Sunken City Sahl Hasheesh - a large building with a large square in front of it
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Sunken City Sahl Hasheesh

4.3
·27 reviews·, Egypt

A man-made 'ruin' in shallow waters, perfect for snorkeling with vibrant corals and diverse marine life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide

Walk out to ruins

CrowdLow
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Sunken City Sahl Hasheesh - a large building with a large square in front of it

Sunken City Sahl Hasheesh

Best Time

Low tide

Walk out to ruins

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A man-made 'ruin' in shallow waters, perfect for snorkeling with vibrant corals and diverse marine life.

4.3
(27 reviews)

"Awesome place for snorkeling, with pretty corals and a variety of fish."

Vertical photo
TIP

Snorkel Gear Recommended

Bring your own mask and snorkel for the best experience exploring the underwater ruins and marine life. :diving_mask:

Respect Marine Life

Do not touch the corals or structures. Observe marine life from a distance to help preserve this unique ecosystem. :ocean:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Faux Ancient Ruins

The Faux Ancient Ruins

Shallow waters off the beach

Explore concrete structures designed to look ancient, now adorned with corals and marine life. A unique snorkeling and swimming spot.

Vibrant Marine Life

Vibrant Marine Life

Around the ruins and pier

Discover a variety of fish like blue-spotted stingrays, butterflyfish, and parrotfish amidst colorful corals.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing the Sunken City

While previously free and easily accessible, new hotel construction may impact direct beach access. Check current conditions for the best way to reach the ruins, potentially by walking along the sea edge from nearby areas. Be mindful of the site's ongoing deterioration.

Respecting the Ruins

The Sunken City is a man-made structure, not an ancient ruin, and is slowly deteriorating. Visitors are urged not to touch the concrete columns or corals to preserve the site for others and marine life. It's best enjoyed by responsible snorkelers and swimmers.

Best Times

When
Low tide
Why
Walk out to ruins
Crowd
Low
When
Daytime
Why
Best visibility for snorkeling
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Snorkel Gear Recommended

Bring your own mask and snorkel for the best experience exploring the underwater ruins and marine life. :diving_mask:

Respect Marine Life

Do not touch the corals or structures. Observe marine life from a distance to help preserve this unique ecosystem. :ocean:

Check Access Before You Go

Recent construction may affect direct beach access. Walk along the sea edge if needed. :walking:

Not for Young Children

The site is best suited for confident swimmers and snorkelers due to water depth and potential currents. :warning:

Tips

from all over the internet

Snorkel Gear Recommended

Bring your own mask and snorkel for the best experience exploring the underwater ruins and marine life. :diving_mask:

Respect Marine Life

Do not touch the corals or structures. Observe marine life from a distance to help preserve this unique ecosystem. :ocean:

Check Access Before You Go

Recent construction may affect direct beach access. Walk along the sea edge if needed. :walking:

Not for Young Children

The site is best suited for confident swimmers and snorkelers due to water depth and potential currents. :warning:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(27 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Sunken City for its unique snorkeling experience and abundant marine life, calling it an 'awesome place'. While not an ancient site, its man-made ruins offer a novel underwater landscape. Some note potential access changes due to new hotel construction, and advise against bringing young children.

"UPDATE: with the completed construction of the hotel directly up from the sunken city, the beach will soon become part of that hotels land. Access will probably cost a day fee for use of the beach. Please know the actual sea edge is open for anyone to walk along so you will still be able to walk in by following the sea edge from an area one way or the other to either side of the numerous hotel beach areas, until you reach the sunken city allowing you to swim out to it. Original post:A faux ancient ruin in the shallow waters off the beach by the pier in Sahl Hasheesh. Easily accessible and free. If you go at low tide you can pretty much just walk out to the first columns in waist deep water. It has many pretty corals and a variety of fish both in the “ruins” and the nearby pier area. It is slowly deteriorating which adds to the sense of abandoned city but also shows the modern construction foundations. A lovely place to snorkel but please do not touch the columns or the corals. Not for children or idiot teenagers. No tickets to buy, no lines, no worries."

SJ Strawn

"The best beautiful hotel and great service I enjoyed diving The different dive sites are full of marine life, coral reefs and a variety of fishes"

hamada scuba diving

"Beautiful snorkeling spot, easily accessible from the beach. Blue spotted stingray, butterfly fish, parrot fish always spotted in this place"

mostafa mokhles

What People Like

Unique snorkeling spot
Abundant marine life
Easy access (historically)

What People Dislike

Not ancient ruins
Access may change

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Sunken City is located in the shallow waters off the beach in Sahl Hasheesh. While previously accessible directly from the beach, recent hotel construction might alter direct access. Visitors may need to walk along the sea edge from nearby hotel beaches to reach the ruins. It's advisable to check current access conditions upon arrival. Reddit

Parking availability can vary depending on which hotel beach you access the area from. It's best to inquire at the hotel or local information points about the most convenient parking options.

