Look, you could spend your entire Hurghada trip at the hotel pool. Nobody's stopping you. But you'd be missing out on... everything, really. Wild dolphin encounters. Ancient Egyptian temples. The "Venice of Egypt" just up the road. Desert sunsets that hit different. A sea so clear you can see 30 meters down. See my first visit guide for planning.
Here's the good stuff. The things I tell friends to do when they finally take my advice and visit.
The Big Ones
🤿 Diving & Snorkeling
This is THE reason most people come here. The Red Sea is world-famous for a reason — the visibility, the coral, the fish... I've dived all over and this remains my favorite.
- PADI courses from €350 (3-4 days)
- Daily boat trips to Giftun Islands
- Wreck diving at SS Thistlegorm
- House reefs you can snorkel from the beach
🏜️ Desert Safari
Quad biking through golden dunes, Bedouin tea under the stars, sunsets that look photoshopped but aren't. It's touristy, sure. But it's also genuinely magical.
- Quad bike or buggy adventures
- Bedouin BBQ dinner + stargazing
- Sunset camel rides
- Shisha and traditional tea
🏛️ Luxor & Cairo Trips
You're in EGYPT. The pyramids are 5 hours away. The Valley of the Kings is closer. How do you NOT go? Long day? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
- Cairo: Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum
- Luxor: Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple
- Egyptologist guides who actually know their stuff
- All transport + meals included
⛵ Island Boat Tours
Sail to paradise islands, snorkel pristine reefs, eat lunch on beaches that look like screensavers. The most relaxing way to spend a day.
- Giftun Island national park
- Orange Bay (Instagram dream)
- Dolphin House encounters
- Sunset dhow cruises
🏄 Water Sports
If you need speed with your sea views. Hurghada's consistent wind makes it a kitesurfing hotspot. Or just do something gloriously silly like parasailing.
- Kitesurfing (consistent wind!)
- Parasailing & jet skiing
- Wakeboarding
- Banana boat (yes, it's silly. do it anyway.)
🐬 Dolphins & Turtles
Swimming alongside wild dolphins is one of those experiences that stays with you. Not guaranteed — they're wild — but when it happens... unforgettable.
- Dolphin House trips (spinner dolphins!)
- Sea turtle snorkeling spots
- Eco-friendly operators
- Free-swimming, not captive
🚤 El Gouna Day Trip
"The Venice of Egypt" is just 25km north. It's built on lagoons, super clean, very chic. Take a tuk-tuk tour, eat at the Marina, beautiful architecture. Totally different vibe from Hurghada.
- Lagoon boat tours
- Marina dining & shopping
- Kite surfing lessons
- Cable park (wakeboarding)
🚗 Beyond the City: Regional Highlights
Sliding at Sliders Cable Park
One of the world's biggest cable parks. You don't need wind to wakeboard here. Great vibe, pool club attached, and you'll see pros training. Even if you don't ride, go for the burger and the show.
Golf at The Cascades
Gary Player designed this. It's stunning — bright green grass against the desert sand and blue sea. It's consistently voted the best in Egypt. Treat yourself to the Thalasso spa afterwards.
Sunset at the Arrival Piazza
Rent a golf cart or electric bike and cruise the boardwalk. End up at the Piazza for sunset. It feels grand and cinematic. Very different pace from Hurghada city center.
💡 Quick Tips From Someone Who's Done All These
- Book through local operators, not your hotel. You'll save 30-50% on the exact same trip. See my money tips for more.
- Snorkeling in the morning. Water's calmer, visibility's better, fewer boats. Check the weather guide.
- Luxor over Cairo for a day trip. Much closer (3hrs vs 5hrs), equally impressive temples.
- Sunset safaris > midday. Cooler, better light, better photos, better vibes.
- Bring motion sickness tablets. Red Sea boats can rock. More packing tips in practical info.
Okay, you've read enough.
Close this tab and book something. The most memorable trips are the ones where you actually DO things.