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Planning a trip to Hurghada, Egypt? You’ve come to the right place!
With its stunning coastline, vibrant marine life, and desert adventures, deciding what to do in Hurghada can feel overwhelming- but don’t worry because we’ve got you covered.
We’ve done it all here, from snorkeling alongside dolphins to exploring the depths of the Red Sea in a submarine! And now, we’ve used our experience to put together this handy guide to help you make the most of your trip.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or just looking to unwind in a breathtaking setting, Hurghada has it all. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the 10 best things to do in this incredible destination!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE experience in Hurghada was this Red Sea submarine tour! It was amazing seeing all of the marine life, and the water was so clear. Plus, being in a submarine is super unique!
Check out the 3,500+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Hurghada, Egypt
- 1. Go snorkeling with dolphins
- 2. Explore the Red Sea in a submarine
- 3. Quad bike through the Dry Canyon, desert, and sand dunes
- 4. Take a day trip to Luxor
- 5. Go scuba diving in the Red Sea (all levels!)
- 6. Fly to Cairo and see the Pyramids of Giza for the day
- 7. Rent a private boat for a day
- 8. Stargaze in the desert and have dinner at a Bedouin camp
- 9. Visit the famous Mini Egypt theme park
- 10. Take a yacht to Giftun Island National Park
- Where to Stay in Hurghada, Egypt
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Hurghada, Egypt
1. Go snorkeling with dolphins
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 7:30 am
- Highlights: Cruising over the Red Sea, visiting the Dolphin House, swimming with wild dolphins, riding a banana boat, snorkeling, sunbathing on deck, onboard lunch
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, National Park fees, boat ride, local guide, crew, snorkeling equipment, lunch, cold drinks
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
The Dolphin House in Hurghada is a protected reef that’s teeming with dolphins, so nature lovers cannot miss the chance to swim with them on this epic tour! Not only was it an amazing adventure, but we were also treated so well by the crew.
In the morning, we boarded a comfortable and spacious boat and cruised out to the famous Dolphin House, where wild dolphins gracefully swam beneath us. It was wonderful to see them in their natural habitat and even more so to snorkel alongside them. We couldn’t believe how close they were to us!
As if that weren’t enough, we also got to snorkel vibrant coral reefs that were full of colorful fish. The visibility was excellent and the guides were really helpful, pointing out marine wonders along the way.
After all of the excitement, we enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch on board. It was fresh, tasty, and just what we needed after swimming all morning. Then, our final thrill of the day was a high-energy banana boat ride, which had us in hysterics.
It’s definitely not every day that you get to swim with wild dolphins, so this tour is truly an unmissable experience in Hurghada. We loved it and would do it again in a heartbeat!
Book this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation before you go!
2. Explore the Red Sea in a submarine
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 9 am – 3 pm
- Highlights: Exploring beneath the Red Sea in a submarine, gazing at the marine world through 18 panoramic windows, staying cool and dry
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned submarine, soft drinks
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 3,900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’ve ever wanted to explore the underwater world but aren’t a diver, this submarine tour is the perfect activity for you! In fact, this one-of-a-kind adventure is our top pick of things to do in Hurghada because it’s just so unique.
As we boarded the submarine, the staff told us that this was one of just 14 recreational submarines in the world – how cool is that? When we descended 25 meters (82 feet) below the surface, the panoramic windows revealed Hurghada’s breathtaking underwater world. We saw vibrant coral reefs, tons of exotic fish, and even a few stingrays gliding by. The water was super clear, so we were able to see everything in stunning detail!
This tour is perfect for families, as kids will love the underwater magic on board! There’s no lower age limit, so it’s a great option if you’re traveling with children who are too young to dive. It’s also ideal for non-swimmers or anyone who wants to experience the magic of the ocean in comfort. We mostly did it so that we could say we had been on a submarine!
And honestly, the experience was so worth it. We weren’t sure what to expect but the submarine is spacious and air-conditioned, so we never felt claustrophobic, and the panoramic windows meant that every passenger enjoyed a fantastic view. In short, it was epic!
Check out the 3,500+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
3. Quad bike through the Dry Canyon, desert, and sand dunes
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 2 pm
- Highlights: Zooming through the Eastern Desert on a quad bike, riding through the Dry Canyon, seeing fossilized coral and shells, visiting a Bedouin camp, meeting locals, watching a beautiful sunset, savoring a delicious local dinner
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, quad bike, helmet, professional guide, Bedouin camp access, dinner
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 460+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
This quad biking desert safari offers an unforgettable experience in Hurghada! We got to race around the desert on ATVs and visit the Dry Canyon, as well as a traditional Bedouin Camp. We think that it was the ultimate desert adventure, and we’re not the only ones – you can read hundreds of 5-star reviews here!