While not the primary method, some local boat tours might offer snorkeling excursions that include the Sunken City. However, shore access is generally more common and easier for independent visits.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, typically there are no tickets to buy for the Sunken City itself. It's a natural attraction accessible from the public beach areas, though access might be indirectly affected by hotel developments. Reddit

The Sunken City is an open-water attraction and does not have set opening hours. It's best visited during daylight hours for optimal visibility and safety. Reddit

Direct beach access might be subject to day-use fees if you are not a guest of the adjacent hotels, especially with ongoing construction. Walking along the sea edge may offer alternative access points. Reddit

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

The Sunken City is a man-made attraction featuring concrete structures designed to resemble ancient ruins, located in shallow waters. It has become a popular spot for snorkeling due to the marine life that has colonized it. Reddit

Visitors frequently spot blue-spotted stingrays, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. The corals growing on the structures also attract a variety of other colorful fish. Reddit

Yes, it's considered an awesome place for snorkeling. The shallow, clear waters around the ruins are teeming with marine life and corals, making it a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

Yes, you can swim to the Sunken City. At low tide, you can even walk out to the first columns in waist-deep water. Reddit

It's generally not recommended for young children or inexperienced swimmers. The site is best enjoyed by confident swimmers and snorkelers who can navigate the water safely. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the unique juxtaposition of man-made 'ruins' with vibrant marine life. Underwater photography is particularly rewarding here, showcasing the corals and fish. The shallow water allows for interesting shots, especially during low tide. TikTok

A waterproof camera or a good underwater housing for your smartphone is ideal for capturing the marine life and submerged structures. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the 'city'. Instagram

Mid-morning to early afternoon offers the best natural light for underwater photography, providing good visibility. Golden hour can also offer beautiful light on the surface structures if accessible.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Sunken City is generally not recommended for very young children or inexperienced swimmers. While the water can be shallow near the shore, the site is best appreciated by those who are confident in the water and can snorkel effectively. Parents should assess their children's swimming abilities carefully before planning a visit. Consider bringing flotation devices for added safety if children are accompanying older, more experienced swimmers. Reddit

🐠 Snorkelers and Divers

For snorkelers and divers, the Sunken City offers a unique underwater experience. The shallow depth makes it ideal for snorkeling, allowing you to get up close with the marine life and the 'ruins' without needing extensive diving gear. The variety of fish and corals makes it a rewarding spot for underwater photography. Reddit Remember to bring your own snorkel gear for the best experience. The nearby pier area also offers good marine life viewing.

📸 Photographers

This location is a dream for photographers, especially those interested in underwater shots. The interplay of the man-made structures with natural coral growth and abundant fish provides endless creative opportunities. Underwater cameras or waterproof phone cases are highly recommended to capture the vibrant colors and marine life. Consider visiting during midday for the best natural light penetration. TikTokInstagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Sunken City's Origins

Contrary to what its name might suggest, the Sunken City Sahl Hasheesh is not an ancient historical site. It's a relatively recent, man-made attraction constructed from concrete and designed to resemble old ruins. This unique feature was intentionally created to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the Sahl Hasheesh bay and provide an interesting underwater environment.

The structures are slowly deteriorating, which adds a certain atmosphere to the site, but it also highlights their modern construction foundations. This ongoing decay means the 'city' is constantly evolving, with corals and marine life gradually colonizing the surfaces. Visitors are reminded that this is a contemporary creation and should be treated with respect to preserve its current state. Reddit

Marine Life and Conservation

The Sunken City has become a thriving habitat for a diverse array of marine life. The concrete structures provide a substrate for corals to grow, attracting various species of fish. Common sightings include blue-spotted stingrays, butterflyfish, and parrotfish, among others. The area around the nearby pier also contributes to the rich biodiversity.

It is crucial for visitors to practice responsible tourism. Do not touch the corals or the concrete structures, as this can damage the delicate ecosystem and harm the marine life. By observing from a distance and refraining from touching anything, visitors help ensure the Sunken City remains a vibrant underwater sanctuary for years to come. Reddit

Navigating Access and Current Conditions

Access to the Sunken City has seen changes due to ongoing hotel construction in the Sahl Hasheesh area. Previously, it was easily accessible and free to enter from the beach. However, the completion of a new hotel directly above the site may lead to restricted access or require a day fee for beach use. Reddit

Despite potential changes in direct beach access, visitors can often still reach the Sunken City by walking along the sea edge from adjacent areas. This might involve navigating around hotel property lines until you find a suitable point to enter the water. At low tide, it's even possible to walk out to the first columns in waist-deep water, making it accessible for many. Always be aware of your surroundings and any posted signs regarding access. Reddit

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