Hurghada Travel Guide: Beaches, Diving and Day Trips

Hurghada stretches for miles along Egypt's central Red Sea coast, and its sheer size is part of its appeal: a wide spread of resorts and dive centres at every price point, direct international flights, and easy access to reefs without needing to travel far offshore.

Where to stay

El Dahar, Hurghada's older downtown area, has a more local, less resort-built feel, with markets and inexpensive restaurants. Sekalla and the newer resort strip further south are where most package holidays are based — all-inclusive hotels, private beaches, and everything organized within walking distance. El Gouna, a purpose-built resort town about 25km north, is a popular alternative for travelers who want a quieter, more upscale base with its own lagoons and marina.

Diving and snorkelling

Hurghada is one of the most beginner-friendly diving bases on the Red Sea — calm, sheltered sites close to shore make it a common choice for a first Discover Scuba Diving experience, while more experienced divers can arrange boat trips further out to sites with stronger currents and bigger marine life. Snorkelling is easily arranged as a half-day boat trip even without any diving experience at all.

Giftun Island and boat day trips

Giftun Island, part of a protected marine national park a short boat ride offshore, is the most popular day-trip destination from Hurghada — clear water, sandy beaches, and reef right off the shore. Boat trips typically combine a stop at Giftun with one or two snorkelling stops along the way, and are widely available through hotels and independent operators alike.

Beyond the water

A desert safari by quad bike or jeep into the surrounding mountains is a common half-day addition for travelers who want a break from the beach, often combined with a stop at a Bedouin camp. Luxor is also reachable as a long day trip from Hurghada for travelers short on time who want to see the temples and the Valley of the Kings without adding a separate stop to their itinerary.

Best time to go

Hurghada is a genuine year-round destination for sun and diving, with water rarely dropping below comfortable wetsuit temperatures. July and August bring the highest air temperatures and the biggest crowds; the shoulder months of April–May and October–November offer a comfortable middle ground of good weather with fewer people.

Practical tips

• All-inclusive resorts are common in Hurghada and often the best value if you plan to stay close to the hotel — check what's actually included before booking, since diving and excursions are usually extra.
• Agree on a price before boarding any independent taxi or boat trip not booked through your hotel.
• Reef-safe sunscreen is a good idea for any snorkelling or beach day near the marine park areas.
• El Gouna is a worthwhile day trip even if you're not staying there, for a change of pace from the main resort strip.

Hurghada's biggest strength is flexibility — it works equally well as a do-nothing beach week, a diving base, or a launch point for day trips inland, without requiring much advance planning to make any of those work.