Hurghada Travel Guide

General Information About Hurghada

Hurghada is the comprehensive seafront destination where the sun shines every day. Its sparkling sandy beaches, majestic deserts and superb climate makes it the sanctuary of absolute serenity and the land that opens up unlimited new adventure possibilities.

Hurghada is the ideal relaxed and laid back destination that is more than suitable for those who love to take part in exploring aquatic recreation. The city is eminent for its magnificent underwater garden offshore and mesmerizing coral reefs that are considered one of the best in the world. Hurghada’s warm crystal waters provide a gateway to ultimate diving or snorkeling experiences through which an extensive variety of underwater species and reefs can be witnessed. With its abundant prime diving sites , Hurghada is the destination that will introduce you to new ways of enjoying undersea views. You can take a glass-bottom boat ride that cruises over some beautiful coral reefs, where you can see a variety of brightly colored fish and maybe even sharks, or you could head underwater and take a ride aboard one of the small submarines.

Those who seek less dynamic activities can enjoy the sunny atmosphere and lucid water by going on deep sea fishing trips to uninhabited locations such as the Giftone Island , Abu Menkar Isle , or Mahmya Beach , or they can enjoy discovering Hurghada’s marine life’s treasures at the Aquarium . Other favorable activities include windsurfing, sailing, submarine tours, and glass bottomed boat excursions that provide vistas of the underwater world are also available. You may also be surprised to find a number of alluring historical landmarks & Monuments around the city.  

Jeep, camel, and quad biking safaris are among many activities that you will find around Hurghada’s fascinating deserts. Hurghada’s eastern desert is an enchanting and vast landscape of sand, rocks, oases and mountains, and is also home to the Bedouins. While you are there, a ride to a Bedouin village can’t be missed, as you will learn about Bedouin life, heritage and traditions.

Hurghada, the special community where local habits and culture is presented next to resort lifestyle and behavior, embraces a diverse collection of museums & art galleries  that present an assortment of flora and fauna of the Red Sea.

The town is ample with nightlife destinations

Beaches & Water Sports In Hurghada

Beaches in Hurghada are pristine and plentiful.  Most Hurghada hotels usually have their own private beaches exclusively available to hotel guests.   Beach parties have been a tradition in Hurghada from when the town was still a quiet sleepy outpost for only a few dedicated diving tourists.

Travco Travel in Hurghada offer a large choice of relaxed watersports and sea related activities, from banana rides to snorkelling excursions to the awesome marine park of Giftun Island, pedal boats, canoeing, catamarans, glass-bottom boats.  Some resorts offer also parasailing.  And even if you are a non-diver, you can still enjoy the sights of the underwater world of the Red Sea by booking a trip on Hurghada's small submarine where you can dive to a maximum depth of 22m.  A typical trip will allow you 50 minutes of bottom time.

Hurghada Nature & Wildlife

Hurghada’s marine life is rich and varied and includes butterfly fish, rainbow wrasse, moray eels, napoleon fish, turtles, grouper fish, dolphins, blacktip sharks and schools of surgeon fish. Seeing these incredible creatures can be done by indulging in snorkelling or SCUBA diving courses available at the many PADI training centres throughout Hurghada.   If you don’t fancy getting wet at all, many of these stunning marine creatures are on show at the Hurghada Aquarium. One of the main reasons many people choose to visit Hurghada is the chance to meet pods of wild dolphins. The Bottlenose dolphin is particularly populous in Hurghada’s waters.

Hurghada is also a haven for ornithologists. Bird watching has become popular in Egypt since it lies along the migratory path of many interesting species.  During autumn migration, from August to December, birds start flocking from Europe and fly as far as South Africa. The Red Sea coast is a major migration route for birds and Egypt is a major stopping point on the way. Every year, 32 different species of raptors and cranes and 82% of the world's population of white storks pass south of the Sinai. 

Wind and Kite Surfing in Hurghada

Hurghada is the top Red Sea destination for wind and kite surfing and is picking up a great reputation as a wake-boarding destination too. Many international competitions are held in Hurghada every year. Windsurfers were coming to Hurghada before there was an international airport, attracted by the fact that Hurghada offers good, strong, winds throughout the year.

Hurghada is one of the best places to learn to kite surf.   Windsurfers have a downwind bay pretty much to themselves, leaving two upwind bays with large shallow areas free for kite surfers. There is plenty of space to practice flying the kite, body dragging and water starting in shallow areas that extend far enough from the beach to allow 100m runs before getting into deeper water. Once your skill and confidence has built up, you can blast out to a sandbar approximately 1 km offshore where the wind is super clean and the flat water area around the sandbar is perfect for practising tricks and moves.