We had so much fun tearing through the golden sand dunes on our way to a traditional Bedouin Camp. Here, we were welcomed with classic Egyptian hospitality. We were served hot tea and offered shisha, and we got a glimpse into the fascinating Bedouin way of life. Then, we fired up our bikes again and headed towards the Dry Canyon.
Honestly, when we were staring at the vast, sandy canyon it was hard to believe that it was once covered by the sea. However, the fossilized corals and shells in the walls are there to prove it! Then, we headed to the top of the ravine to watch the sunset over the canyon below. It was absolutely beautiful.
Then, after a thrilling ride back through the dunes, we ended the night with a delicious dinner under the stars. It included trays of chicken, rice, and vegetables as well as freshly baked pitas and tahini – yummy!
You really can’t pass up the chance to explore Egypt’s stunning desert landscapes while you’re here. This tour promises an unforgettable way to explore, and we absolutely loved it!
Don’t miss out – check availability and book this desert tour here!
4. Take a day trip to Luxor
- Duration: 15 – 16 hours
- Time: 4:30 am
- Highlights: Karnak Temple complex, lunch at a local restaurant, Valley of the Kings’ royal tombs, Tutenkhamun’s Temple (if option selected), Queen Hatshepsut’s temple
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, English-speaking guide, lunch, entrance fees (if option selected)
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 2,100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Luxor is one of Egypt’s must visit destinations. It’s the heart of the country’s ancient history, and with sites like King Tut’s tomb on offer, we just couldn’t miss it, so we booked this tour!
It’s a long journey from Hurghada to Luxor, but the comfortable, air-conditioned minivan meant we were able to snooze on the way. Our first stop of the day was Karnak Temple, and we were blown away by its sheer size! Seeing the towering pillars, intricate carvings, and the Sacred Lake was incredible.
After lunch, we crossed the Nile to the West Bank, and things only got more exciting from there! The Valley of the Kings was undoubtedly the highlight of this tour, so make sure you book the option with all entry fees included so that you get to enter Tutankhamun’s tomb. It was so cool to see the legendary resting place of the boy king, and we loved hearing the story of how it was rediscovered in the 1920s.
We also visited Hatshepsut’s Temple, which is an architectural masterpiece consisting of three huge terraces that rise above the desert floor. But perhaps my favorite stop of the day was the Colossi of Memnon, which are huge stone statues that stand sentinel in front of the Temple of Amenhotep III.
This tour is a long day, but if you haven’t got time for an overnight visit to Luxor, it is 100% worth it. If you’re at all interested in ancient history, you won’t want to miss this! Just check out the 1,700+ 5-star reviews here!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book in advance here!
5. Go scuba diving in the Red Sea (all levels!)
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Two scuba dives; excellent visibility; on board buffet lunch; seeing sharks, clownfish, and moray eels, options for all experience levels, no qualifications required
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, boat ride, diving equipment, professional instructors, soft drinks, tea and coffee
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
The Red Sea is an amazing place to go scuba diving, and the beauty of this specific tour is that it has an introductory option, so you don’t even need a PADI certification!
We’ve both done a lot of diving before, so we went for the option for certified divers, but we think that the beginner option is such a great opportunity for those who want to get a taste of scuba diving without having to commit to a multi-day course. And we’re not alone in this opinion – check out all of the 5-star reviews here!
Our first dive was absolutely breathtaking. The water was crystal clear, and we saw vibrant coral reefs and so many fish. Seriously, we saw Red Sea Clownfish, Crown of Thorns Starfish, and huge Napoleon Wrasses.
After the first dive, we enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch on board the boat as we took in the gorgeous ocean views. We had some time to relax and soak up the sun before heading to the second dive site. We saw even more creatures here, like Lionfish, Groupers, and even a Silky Shark!
Whether you’re a certified diver or are just curious to see what the world of scuba is all about, don’t miss the chance to book this tour. The Red Sea is truly one of the best places in the world to dive, and travelers come from far and wide to explore its underwater wonders, so don’t miss the chance to do the same while you’re in Hurghada.
