Best Things to Do in Hurghada

Hurghada is the Red Sea’s busiest holiday town, with long sandy beaches, warm water almost all year and coral reefs a short boat ride away. It is also the perfect base for day trips to the temples of Luxor.

Giftun Island and Orange Bay

The classic Hurghada day out: a boat trip to the Giftun Islands national park with two snorkelling stops on the reef and time on the white sand and turquoise water of Orange Bay. Lunch is served on board.

Swim near wild dolphins

Spinner dolphins often gather at a reef known as Dolphin House. Sightings are never guaranteed, but on most days the boats find them, and you can snorkel nearby while they swim and rest.

Try scuba diving

Hurghada is one of the best places in the world to try diving for the first time. A discovery dive with a certified instructor needs no experience: after a short briefing you dive over a shallow coral garden.

Desert safari

Behind the resorts lie the mountains of the Eastern Desert. Afternoon safaris combine quad biking, a camel ride and tea with bread baked in a Bedouin village, often ending with the sunset over the desert.

Day trips to Luxor and Cairo

Luxor is about four hours away by road, so it is easy to see the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s temple and Karnak in one long day – or stay overnight to add a balloon ride. Cairo and the pyramids are a short flight away, or a long day by car.

Explore the town

Walk along the modern Marina in the evening, visit the old district of El Dahar for its market and local cafés, and try fresh fish grilled by the sea. North of the town, the lagoon resort of El Gouna is also worth a visit.