The winds in the Red Sea are created by the difference in temperature between the land and the water, but in Hurghada this is accelerated by the mountain ranges just behind the town and by Giftun Island offshore. The coast is also generally flat without fringing reefs which create perfect conditions both for wind and kite surfing.  From May to October the average wind speed is around 18 knots, sometimes getting up to 25 or 30 knots in the afternoon (especially in September).  
 
Hurghada is excellent for all levels of kite and wind surfer but is especially good for complete beginners or those keen to progress. There is a very high level of instruction available locally and the shallow flat water of the 'small bay' is perfect for beginners and those keen to develop their skills.

Museums & Art Galleries

Museum & Art Galleries 
The freedom, fascination and bright colors, all this is the trademark of the Red Sea, and can be found in Hurghada’s museums and art galleries. 

Marine Biology Museum 
This museum is located in the northern region of the town and marks the ideal place for non divers who don’t want to miss the underwater action and rich oceanic ecology of the region. The Marine Biology Museum offers a journey through the underwater world that reveals a compilation of stunning coral reefs, and numerous species that include sea turtles, sharks, and the dugong, a large marine mammal that instigated the legend of mermaids. 

National Museum 
If you are more into cultural exploration, then visit this museum and discover a wide range of the Egyptian history’s remains. It’s the first national museum founded on the Red Sea Coast, showcasing antiquities, submerged mountains, and remains from the Pharaonic to the Islamic Era. This unique museum is sited on the water's edge and features four exhibition halls, artists' studios and performance spaces.

Café Del Mar 
Enjoy a nice coffee or fine local wine while viewing a collection of paintings by local artists at the newly opened and fairly contemporary art gallery cum café, located at El Dahar.

Hurghada Nightlife

Nightlife in Hurghada is sparkling and lively. It has various vivacious nightclubs and bars that appeal to all tastes. If clubbing is what you seek, then you will find yourself shaking, swinging and getting swayed by the throbbing music while tuning into the endless tunes of the discotheques, pubs, and disco bars that are located all around Hurghada.

Little Buddha 

Little Buddha is the ideal place to chill out in Hurghada. It offers a great treat and a magical haven that will never disappoint you. It has a beautifully decorated bar, with a wonderful atmosphere, lighting and music. Its restaurant offers sumptuous Asian flavors with dishes to accommodate the varied palette. 

 

Shopping and Leisure in Hurghada

Hurghada provides a wide selection of shopping facilities as well as restaurants, bars and discotheques.  There are many souvenir shops and stalls in the city centre and shops and outlets in the nearby Mercato shopping arcade will provide hours of excellent souvenir and gift hunting.

Approximately 15 km from the centre of Hurghada is the SENZO shopping mall with a multitude of international restaurants, fast food restaurants, souvenir shops and an international supermarket.  

El Dahar is the old city centre of Hurghada. Here you can still enjoy the typical Egyptian shopping experience in a car-free shopping street where you can haggle for a good bargain. 

The New Marina in Hurghada was built only in 2008 and features top-quality restaurants, first-class shopping, bars and discotheques next to the moored luxury modern yachts.

Sol Y Mar Ivory Suites Hurghada, Egypt

Sol Y Mar Ivory Suites is a compact and family-friendly boutique four-star hotel situated just 1 km away from Hurghada International Airport and within easy walking distance of the city centre of Hurghada.

Jaz Aquamarine Resort Hurghada, Egypt

Jaz Aquamarine Resort is made for those who want to spoil themselves with the prefect, relaxed, luxurious five-star Egypt holiday.

Jaz Blumarine Hurghada, Egypt

Jaz Bluemarine will be the perfect destination for those looking to indulge in the perfect luxury Egypt holiday. Jaz Bluemarine is situated in Hurghada

Hurghada Tours

Hurghada Attractions

Abu Menkar Isle

This Isle is a must see as it is filled with luscious greenery, and considered very ideal for eco tourism. The island is protected and closed for sea landings, and sightings of endangered birds and marine turtles can be encountered there.

Giftone Island

Giftone Island, one of Hurghada’s main diving sites, is a stunning sand reef that is surrounded by a magnificent coral garden and considered the home of the most exotic marine life. While you are on your trip to the island, you can soak up the glorious sunshine on the sandy beach or swim in the crystal clear water.

The reef encompasses vibrant corals, a seemingly infinite number of bright and colorful tropical fish, and you may even encounter rays, turtles and dolphins. You can also enjoy snorkeling and explore splendid undersea views.

Mahmya Beach

Mahmya Beach is situated on the southern shores of the Giftone Island National Park off the coast of Hurghada. Mahmya in Arabic means “Protected Area”, and it is a testament to the careful management of this idyllic island that is able to welcome tourists and yet remain so wonderfully unspoilt. Once you land on this island, you will be enjoying the most thrilling snorkeling experience on the impressive coral heads scattered in the clear lagoon, or you can have a walk along the sandy beach.

