Hurghada built its reputation on the Red Sea, but there's a lot more to a week here than a sunbed and a snorkel mask. Between the reef, the desert just outside town, and day trips to two of Egypt's biggest historical sites, it's one of the more varied resort destinations on the Egyptian coast. Here are 15 things worth putting on your list.
1. Snorkel or dive the Red Sea reefs
This is still the main event. Hard and soft coral, reef fish in every color, and visibility that regularly hits 20–30 meters. If you've never dived before, a beginner discovery dive is a low-commitment way to try it with an instructor by your side the whole time.
2. Visit Dolphin House at Sha'ab Samadai
A horseshoe-shaped reef lagoon where wild spinner dolphins are frequently spotted resting and playing. Combine it with two separate snorkel stops on the same Dolphin House trip.
3. Take a real submarine dive
You don't need to swim, dive, or even get wet to see the reef up close. Panorama Submarine and Seascope both descend below the surface with porthole windows for the view.
4. Spend a day on a private island
Boats run daily to a handful of small islands and sandbanks in the Giftun Islands National Park — Paradise Island, Orange Bay, and Mahmya among them — each with sunbeds, shallow water and a buffet lunch included.
5. Ride into the desert
Hurghada sits right at the edge of the Eastern Desert. A quad bike or buggy safari with a Bedouin tea stop is the classic way to see it, but there are quieter options too, like a daytime desert horse ride.
6. Day-trip to Luxor's temples
It's a long day, but the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple are unlike anything else in Egypt. See our full Hurghada-to-Luxor guide for what to expect.
7. Day-trip to the Pyramids of Giza
Cairo is doable as a long day trip from Hurghada too — read our Hurghada-to-Cairo guide before booking.
8. Try parasailing over the coastline
A 10–12 minute flight above the water — no experience needed, the boat crew handles takeoff and landing.
9–15. And the rest
- Glass-bottom or semi-submersible boat tours for non-swimmers
- A sunset horseback ride along the beach
- The Grand Aquarium for a break from the sun
- A dolphin show at the local dolphinarium
- A day at a water park like Aquaviva or AMC Royal
- An evening at El Dahar, Hurghada's old town market
- A pirate-themed sailing cruise with the kids
For the full, filterable list of everything currently bookable, browse all Hurghada tours.
