Things to Do in Hurghada

Things to Do in Hurghada: The Ultimate Red Sea Travel Guide

Hurghada was once a small fishing town. However, today it is a top beach holiday spot. Furthermore, the city stretches for over 40 kilometers along the sunny Red Sea coast of Egypt. As a result, it gives travelers two great experiences in one place. On one hand, you get clear blue water and rich sea life. On the other hand, you get wide open desert landscapes and high mountains. Consequently, it is a place where adventure meets total relaxation.

For instance, are you planning a fun family trip with water parks? In addition, are you looking for a romantic trip to a luxury resort like Sahl Hasheesh? Or perhaps you want to dive down to historic shipwrecks alone? Ultimately, this travel guide covers all the best things to do in Hurghada. Below, you will find local secrets, neighborhood guides, and helpful tips for your next trip.

1. Snorkel and Scuba Dive World-Class Coral Reefs

First of all, the best thing in Hurghada is the Red Sea. In fact, its sea life is truly special. Furthermore, the water is very warm and salty throughout the year. Because of this, more than 20% of the sea animals here live nowhere else on Earth. As a result, you can see colorful corals and rare marine animals close to the shore. For example, here are the top dive sites you should try to visit:

• Abu Ramada Island: Locals call this spot “The Aquarium.” In addition, the water here is shallow and calm. Therefore, it has beautiful coral gardens. As a consequence, it is a great spot for both new snorkelers and experienced divers. In short, you will see big schools of yellow fish, ray fish, and sea turtles swimming in the clear water.
• Careless Reef: This famous spot lies one hour north of the marina. Specifically, it has two large coral towers rising from the deep sea floor. Because of this depth, advanced divers love this place. For instance, you can see giant moray eels, reef sharks, and fast barracuda fish swimming around the deep reefs.
• The El Mina Wreck: In addition, this dive site is great for history lovers. Originally, the El Mina was an Egyptian warship. However, enemy airplanes sank it in 1970 near the port. Now, it rests on its side 30 meters underwater. Consequently, advanced divers can explore the ship and see tiny glassfish living inside it today.

2. Take a Yacht Excursion to the Giftun Islands (Orange Bay & Mahmya)

Have you seen photos of Hurghada with clear blue water and wooden swings over the sea? Indeed, that is Giftun Island National Park. In fact, taking a day boat trip to these islands is the most popular activity in the city. Overall, the trip includes boat rides, swimming stops, lunch, and fun on the soft white sand.

However, different beach resorts manage sections of the main island. Consequently, each beach gives you a unique style and feel:

• Orange Bay: For example, this place is famous for its very shallow blue water. In fact, the water reaches your waist even far from the shore. As a result, it feels like a big outdoor swimming pool. Additionally, it has nice wooden cabanas, photo spots, and good restaurants.
• Mahmya Beach: On the other hand, this beach works hard to protect nature. Therefore, tour boats park away from the land. Instead, small wooden shuttle boats take guests to the beach to keep the coral reefs safe. Consequently, it is peaceful and quiet.
• Paradise Island: In contrast, this beach offers a fun and active feel. For instance, it has beach volleyball courts, palm umbrellas, and cool music playing all day. Thus, it is a great pick if you want to meet people and enjoy a lively day out.

3. Embark on a Sahara Quad Bike and Desert Safari

Furthermore, if you drive just a few minutes away from the coast, the view changes completely. Indeed, you will leave the blue sea behind and enter the dry, sandy Eastern Egyptian Desert. As a result, riding across the open sand dunes on a quad bike is an exciting adventure for everyone.

In general, most afternoon desert tours follow a simple, fun schedule from start to finish:

4. Stroll the Modern Hurghada Marina Boulevard

When the sun sets, head directly to the Hurghada Marina Boulevard. In fact, this clean, modern waterfront street is right in the center of the city. As a result, it is a quiet place to walk, away from heavy street traffic and cars.