You can also take part in an exciting beach volleyball game, or try scuba diving with the diving center. Rejuvenating is another good option here, as you can relax on the pure white beach. Lunch can be savored at the restaurants that serve sea food and Italian specialties, and later in the day you can pause for a refreshing drink at the bar.

Hurghada Holidays

Unlike most of Egypt, Hurghada is not soaked in antiquity. If your idea of a great holiday in Egypt involves being in or on the water, Hurghada is for you! Windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, swimming and above all, snorkelling and scuba diving makes Hurghada the preferred diving Egypt destination on the Red Sea Riviera. The warm waters are ideal for rare fish and coral reefs and attract those who enjoy sun, swimming and scuba. Egyptians, Saudis and other Arabs join the stream of Europeans and Americans coming to Hurghada throughout most of the year. Sun worshippers are also well rewarded here, as the daily temperature hovers around 30 °C no matter what the month or season.

A Golf Retreat - 7 Nights Hurghada, Madinat Makadi

8 Days / 7 Nights

Leave everything behind and escape to the green fields of Madinat Makadi Golf Resort for eight consecutive days of playing your favorite sport, on an 18-hole golf course.

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The Best of the Red Sea Golf - 7 Nights Abu Soma, Hurghada, Madinat Makadi

8 Days / 7 Nights

No need to journey alone in search of the Red Sea Golf courses, because we will take you to three of the best, for an unparalleled experience.

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The Best of Three – 14 Nights Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, Aswan

15 Days / 14 Nights

Start off at Luxor and cruise down the Nile to Aswan for a preview of cultural grandness, followed by a stop at Cairo, the heart of Egypt, and then relax in Hurghada and enjoy the sun.

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Around Egypt in 15 Days - 14 Nights Luxor, Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada

15 Days / 14 Nights

Let us take you on a journey across beautiful Egypt to experience the diversity it has to offer. From cruising the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, followed by a visit to Cairo and Alexandria; to unwinding by the Red Sea, under the shining sun in Hurghada.

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The Best of Both Worlds – 14 Nights Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, Hurghada

15 Days / 14 Nights

Get to experience the best of what Egypt has to offer, the best of two worlds; between the historical outstanding culture and the tranquility of its beaches and nature.

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Scuba Diving in Hurghada, the Red Sea

Day diving from Hurghada is characterised by sheltered reef, tower and pinnacle dives close to shore, and boat dives around the Giftun Islands and Sha’ab Abu Nuhas. There are also a few local wrecks such as the El Mina or the possibility of journeying slightly further to the Salem Express. Marine life is abundant and varied, and the hard and soft corals are improving since conservation efforts increased in the early 1990's. If you are a novice the conditions are perfect: shallow, warm, clear with the possibility of visiting fantastic wrecks that are within your depth. The wrecks on the north of Sha’ab Abu Nuhas Reef are outstanding and shallow enough for inexperienced divers to visit on extended day trips. From west to east these are the Giannis D, the Carnatic, the Chrisoula K and the Kimon M.

Abu Ramada

Abu Ramada is a medium sized, oval-shaped reef with a shallow, flat, sandy seabed surrounding it. The shallow reef has plenty of coral outcrops away from the main reef to explore around and there is an abundance of life wherever you look, and there is plenty of light making it an excellent dive for taking photos. There are a couple of eagle rays that have made this reef there home, and crocodile fish and stonefish are also something to look out for and underneath.

Erg Somaya

One of the most stunning dive sites consisting of some colorful ergs, nice caves, and a spectacular drop off into the deep, Erg Somaya is situated on the east side of Giftun Soraya. The east side of the reef slopes steeply down to depths between 15 -24 meters to a sandy seabed than drops off to over 50 meters. Two pinnacles are situated on the ledge, one at 10 meters where a mooring buoy is attached and one around 18 meters. Another pyramid shaped pinnacle lies to the north between 12 - 20 meters.

Shaab El Erg

The most northerly site for day boats out of Hurghada. A huge horseshoe shaped reef offering many dive sites on all sides. The north point can be home to Mantas in season. The lagoon is dotted with ergs and is renowned for sightings of the resident dolphin community, divers have previously spent up to 30 minutes with dolphins here.

Small Giftun

It actually begins a little south of Erg Somaya. There are steep drop-offs, areas full of gorgonians, coral covered plateaus, pinnacles, overhangs and caves, all with a dizzying array of Hurghada marine life. Pelagic action is a constant as the waters are nutrient rich and a frequent feeding ground. The wall drops away to about 100m so pick your depth and gradually work your way back up as you drift along in the current. It is a great playground for the experienced with a profusion of giant fans and black corals and big game, including whale sharks, barracudas, oceanic white tip sharks.

