Things to do in Hurghada: reefs, resorts and Egypt day trips

Where should you stay on the Hurghada coast?

• Hurghada town: shops, restaurants, the marina and the El Dahar district's markets; good if you want to explore beyond the hotel.
• El Gouna: a lagoon town north of Hurghada with restaurants around Abu Tig Marina; great for couples and families.
• Sahl Hasheesh: a quieter resort area with a long seafront promenade.
• Makadi Bay: big beach resorts and good snorkelling, about 35–50 minutes from the airport.
• Soma Bay: about 45–60 minutes away, popular for kitesurfing and quiet resort stays.

Where is the best snorkelling and diving?

For easy snorkelling, choose a hotel with a house reef reached from a jetty, so you can swim straight over the coral; ask about this before booking, as a sandy beach doesn't always mean coral nearby. Never stand on coral or touch marine life.

Beginners should join guided snorkelling trips with buoyancy aids. Divers should choose an accredited dive centre that explains instructor qualifications, group sizes and safety procedures. In winter, the water is cool enough that a wetsuit makes long sessions much more comfortable.

Are Giftun island trips worth it?

Yes, for a day of turquoise water, beach time and snorkelling stops. Itineraries vary: some spend most of the day at a beach on Giftun, others focus on reefs, so check before booking. Allow most of a day including transfers; staying in El Gouna or Soma Bay adds road time.

Choose operators that provide life jackets and explain their weather policy, and avoid trips that promise guaranteed dolphin swims.

Desert trips

Afternoon jeep trips into the Eastern Desert combine mountain scenery, sunset and often a Bedouin-style dinner. Quad-bike trips are more adventurous; check the safety briefing, helmets and insurance cover. Take a warm layer, as desert evenings are cold in winter.

Can you visit Luxor, Cairo and the pyramids from Hurghada?

Luxor is a long but popular day trip, about four hours each way by road. Focus on Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, or stay overnight to add Luxor Temple and more tombs.

Cairo and Giza are six hours or more by road, or a short flight. To see the pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum properly, spend at least one night there, and don't confuse the new museum in Giza with the older Egyptian Museum in central Cairo.

When to go, and Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh?

October, November, March and April are ideal for beach time and sightseeing. December to February is winter sun, but it can be windy, so choose a sheltered beach and check that the pool is heated. Summer is very hot, especially in Luxor.

Choose Hurghada for a wide choice of mainland resorts and easy trips to Luxor; choose Sharm el Sheikh for the reefs of southern Sinai and Ras Mohammed. Check your government's travel advice before booking either.

Frequently asked questions