In addition, the walk is flat and very easy for families. For instance, big luxury yachts park along one side of the water. Meanwhile, on the other side, colorful buildings house shops, ice cream parlors, and great places to eat. Therefore, you can sit outside, eat fresh local seafood, drink juice, and enjoy the sea breeze at night.

5. Explore the Historic Heart of El Dahar (Old Town)

However, to see true Egyptian life, step out of your hotel zone and visit El Dahar. Indeed, this area is the old town quarter of Hurghada. Here, local people shop, work, and eat every single day. Consequently, it offers a genuine look at local life in the region.

• The El Dahar Market: For example, this big street market smells like fresh spices, tea, and fruit. In addition, you can buy hand-made souvenirs, clothes, and lamps here. Quick Tip: Sellers expect you to haggle over prices. Therefore, always offer a lower price first with a smile.
• Al Mina Mosque: Furthermore, this is the largest mosque in the city. Specifically, it sits right next to the fishing harbor. As a result, its tall white towers look amazing against the blue sky. Anyone can view it from the outside. However, you can also look inside outside of prayer times if you wear simple, modest clothes.
• St. Shenouda Coptic Church: In addition, this old church serves local Egyptian Christians. Inside, it has colorful glass windows, grand stone arches, and beautiful painted icons. Thus, it is a quiet, calm place to visit during the day.

6. Peer into the Deep on a Glass-Bottom Semi-Submarine

Do you travel with small children or older family members who do not swim? Nevertheless, you can still see the beauty of the sea without getting wet. Fortunately, Hurghada offers great submarine tours for everyone.

For instance, the Royal Seascope Semi-Submarine has a glass bottom built for underwater viewing. First, guests walk down into a room five meters under the water level. Then, big clear glass windows let you look directly at fish and coral reefs. Meanwhile, you can sit back in an air-conditioned seat while a guide points out sea life in front of you.

7. Make a Splash at Hurghada’s Mega Water Parks

In addition, Hurghada has built big, fun water parks for families over the years. Because the city stays warm and sunny all year, these parks stay open every day. As a result, they offer fast slides, lazy rivers, and splash pools for all age groups.

8. See Marine Life at the Hurghada Grand Aquarium

However, if strong winds stop outdoor boat trips, plan a trip to the Hurghada Grand Aquarium instead. Indeed, it is one of the largest indoor sea life centers in Africa. Consequently, it houses over 1,200 sea animals from more than 100 species.

In particular, the highlight of the facility is its 24-meter glass underwater tunnel. As you walk inside, sharks, rays, and sea turtles float over your head. Furthermore, the park includes an indoor mini zoo with desert animals, a touch tank for children, and rare fossils of ancient sea animals.

9. Relax in Luxury at Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay

Do you want quiet beaches, clean resort areas, and top service? In that case, look at stay options south of Hurghada town center. As a result, these private resort towns make great day trips or stay locations for couples and families.

• Sahl Hasheesh: For instance, this is a high-end resort town set on a 12-kilometer bay. Specifically, it has a long seaside walking path, fine food options, and an artificial “Sunken City.” Consequently, you can swim and snorkel around stone columns built underwater to look like old ruins.
• Soma Bay: On the other hand, Soma Bay is a quiet area surrounded by sea on three sides. Because it gets steady thermal winds, it is a world-famous spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Furthermore, it features a full 18-hole golf course right by the water.

10. Take a Day Trip to Historic Luxor

In addition, Hurghada is located close to Luxor. As a consequence, this makes it a great spot to start a day trip to see ancient Egyptian history. In fact, in less than four hours by car or bus, you can leave the coast and stand near 4,000-year-old temples and tombs.

Essential Travel Tips for Hurghada

Overall, keep these easy travel tips in mind to help your trip run smoothly:

Plan Your Trip with Us

Finally, are you ready to plan your trip to Egypt? Fortunately, we can help you book island tours, desert quad trips, or day tours to Luxor easily.

Therefore, visit our main website at MSM Travel Egypt to check tour details and start planning today!