Um Gammar

This offshore Island is surrounded by good diving on all sides, and the south end has a shallow plateau where the moorings are positioned. For first timers at Umm Gammar the dive will take place from the plateau, moving eastwards to the drop off then north along the wall. Big groupers and lots of sweepers live in the multiple caves found along the eastern and western walls and drop offs of this tiny island's fringing reef.

Wreck Diving

Apart from diving the numerous coral gardens and reef walls found near the coast line of Hurghada, the area also offers some of the best wreck dives in the country. For those planning on sampling wreck dives Hurghada, here are some of the popular sites worth a trip or two:

El Mina wreck

Dive site, also known as the Harbor Wreck, in connection to its location within the harbor of Hurghada. This particular wreck is made up of an Egyptian minesweeper sunk by an Israeli bomber in 1969. With a depth of 30 meters, most of the dives organized in this site are done by more experienced divers.

My Balena

a safari boat that sunk in 2001. Located just 9 meters down on the sea floor, the site is also just a few minutes away from the shores of Hurghada. This makes it quite an ideal site for novices, with the proliferation of soft corals on the vessel’s surface and abundance of barracudas darting in and out of its body providing added visual delights.

Salem Express

A ferry that sunk in 1991, along with hundreds of its passengers. Interested individuals should know beforehand that traces of its passengers can still be discerned, like suitcases, stereos, and remnants of clothing. Diving in this site is not for everyone, as the vessel’s tragedy looms very large in the mind of every diver circling it.

Sha’abrur Umm Gamar

the final resting place of Colona IV, a charter boat that sunk in 1995. The wreck is said to be 66 meters down the sea floor, and is visited only by experienced divers. Because this wreck is relatively new, only a few corals are anchored to it.

Suzanna

the original name of the vessel is Excalibur, a sailboat that got burned and sunk in the 1990s for unknown reasons. Resting 22 meters down on the sea floor, this site is quite accessible to all types of divers, even those taking open water courses.

Shopping and Leisure in Hurghada

For those who love to shop, Sharm El-Sheikh provides ample opportunities to indulge in retail therapy. Sharm El Sheikh is famous for producing jewellery, leather goods and rugs. Expect to haggle when shopping in Sharm El Sheikh! It is all part of the experience and the shop owners will be shocked if you don’t try to negotiate! The majority of shops and shopping centres are based in Naama Bay but Sharm Old Market is great for hunting out bargains. If you want real value for money you should go south-west to Dahab which is less busy and less commercialised than Sharm.

There is more to Sharm El-Sheikh than beaches, sea and shopping of course. It’s a well developed area that feels “European” with refined hotels, facilities and amenities. Sharm el Sheikh has a fantastic range of restaurants, bars and cafes to visit as well as the hotels own all inclusive menus. The market area in Old Sharm is popular for its abundance of seafood restaurants and cheap prices. For those wanting a romantic evening, head to the” On Deck” restaurant in the Iberotel Lido hotel in Naama Bay where you can dine on a pontoon overlooking the water. The Il Mercato promenade, often called “Les Champs Elysee” of Sinai close to the Iberotel IL Mercato Hotel offers a varied selection of excellent cafes and restaurants.

There’s even an 18-hole Championship golf course in Jolie Ville Golf Resort, located only five kilometres from the main hotels in Sharm el Sheikh which is open to non guests. It includes a driving range and artificial lakes and is a perfect escape for those who love the game.

Hurghada Nightlife

Pacha

Pacha is situated in the of Naama bay , and is the premier party place in Sharm El Sheikh that embodies the essence of the Pacha spirit with a twist of mystical Arabia added for pure indulgence.

Little Buddha

Little Buddha is located in the heart of Naama Bay , and being one of the hottest venues in Sharm El Sheikh, it provides its clientele with the finest dining experience, an eclectic atmosphere, sublime surroundings, and the latest sounds from around the globe.

Hard Rock Cafe

When in Egypt, knock the Sinai sand from your sandals and settle into the Hard Rock Cafe Sharm El Sheikh for a tall cool drink to quench your parched throat. The restaurant's huge guitar and sky dome act as an oasis beckoning every desert denizen to a good time. It provides a fascinating atmosphere and mouthwatering dishes.

Camel Bar

It is a two-storey restaurant/bar that offers both indoor and outdoor areas. The lower floor is an ideal venue for those willing to indulge in a drink along with lively music, while the top floor overlooks Naama Bay and offers a more relaxing atmosphere with number of sumptuous international dishes and shisha.