The best things to do in Hurghada are snorkelling at the Giftun Islands and Orange Bay, swimming near wild dolphins, a quad or buggy safari into the desert at sunset, an evening at the Marina, and a day trip to Luxor or the Pyramids of Giza. We are a local tour operator based on Sheraton Road in Hurghada, and we run most of these trips ourselves. Below are our 30 favourites – with honest tips, durations and prices for booking directly with us.
Planning your first trip? Start with our Hurghada travel guide for areas, weather and practical tips.
In this guide: On and under the water (1–10) · In town (11–15) · In the desert (16–20) · Day trips (21–25) · With kids (26–27) · Evenings (28–30) · Prices compared · Best activities by type · 7-day plan · How to book safely · FAQ
On and under the water
Hurghada's reefs and islands are the main reason most people come. Boat trips usually leave from the Marina or from hotel jetties between 8 and 9 am and return in the late afternoon; lunch, soft drinks and snorkelling gear are normally included.
1. Snorkel at the Giftun Islands
The Giftun Islands are a protected national park about 45 minutes by boat from the coast. Expect two or three snorkelling stops over colourful reefs and time on a white-sand beach. It is the classic first excursion for good reason.
Book: Giftun Island snorkelling trip, small group of 10–15 · 8 hours · from €49
2. Spend a day at Orange Bay
Orange Bay is the postcard beach of Hurghada: a shallow turquoise lagoon, soft sand and calm water, ideal for non-swimmers. It is popular, so a small-group or private boat makes the day much more relaxed.
Book: Orange Bay small-group trip · 8 hours · from €49 · or a private boat to Orange Bay from €65
3. Relax on Mahmya Island
Mahmya is the quieter, more upmarket island day: sun loungers, a beach restaurant and fewer people. It suits couples and anyone who wants a relaxed day rather than a party boat.
Book: Mahmya Island excursion · 8 hours · from €95
4. Swim near wild dolphins at Dolphin House
At Shaab El Erg, known as Dolphin House, groups of wild dolphins are often seen resting in the lagoon. Sightings are never guaranteed, and good operators keep their distance: no chasing, no touching, no feeding. Read more about the dolphins in Egypt.
Book: Dolphin House tour · 8 hours · from €50 · or the shorter dolphin tour by speedboat · 4 hours · from €41
5. Hop over to Paradise Island or Utopia Island
Both are good-value island days with beach time and snorkelling. Paradise Island is the budget favourite; Utopia Island is quieter with clear water around the reef.
Book: Paradise Island · 9 hours · from €35 · Utopia Island · 8 hours · from €55
6. Snorkel a reef straight from the shore
You do not always need a boat. Many hotels in Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh have house reefs reached via a jetty, and Sharm El Naga near Safaga has one of the best shore reefs in the region. Curious what you will see? Read our guide to Red Sea fishes.
Book: Sharm El Naga snorkelling trip · 8 hours · from €50
7. Try diving for the first time
Hurghada is one of the world's classic dive destinations. A try dive with an instructor needs no experience, and a beginner course takes a few days. Choose a dive centre with certified instructors and well-maintained equipment.
8. Go island-hopping by private speedboat
A private speedboat lets you choose the reefs, skip the crowds and set your own timing – ideal for families and small groups.
Book: Private speedboat snorkelling and island tour · 6 hours · from €49 · or a full-day private boat tour from €125
9. See the reef from a submarine
Perfect for non-swimmers, small children and grandparents. The semi-submarine has a glass-walled lower deck; the Sindbad submarine dives down to the reef.
Book: Semi-submarine · 4 hours · from €20 · Sindbad submarine · 4 hours · from €70
10. Sail, cruise or fly above the sea
For a slower day on the water, join a sailing trip or a catamaran cruise off El Gouna. For a quick thrill, try parasailing.
Book: Pirates sailboat snorkelling trip · from €85 · Ocean Diva catamaran · from €65 · Parasailing · from €30
In town
Hurghada is more than hotels. Spend at least one afternoon or evening in town – it costs little and shows you everyday Egypt.
