Hurghada For You
Hurghada is the best-known resort on Egypt's Red Sea coast. People come for the year-round sunshine, but above all for what lies under the water: some of the richest coral reefs in the world, minutes by boat from the beaches. And because the town is a day's drive from the Pyramids and the temples of Luxor, it is also the ideal base to discover ancient Egypt.
Here is our selection of the activities that are really worth it, from the Hurghada For You team based in town.
Red Sea activities
1. Spend a day on a paradise island
This is the number one excursion in Hurghada. The islands off the coast offer pale sand, turquoise water and snorkeling stops on the reefs. The most popular: Orange Bay Island (from 25€), Paradise Day Or Sunset (from 45€), Mahmya for a calmer, preserved setting, or Hula Hula Island. Our guide to the best islands in Hurghada compares them one by one.
2. Swim with dolphins in the open sea
Several pods of dolphins live around the reefs north of Hurghada. The Dolphin day at sea combines a stop to see them, two snorkeling stops and lunch on board. For families with young children, the Dolphin show is an alternative. Everything is explained in our dolphin guide.
3. Snorkel over coral reefs
Mask, snorkel, and you are floating above colourful coral, clownfish, parrotfish and sometimes turtles. Almost all our boat trips include at least one snorkeling stop with equipment provided.
4. Try diving for the first time
The Red Sea is one of the best places in the world to discover diving: warm water, excellent visibility and abundant marine life. The Scuba diving day offers a supervised discovery dive for beginners and dives for certified divers. See also Island + Diving.
5. See the reef without getting wet
The Semi submarine and snorkeling (from 14€) lets you admire the coral through glass windows: perfect for children, non-swimmers and grandparents.
6. Charter a private boat
For a birthday, a proposal or just to be on your own: the Catamaran Private, the Speed boat pack or the Speed Boat Semi Private take you to the spots of your choice, at your own pace.
7. Water sports
Parasailing (from 13€) gives a spectacular view of the coast and reefs. Banana boat, sofa and other water games are also available.
8. The turtles of Marsa Alam
Further south, the bay of Marsa Alam is famous for its sea turtles grazing on the seagrass. The Marsa alam trip is a long day, but a unique experience. All about Marsa Alam.
Desert activities
9. Quad safari
The desert starts at the edge of town. The Mini Safari and the Mini safari complet combine quad biking, a visit to a Bedouin village, dinner and a show. The Super Safari adds buggy and jeep.
10. Buggy
More stable and faster than a quad, the Buggy is driven by two. Thrills guaranteed in the dunes.
11. Horse or camel ride
A Horse riding 2 hours between the desert and the Red Sea, a Camel Riding 2h or a Horse Safari at sunset: a gentler, more authentic way to discover the desert.
12. A Bedouin evening under the stars
The Combined safari brings together quad, camel and horse, then an oriental dinner, a show and stargazing. The desert at night is a highlight of any stay. See our safari guide.
Ancient Egypt from Hurghada
13. The Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx
It can be done in a day: departure at night, visit of the Pyramids, the Sphinx and a museum, return in the evening. Choose between the Cairo 1 day by bus (from 60€), the Cairo 1 day mini van in a small group or the Cairo 1 Day Private Car. Full comparison here.
14. The Grand Egyptian Museum
The new museum near the Pyramids displays exceptional collections. Our The New Grand Egyptian Museum Of Cairo trip combines it with Giza and the Sphinx.
15. Luxor, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings
Luxor is closer to Hurghada than Cairo. In one day you visit the Temple of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Our Luxor guide.
16. A Nile cruise
To go further, the Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan takes in Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and, as an option, Abu Simbel. Discover the cruise.
17. Siwa, the White Desert and Fayoum
For adventurous travellers, our 2 to 4-day stays take you to the oases and lunar landscapes of the Western Desert. Learn more.
Hurghada and around
18. El Gouna, the "Venice of the Red Sea"
Lagoons, marinas and colourful architecture: the Visit El Gouna makes a lovely half day.
19. The Grand Aquarium and Mini Egypt Park
The Grand Aquarium Hurghada and Mini Egypt Park in Hurghada are perfect with children or for a quieter day. Sights in town.
20. A relaxing day: water park or spa
Slides at Aqua Park Water World in Makadi or massage, hammam and jacuzzi at the Spa (from 35€): time to unwind between two excursions.
Sample one-week programme in Hurghada
| Day | Programme |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival, airport transfer, relax at the hotel |
| Day 2 | Island day: Orange Bay Island or Paradise Day Or Sunset |
| Day 3 | Free morning, Combined safari in the afternoon and dinner under the stars |
| Day 4 | Cultural trip: Luxor 1 Day Mini Van or Cairo 1 day mini van |
| Day 5 | Rest, Spa or El Gouna |
| Day 6 | Dolphin day at sea with snorkeling |
| Day 7 | Last swim, souvenirs, return transfer |
Our tips for planning
- Mix sea, desert and culture: for example an island on Monday, a safari on Tuesday afternoon, the Pyramids on Thursday.
- Check departure days: some excursions only run on certain days (Cairo and Luxor by bus: Tuesday and Thursday; Marsa Alam: Friday).
- Book long excursions early, especially during school holidays.
- Keep a free day after a trip to Cairo or Luxor: they leave at night.
Need help planning? Message us on WhatsApp: we suggest a programme based on your dates, hotel and budget. See also our price guide and our FAQ.