Book this tour here to access FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Fly to Cairo and see the Pyramids of Giza for the day
- Duration: 15 – 18 hours
- Time: 2:40 am – 6 am
- Highlights: Visiting the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, seeing King Tut’s coffin, exploring the Pyramids of Giza, enjoying lunch on the Nile
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, flights, air-conditioned transfers, lunch, museum entry (if selected), entry to Tutankhamun’s Gold and Jewelry Exhibition (if selected), pyramids tickets (if selected), bottled water
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you haven’t got time to spend a few nights in Cairo, then this full day tour is the perfect solution! From the moment we were picked up early in the morning to the final drop-off back at our hotel, everything was so smooth and well organized. We highly recommend booking the option with all entrance fees included because then you won’t miss a thing!
Our journey began with a short flight to Cairo, which saved us hours of travel time. The first stop was the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, which is home to over 120,000 artifacts – most notably, King Tutankhamun’s golden coffin. Seeing his iconic funerary mask was a dream come true!
Next, we had lunch on the banks of the Nile, which was a nice breather before heading onto the main highlight of the tour: the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Pictures just don’t do them justice, so you really need to see these ancient landmarks for yourself! We even got to go inside one of the pyramids – how cool is that?
After that, we had the option to take a boat ride on the Nile, which cost around $10 USD each, so of course, we jumped at the chance. It was the perfect note to end the day on!
This tour makes visiting Cairo’s legendary landmarks a breeze. There was no stress or hassle involved, and we had such a great time. If you’re visiting Hurghada, this day trip is an absolute must!
Grab your spot on this tour here and enjoy flexible payment and cancellation options!
7. Rent a private boat for a day
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 9 am or 10 am
- Highlights: Private boat charter, customizable itinerary, snorkeling at the Carless Reef, seeing an array of marine life, fishing, swimming with dolphins, delicious lunch on board, option to visit Orange Beach, Eden Island, or Paradise Island (additional fee)
- Inclusions: Private boat, captain and crew, national park fees, snorkeling equipment, tea and coffee, lunch, bottled water, snacks
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re seeking a luxurious VIP experience in Hurghada, then don’t miss the chance to book this private full day boat tour! Whether you’re a family looking for a relaxed day out or a big group of friends wanting an adventure, this fully customizable boat charter delivers an unforgettable day of fun out in the Red Sea – just read the 400+ glowing reviews for yourself!
We chose the 11-meter boat for 8 people, but there’s also a 22-meter option for groups of up to 14. It was spacious, stylish, and fully equipped, but the best part was the fact that the itinerary was completely up to us!
We went snorkeling at Carless Reef, where we saw clownfish, manta rays, and Picasso fish. It was epic! Then, we stopped at Eden Island, where we had time to relax on the pristine white sands. But my favorite part of the day was when we came across a pod of dolphins and hopped in to snorkel alongside them.
The all-inclusive setup made the day seamless. Lunch was fresh and delicious, and there were plenty of drinks available throughout the day. The captain and crew were incredible, too. They were attentive and knowledgeable and went above and beyond to ensure that we had the best experience!
This experience is all about indulgence and chilling out in style. It was a magical way to experience the Red Sea, and we would highly recommend it for family trips, celebrations, or just a day of pure indulgence.
Book your private charter here and pay nothing until 48 hours before you go!
8. Stargaze in the desert and have dinner at a Bedouin camp
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 2 pm
- Highlights: Visiting a Bedouin camp, enjoying a candlelit dinner, stargazing, using a GPS-directed telescope to observe the night sky, seeing the Milky Way
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bedouin village access, traditional herbal tea, dinner, use of GPS telescope, professional astronomer guides
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
This desert stargazing adventure felt like stepping into another world. The stars look amazing with the naked eye, but using a professional telescope really takes it to another level.
But first things first – our experience started with an exciting journey from our hotel into the vast, golden expanse of the Egyptian desert. We arrived at a Bedouin camp, where we were greeted with a refreshing herbal tea and a glimpse into traditional nomadic life. We enjoyed the sunset, said “hi” to the camels, and then settled in to watch a breathtaking desert sunset.
After the sun went down, we enjoyed a delicious buffet of rice, kofta salad, and fresh Bedouin bread by candlelight as the stars began to appear overhead. Then, once we had had our fill, the stargazing fun began!
Using the powerful Meade GPS-directed telescope allowed us to explore deep space from right here on Earth. We saw Saturn’s rings, Jupiter and its moons, and constellations shining brightly against the desert sky. Having an astronomer guide made the experience even better, as he taught us ancient stories about the stars and planets we were observing.
We found this tour to be a super romantic experience, but really, it’s perfect for anyone with an interest in the cosmos. We were mesmerized – and if you check the 250+ 5-star reviews, you’ll see that we weren’t the only ones!