11. Walk the Hurghada Marina at sunset
The Marina is the city's most pleasant place for a stroll: yachts, cafés, restaurants and the best evening light in town. Free to visit, and the perfect start to a night out.
12. Visit the El Mina Mosque
Opened in 2012 next to the Marina, El Mina is the largest mosque in the Red Sea Governorate, with two 40-metre minarets. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times. Women cover hair, shoulders and knees; men wear long trousers.
13. Explore El Dahar, the old town
El Dahar is where locals shop and eat: spice stalls, fabric sellers, coffee houses and simple fish restaurants. Don't miss the Coptic Church of St. Shenouda, which is free to enter.
Book: Private Hurghada city tour with El Dahar, the Marina and the mosque · 4 hours · from €20
14. Discover the Hurghada Museum
Opened in 2020 as the first antiquities museum on the Red Sea coast, the Hurghada Museum displays about 2,000 objects from prehistoric times to the modern era. A good choice for a hot afternoon or a windy day.
15. See giant sculptures at Sand City and Mini Egypt
Sand City on the Safaga Road is an open-air park of large sand sculptures, from pharaohs to cartoon characters. Mini Egypt Park shows around 55 miniature versions of Egypt's famous landmarks. Both are easy half-day visits; check opening hours before you go.
In the desert
The Eastern Desert begins just behind the hotels. Desert trips run in the morning or late afternoon, when it is cooler, and most end with sunset over the mountains. Bring a scarf and sunglasses against the dust.
16. Ride a quad bike (ATV) into the desert
The most popular desert trip: you ride your own quad along sandy tracks into the desert, often with a stop at a Bedouin camp. No experience needed.
Book: Quad tour and ATV 4x4 safari · 4 hours · from €49 · Sunset quad safari · 5 hours · from €59
17. Drive a dune buggy
A buggy has a roll cage, two seats and a steering wheel – more comfortable than a quad and good for couples or a parent with a teenager.
Book: Dune buggy safari with BBQ · 5 hours · from €55 · 3-hour dune buggy tour · from €55
18. Take a jeep safari at sunset
Prefer to sit back? A 4x4 jeep takes you deep into the mountains without any driving on your part – the relaxed option for families and older travellers.
Book: Private jeep safari at sunset · 5 hours · from €45 · Mega safari · 6 hours · from €45
19. Go horse riding between sea and desert
Ride along the coast and into the desert foothills. Suitable for beginners; experienced riders can ask for a faster group.
Book: Horseback riding, sea and desert · 3 hours · from €45
20. Ride a camel
A short, fun ride for all ages, often combined with a visit to a Bedouin camp. Hold on tight when the camel stands up – back legs first!
Book: Camel ride in Hurghada · 1 hour · from €35
Day trips from Hurghada
Hurghada is the best beach base in Egypt for seeing the pharaohs. The big day trips are long – 14 to 18 hours – but for many of our guests they are the highlight of the holiday.
21. Discover Luxor: Karnak and the Valley of the Kings
Luxor is about 4 hours from Hurghada by road. In one day you see the vast Karnak Temple, the tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Read our guide to Karnak Temple before you go.
Book: Private Luxor day trip · 15 hours · from €90 · Luxor by bus · from €125 · Luxor hot air balloon ride · from €260
22. Stand in front of the Pyramids of Giza
The Great Pyramid, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum, which fully opened in November 2025 and shows the complete Tutankhamun collection. By road it is 5–6 hours each way; the flight takes about one hour. More in our guide to the Pyramids of Giza.
Book: Private Cairo trip by car · 18 hours · from €90 · Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum by car · from €120 · Private Cairo trip by plane · 14 hours · from €260
23. Visit the temples of Dendera and Abydos
Two of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, with painted ceilings and far fewer visitors than Luxor. A great second trip for history lovers.
Book: Private Abydos and Dendera trip · 12 hours · from €85 · Dendera half-day trip · 8 hours · from €90
24. See the desert monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul
Two of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, hidden in the mountains of the Eastern Desert. Read about St. Anthony's Monastery.
