine Around” offer: You can dine once per stay at 7 different restaurants in neighbouring hotels – from Indian to Italian to Asian cuisine.
- Adults-Only Concept: Tranquil, relaxed atmosphere without small children – ideal for couples and adults.
- BLUEf!t® & Sports: The complete BLUEf!t® programme with yoga, Pilates, and fitness classes, plus sports courts for tennis, beach volleyball, and football.
- Manicured Garden Setting: The extensive, beautifully maintained gardens and generous pool area invite relaxation.
- Complimentary Snorkelling Equipment: Snorkelling gear available on free loan.
Perfect for: Adults seeking a peaceful hotel with comfortable service and occasional snorkelling. Less suitable for ambitious divers and snorkellers expecting a particularly pristine, fish-rich reef.
Which Hotel with House Reef Suits You?
The crucial question for your holiday booking: which hotel with house reef is right for you? Here’s our decision guide:
You want the finest house reef and value supreme comfort?
? TUI BLUE Sensatori Coral Sea – World-class reef, elevated Sensatori concept, perfect for families and discerning divers.
You’re seeking a legendary house reef in a family atmosphere with turtles and dolphins?
? TUI BLUE Samaya – The Coraya Bay house reef is diveable 365 days yearly, ideal for families and relaxed divers.
You’re travelling with young children and want a safe lagoon plus nearby house reef?
? TUI BLUE Crystal Bay – Private lagoon, contemporary ambience, accessible reef, plus aquapark access.
You want peace and relaxation in an adults-only hotel with occasional snorkelling?
? TUI BLUE Makadi (or Makadi Gardens) – Adults-friendly from age 16, well-maintained property, excellent service, beginner-friendly house reef.
Pack Your Snorkelling Gear and Off You Go!
Egypt remains an absolute dream destination for anyone wanting to experience the Red Sea’s fascinating underwater world up close – ideally right from their hotel ?☀️. Whether you’re an experienced diver or donning a snorkel mask for the first time, these four TUI BLUE hotels with house reefs provide the perfect base for unforgettable underwater adventures.