Hurghada's pristine Red Sea beaches and resorts

Welcome to Hurghada

Red Sea Paradise

Hurghada is Egypt's largest and most developed Red Sea resort destination, stretching over 40km along the coast. Once a small fishing village, it has transformed into a world-renowned diving and beach holiday destination, attracting millions of visitors annually with year-round sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and spectacular coral reefs.

The Red Sea here is famous for its exceptional visibility (often 30+ meters), warm waters (20-28°C), vibrant coral reefs, and incredible marine biodiversity. Hurghada offers everything from luxury all-inclusive resorts to budget hotels, world-class diving to family-friendly beaches, making it Egypt's most accessible beach destination.

Quick Facts

  • Population: ~300,000
  • Location: Red Sea coast, 450km southeast of Cairo
  • Climate: Year-round sunshine, winter 18-24°C, summer 28-35°C
  • Best Time: Year-round (Oct-April ideal, summer hot but diveable)
  • Water Temp: 20-28°C year-round
  • Getting There: Hurghada International Airport, bus from Cairo (5-6h)
  • Perfect For: Diving, snorkeling, beaches, water sports, relaxation

🏖️ Top Activities & Attractions

Scuba Diving

Why Hurghada: Ideal for beginners & experienced divers
Dive Sites: Giftun Islands, Sha'ab El Erg, Carless Reef, Abu Ramada
Marine Life: Dolphins, turtles, rays, reef sharks, 1000+ fish species
Costs: Discover dive $40-60, Open Water course $300-400, fun dive $30-40
Season: Year-round (best visibility Apr-Nov)
Operators: 200+ dive centers (PADI certified)

Snorkeling at Giftun Islands

Location: National park islands 45 min boat ride
Experience: Pristine coral reefs, colorful fish, sea turtles
Tours: Day trips $25-40 including lunch, equipment
Best For: Families, non-divers
Water: Crystal clear, calm, perfect for beginners
Includes: Multiple snorkel stops, beach time, buffet lunch

Dolphin House (Sha'ab El Erg)

Experience: Swim with wild dolphins in natural habitat
Success Rate: 90%+ chance of seeing dolphins
Tours: Full day $40-60
Rules: No touching dolphins (protected)
Includes: Snorkeling, dolphin watching, lunch
Note: Hugely popular - book ahead!

Desert Safari & Quad Biking

Experience: Quad biking, camel riding, Bedouin village visit
Duration: Half-day or sunset tours
Cost: $25-50 depending on activities
Includes: BBQ dinner, Bedouin tea, stargazing
Highlights: Eastern Desert landscapes, Bedouin culture
Best Time: Sunset for cooler temps and photos

Water Sports

Activities: Parasailing, jet skiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing
Parasailing: $40-60 (15-20 min)
Jet Ski: $30-50/hour
Kitesurfing: Excellent conditions Nov-Mar
Locations: Most resorts have water sports centers
Safety: Reputable operators required

Submarine & Glass-Bottom Boat

Submarine (Sindbad): 3-hour underwater tour to 25m depth
Cost: $60-80 adults, $40 children
Glass-Bottom Boat: Budget alternative $15-25
Perfect For: Families, non-swimmers
See: Coral reefs, marine life without getting wet
Duration: 2-4 hours depending on tour

El Dahar (Old Hurghada)

Experience: Traditional Egyptian market & local life
Highlights: Spice markets, souvenirs, local eateries
Mosque: El Mina Mosque (beautiful, can visit)
Free: To walk and explore
Shopping: Better prices than resort areas
Best Time: Late afternoon/evening

Makadi Water World

Type: Large water park
Features: 50+ slides, wave pools, lazy river
Fee: ~$30 adults, $20 children
Location: Makadi Bay area
Perfect For: Families with children
Allow: Full day

Grand Aquarium Hurghada

Features: Underwater tunnel, rainforest section, sharks
Size: 24 galleries, 1200+ marine species
Fee: EGP 350 ($11 USD)
Perfect For: Rainy days, families
Location: Hurghada Marina
Allow: 2-3 hours

🎯 Planning Your Hurghada Trip

Where to Stay

  • Sahl Hasheesh: Ultra-luxury, pristine (Oberoi, Baron Palace)
  • Makadi Bay: All-inclusive resorts, families (Steigenberger, Jaz)
  • El Gouna: Upscale lagoon town (Mövenpick, Steigenberger)
  • Hurghada Center: Budget to mid-range, diving centers
  • Soma Bay: Luxury, kitesurfing (Kempinski, Sheraton)

Resort Types

  • All-Inclusive: Most popular, great value
  • Beach Access: Private beaches vs house reef snorkeling
  • Family Resorts: Kids clubs, water parks
  • Dive Resorts: On-site dive centers, boat access

Recommended Duration

  • Weekend: 3 days (quick beach break)
  • Ideal: 5-7 days (diving, excursions, relaxation)
  • Dive Course: 4-5 days for Open Water certification

Getting Around

  • Resort Shuttles: Most resorts offer town shuttles
  • Taxi: Cheap, negotiate price first (EGP 50-150)
  • Uber: Not available in Hurghada
  • Microbus: Local transport (EGP 5-10)
  • Organized Tours: Include hotel pickup

What to Pack

  • High SPF sunscreen (50+) - sun intense!
  • Reef-safe sunscreen for marine areas
  • Snorkel gear (optional - rentals available)
  • Underwater camera/GoPro
  • Light clothes + one warmer layer (winter evenings)
  • Water shoes for rocky beaches

Best Time to Visit

  • October-April: Perfect 20-28°C, peak season
  • May-June: Warm 30-35°C, fewer crowds
  • July-September: Very hot 35-40°C, lowest prices
  • Diving: Year-round excellent
  • Wind: Spring can be windy (good for kite surfing)

ℹ️ Hurghada Travel Tips

Diving Tips

  • Choose PADI/SSI certified dive centers only
  • Check equipment condition before diving
  • Best sites require boat trips (worth it!)
  • Liveaboards available for serious divers
  • Don't touch coral - protected & fragile
  • Dive insurance recommended

Beach & Sun Safety

  • Red Sea sun extremely strong - burn easily!
  • Apply SPF 50+ every 2 hours when swimming
  • Rash guard/UV shirt essential for snorkeling
  • Drink 3-4 liters water daily (dehydration risk)
  • Most beaches sandy, some rocky (water shoes help)
  • Resorts have private beaches (best maintained)

Money & Costs

  • All-inclusive resorts excellent value
  • Bring cash (Egyptian pounds) for excursions
  • USD/EUR widely accepted
  • ATMs in town centers & larger resorts
  • Tipping expected (guides, drivers, resort staff)
  • Bargain in shops (start 50% of asking price)

Safety & Practical

  • Very safe tourist destination
  • Resorts have security
  • Drink only bottled water
  • Book tours through hotel or reputable operators
  • Traffic chaotic - careful crossing roads
  • Most resort staff speak English
  • Pharmacies well-stocked for minor ailments

🎫 Book Hurghada Tours & Activities

Powered by GetYourGuide

Dive Into Hurghada

Discover the Red Sea's underwater wonders and pristine beaches!