Book: Private monasteries trip · 12 hours · from €70
25. Swim with sea turtles at Abu Dabbab
Abu Dabbab Bay near Marsa Alam is famous for green sea turtles grazing on seagrass – and, with luck, a dugong. It is a long drive, but one of the most memorable snorkelling days in Egypt.
Book: Abu Dabbab turtle and dugong trip · 12 hours · from €75
With kids
26. See Red Sea life at the Hurghada Grand Aquarium
Red Sea marine life up close, without getting wet – ideal for younger children or a windy day.
Book: Hurghada Grand Aquarium · 3 hours · from €45
27. Slide all day at Makadi Water World
A large water park in Makadi Bay with slides and pools for all ages – a full day of fun with transfer from your hotel.
Book: Makadi Water World day trip · 7 hours · from €71
Evenings
28. Stroll and shop along El Mamsha
The long pedestrian promenade of El Mamsha is lined with restaurants, bars, shops and shisha cafés. Together with the Marina and Sheraton Road in Sakkala, it is the centre of Hurghada's nightlife.
29. Spend an evening in El Gouna
El Gouna, 30 minutes north, is a lagoon town with a marina, a lively Downtown and many restaurants. Visit by day on our tour and stay for dinner.
Book: Private El Gouna city and lagoon tour · 4 hours · from €30
30. Eat fresh fish the Egyptian way
In the fish restaurants of El Dahar you choose your fish at the counter; it is priced by weight and grilled or fried to order, served with rice, salads and bread. Also try koshari, ful and ta'ameya, Egypt's favourite street food.
Preise, nach Typ, 7-Tage-Plan, sicher buchen
Hurghada excursion prices compared
Most half-day activities in Hurghada cost €20–€70 per person, full-day boat trips €35–€95, and day trips to Luxor or Cairo start at €85–€90 by road. Prices below are our current "from" prices per person.
|
Activity |
Duration |
From |
|
Semi-submarine |
4 h |
€20 |
|
Private Hurghada city tour |
4 h |
€20 |
|
Parasailing |
1 h |
€30 |
|
El Gouna city and lagoon tour |
4 h |
€30 |
|
Paradise Island |
9 h |
€35 |
|
Camel ride |
1 h |
€35 |
|
Dolphin tour by speedboat |
4 h |
€41 |
|
Jeep safari at sunset |
5 h |
€45 |
|
Horse riding |
3 h |
€45 |
|
Grand Aquarium |
3 h |
€45 |
|
Giftun Island / Orange Bay |
8 h |
€49 |
|
Quad (ATV) safari |
4 h |
€49 |
|
Dolphin House |
8 h |
€50 |
|
Dune buggy with BBQ |
5 h |
€55 |
|
Sindbad submarine |
4 h |
€70 |
|
Abu Dabbab turtles |
12 h |
€75 |
|
Abydos and Dendera |
12 h |
€85 |
|
Luxor (private) |
15 h |
€90 |
|
Cairo and pyramids (private, by car) |
18 h |
€90 |
|
Mahmya Island |
8 h |
€95 |
Prices as of October 2026; the final price depends on group size and date.
Best things to do in Hurghada by type
|
If you are… |
Our top picks |
|
Non-swimmers |
Orange Bay lagoon (2), semi-submarine or Sindbad submarine (9), Grand Aquarium (26) |
|
Families with kids |
Paradise Island (5), semi-submarine (9), camel ride (20), Makadi Water World (27) |
|
Adrenaline seekers |
Quad safari (16), dune buggy (17), parasailing (10), try diving (7) |
|
History lovers |
Luxor (21), pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum (22), Dendera and Abydos (23), Hurghada Museum (14) |
|
Couples |
Mahmya Island (3), sunset jeep safari (18), El Gouna evening (29), private speedboat (8) |
|
On a budget |
Marina walk (11), El Dahar (13), El Mina Mosque (12) – all free – plus Paradise Island (5) |
|
Nature lovers |
Dolphin House (4), Abu Dabbab turtles (25), Giftun reefs (1) |
Free things to do in Hurghada: walk the Marina, visit the El Mina Mosque and St. Shenouda Church, explore the El Dahar souk and swim at your hotel's house reef.