Don’t miss out – book this epic stargazing tour here!
9. Visit the famous Mini Egypt theme park
- Duration: 2 – 3 hours
- Time: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Highlights: Seeing 55 of Egypt’s most famous landmarks in miniature, learning about Egyptian history and culture, seamless visit, great photos from your guide
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, driver, knowledgeable guide, live commentary, Mini Egypt admission tickets
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 375+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Taking a tour to Mini Egypt Park is the perfect way for families to enjoy a fun and educational day out together in Hurghada! It’s an interactive journey through 55 of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks – only this time, they’re in miniature.
We felt like big kids as we got excited seeing detailed replicas of iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, Karnak Temple, and the High Dam. Seeing them all in one place allowed us to go on a linear journey through Egypt’s rich history rather than learning about it in bits and pieces. By this point, we had already seen a lot of Egypt, but visiting Mini Egypt allowed us to tie all of the history together.
Our guide, Ahmed, was awesome and really brought Egypt’s past to life for us. He also took lots of fun photos of us at just the right angles so we looked like giants standing next to the pyramids.
For families with kids especially, this tour is the perfect mix of fun and learning. Plus, with hotel transfers included, the entire experience was a breeze, with no planning or navigation required from us. So whether you’re in Hurghada with kids or just want a unique cultural experience, Mini Egypt Park is such a fun attraction to visit here!
Book your Mini Egypt tickets here before they sell out!
10. Take a yacht to Giftun Island National Park
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 8 am – 11 am
- Highlights: Traveling to Giftun Island on a yacht, relaxing in Orange Bay, swimming and two snorkeling sessions, spotting dolphins
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transfers, yacht transport, breakfast, lunch, free flow soft and hot drinks, snacks and seasonal fruits, national park fees, use of snorkeling equipment
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 1,600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
We recently went on this yacht cruise to Giftun Island National Park, and it truly was a perfect day! There are options to add parasailing or upgrade to a private boat, but we opted for the standard tour and it was unforgettable.
We started out by snorkeling in the calm, clear waters of Giftun Island National Park. The vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish certainly made a pretty picture, but the highlight was when we saw a pod of wild dolphins swimming nearby. It was magical!
The crew on the boat was fantastic, ensuring that we had everything we needed throughout the day. We enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch on board ,and there were plenty of options, from fresh salads to hot dishes. Meanwhile, the free flow soft drinks kept us refreshed and hydrated all day!
Then, when we reached Orange Bay, we had a few hours to unwind on the powdery, white sand beach and take in the stunning scenery. We were able to enjoy more snorkeling here, as well as lounge on bean bags and plenty of shade for those who need a break from the sun.
Though we didn’t add parasailing or opt for a private tour, those are options if you want a bit more thrill or exclusivity. But the standard tour was perfect for us, offering a great balance of adventure, relaxation, and amazing scenery!
Check availability and book this yacht tour here before it sells out!
Where to Stay in Hurghada, Egypt
You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodations in Hurghada! There are a ton of choices lining the Red Sea or in the city center, so you should be able to find somewhere nice to stay, no matter your budget. Here are a few recommendations to help narrow down your choice:
Luxury – $$$
If you’re looking for luxury, look no further than La Maison Bleue El Gouna! This is a mansion turned into 13 suites and was designed by an antique collector. Each suite is unique, but expect every need to be met! You can also enjoy the upscale pool, room service, spa, restaurant, bar, and views of the Red Sea.
Suites start at $390 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Jaz Casa Del Mar Beach is a top-rated resort at a moderate price point! Situated on a private beach, this all-inclusive hotel has six pools, rooms that overlook the Red Sea, and top tier restaurants and health clubs. Rooms are well priced, starting at $130 USD for a queen or twin room or offering larger rooms with sea views and full suites.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Even if you’re traveling on a budget, you can have a luxury stay at the Redcon Suites! The rooms are large, and they offer standard hotel rooms or apartment-style rooms. Many of the rooms have sea views, or you can enjoy the rooftop terrace overlooking the Red Sea! This hotel is centrally located, so you can easily access Hurghada’s best sights.
Prices range from $30 to $130 USD and can be booked on Booking.com.
For more options, check out all of the hotels in Hurghada here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Hurghada was one of the most memorable places we’ve visited! We loved all of the water adventures with easy access to the Red Sea, as well as unique experiences like stargazing in the desert or taking a day trip to Luxor! You truly won’t be bored in Hurghada!
Before you take off, check out our other travel blogs. We’ve been all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers. Here are a few related blogs to help you plan your next getaway!