Things to Do in Hurghada
In this guide
The best things to do in Hurghada include boat trips to Giftun Island beaches like Orange Bay, snorkeling protected coral reefs, riding quad bikes across desert dunes and taking day trips to ancient temples in Luxor. Visitors also enjoy swimming in warm waters, observing wild dolphins and exploring local culture in El Dahar.
Cruise to Giftun Island beaches and sandbars
Cruising to the white sand beaches of Giftun Island is Hurghada's signature day out on the water. Located offshore by motor yacht, Giftun Island National Park contains several distinct beach areas, including the shallow turquoise lagoons of Orange Bay and the relaxed sands of Paradise Island.
A typical island cruise departs the marina at 09:00 and lasts eight hours. During the voyage, vessels drop anchor at two offshore coral reefs for guided snorkeling sessions before mooring at the island pier. On Orange Bay, wooden sea swings, sun hammocks and shallow wading water extending far out from shore create ideal conditions for unwinding. Guests on See Hurghada boat trips receive open buffet lunches, unlimited soft drinks, complete snorkeling gear and water sports sofa rides, all covered by our all-in pricing promise.
Snorkel vibrant coral reefs and encounter wild marine life
Snorkeling in the Red Sea reveals extraordinary biodiversity, with remarkable water visibility. The northern Red Sea around Hurghada is renowned for warm water, steep coral walls and protected marine life ranging from blue-spotted rays to hawksbill sea turtles.
Guided trips visit offshore sites where natural currents sustain thriving marine ecosystems. At Turtle House, snorkelers float above shallow seagrass beds where green sea turtles graze in calm waters. Further north, cruises to Dolphin House at Shaab El Erg reef offer opportunities to observe pods of wild bottlenose dolphins swimming freely in open water. Every excursion includes qualified in-water guides and buoyancy life vests, making snorkeling trips accessible and safe for confident swimmers and beginners alike.
Drive quad bikes and buggies across the desert dunes
Desert safaris offer high-energy exploration across the rugged valleys and sand dunes of the eastern desert. The mountain ranges behind Hurghada provide an immense playground of winding canyon tracks, flat desert plains and open sand corridors.
Travellers can select dedicated three-hour quad biking tours or comprehensive five-hour super safari packages. On a super safari, you drive an automatic four-wheel quad bike, navigate a spider buggy through canyon corridors, enjoy a brief camel ride, and visit an authentic Bedouin desert camp for dinner and evening entertainment. Every See Hurghada desert safari provides safety helmets and hotel transfers in sturdy four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Explore ancient monuments on a Luxor day trip
A cultural day trip to Luxor transports you from the coast directly to the heart of ancient Thebes. Located approximately four hours south through the desert, Luxor boasts the highest concentration of historical monuments in Egypt.
A small-group Luxor day trip departs early in the morning in a modern air-conditioned vehicle. Accompanied by a professional Egyptologist guide, you explore the colossal columns of Karnak Temple on the East Bank of the Nile before crossing to the West Bank. There, you walk through the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, visit the terraced Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and stand before the giant Colossi of Memnon. Full entrance tickets and a freshly prepared restaurant lunch are included, with zero unwanted shopping stops.
Experience watersports and coastal aerial views
Adrenaline-filled coastal activities provide unique perspectives of Hurghada's shoreline and turquoise lagoons. Flying high above the water allows travellers to appreciate the striking contrast between the golden desert mountains and the vivid coral shallows.
Single and tandem parasailing flights tow participants high above the Red Sea behind specialized speedboats. Takeoff and landing occur smoothly on the vessel's rear hydraulic flight platform, ensuring a dry, safe flight. For guests seeking rapid marine transport, private speedboats can be chartered to whisk small parties to secluded sandbars and reefs ahead of larger tour crowds. All water sports include certified safety equipment, life jackets and hotel pickup.
Discover cultural heritage on a Hurghada city tour
Exploring Hurghada town reveals authentic daily Egyptian life, historic architecture and vibrant seaside harbours. Beyond the modern hotel resorts lies a living port town with deep maritime roots dating back to its origins as a fishing village.
The guided city tour visits the grand mosque, the historic Coptic cathedral in El Dahar, and the historic wooden boat building yards. Travellers can watch local fishermen land their daily catch at the fish market before strolling along the modern waterfront at Hurghada Marina. Alternatively, visitors can observe regional aquatic species up close by securing Grand Aquarium tickets or enjoying a traditional Turkish bath at a local spa.
| Activity Type | Typical Duration | Main Highlight | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Island Cruise | 8 hours | Orange Bay sandbars | Lunch, drinks, snorkel gear, transfers |
| Coral Snorkeling | 3 to 6 hours | Sea turtles and reef drop-offs | Equipment, guide, park fees, transfers |
| Desert Safari | 3 to 5 hours | Quad bikes and Bedouin camp | Guide, dinner, hotel transfers |
| Luxor Day Trip | 12 hours | Valley of the Kings | Egyptologist, tickets, lunch, transfers |
| Parasailing | 2 hours | Aerial views above the sea | Parachute flight, life vest, transfers |