When it's too windy for the boat: Boat trips are sometimes cancelled when the wind is strong, especially in winter. Good alternatives are the desert safaris, the Grand Aquarium, the Hurghada Museum, a city tour or a day trip to Luxor.
A 7-day Hurghada itinerary
A week gives you the perfect mix of beach, sea, desert and ancient Egypt without rushing.
|
Day |
Plan |
|
1 |
Arrive, relax at the hotel, sunset walk at the Marina |
|
2 |
Snorkelling at the Giftun Islands or Orange Bay |
|
3 |
Beach morning, afternoon in El Dahar and the Hurghada Museum |
|
4 |
Day trip to Luxor (early start) |
|
5 |
Slow morning, quad or buggy safari at sunset |
|
6 |
Dolphin House or Mahmya Island |
|
7 |
Shopping, last swim, evening in El Gouna or El Mamsha |
Tip: Put the long Luxor or Cairo trip in the middle of your stay, not on the last day – and leave a free day after it.
How to book excursions in Hurghada safely
You can book excursions in Hurghada through your hotel's tour desk, from street sellers or directly with a local operator online. Street prices often look cheaper, but hidden extras – national park fees, lunch, equipment, "tips" – and overcrowded boats are common.
Before you pay, ask:
- What exactly is included (transfer, lunch, drinks, equipment, entrance fees)?
- How many people are in the group?
- Is the boat or car licensed and insured?
- Who is the guide, and in which language?
- What happens if the trip is cancelled because of wind?
At Zakharious Tours we answer these questions before you book. Our office is on Sheraton Road, next to Metro Market, and you can reach us on WhatsApp at +20 120 123 1885. Read what guests say on TripAdvisor.
FAQ und Abschluss
FAQ: things to do in Hurghada
What is the number one thing to do in Hurghada? A boat trip to the Giftun Islands or Orange Bay. The reefs, white beaches and clear water are what makes Hurghada special, and the trip suits swimmers and non-swimmers alike.
What can you do in Hurghada for free? Walk along the Marina, visit the El Mina Mosque and the Coptic Church of St. Shenouda, explore the El Dahar souk and snorkel at your hotel's house reef if it has one.
How much do excursions in Hurghada cost? With us, half-day activities start at €20, island boat trips at €35–€49, desert safaris at €45–€59 and day trips to Luxor or Cairo at around €90 per person.
Can you swim with dolphins in Hurghada? Yes, on boat trips to Dolphin House (Shaab El Erg), where wild dolphins are often seen. Sightings are not guaranteed, and the dolphins must never be touched or chased.
What is there to do in Hurghada with kids? Orange Bay and Paradise Island, the semi-submarine, the Grand Aquarium, a camel ride and Makadi Water World are all family favourites.
What to do in Hurghada at night? Stroll the Marina and El Mamsha promenade, eat fresh fish in El Dahar, enjoy the bars on Sheraton Road or spend an evening in El Gouna.
Is a day trip from Hurghada to Luxor or Cairo worth it? Yes, if you are happy with a long day of 14–18 hours. Luxor is closer (about 4 hours by road); Cairo is 5–6 hours by road or 1 hour by plane.
What should I do in Hurghada when it's windy? Choose land activities: a desert safari, the Grand Aquarium, the Hurghada Museum, a city tour or a day trip to Luxor.
How many days do I need in Hurghada? Seven days are ideal for two boat trips, one desert safari, one day trip to Luxor or Cairo and enough time to relax.
Where can I book excursions in Hurghada? Directly with a licensed local operator such as Zakharious Tours – online, via WhatsApp or at our office on Sheraton Road. Always check what is included before you pay.
Book your Hurghada excursions with Zakharious Tours
We are a local team in Hurghada, and we know every reef, desert track and temple on this list. Tell us your hotel, your dates and what you enjoy, and we will help you choose the right trips at fair, transparent prices – with hotel pick-up in Hurghada, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay and Soma Bay.
See all excursions from Hurghada · Message us on WhatsApp
Read next: Hurghada travel guide · Red Sea marine life · Red Sea sharks · 51 best Egypt tourist attractions
