Red Sea Travelers Recommend

Three days in Hurghada allow you to experience the natural wonders and adventures of the Red Sea, enjoy the city’s attractions, and discover the surrounding desert. You’ll also have time to venture farther afield, with trips to Cairo or Luxor. Here’s how. 

Day 1: Red Sea Waters and Desert Sands

The Red Sea is Hurghada’s star attraction, so immerse yourself in its waters. For spectacular snorkeling, join a full-day trip to coral gardens, islands, and dolphin habitats. Scuba dive trips that cater to both beginners and experienced divers run to places such as Giftun Island. Alternatively, step aboard a fully equipped boat and spend the day fishing for some of the Red Sea’s 1,000 species, such as grouper and snapper. Later, make tracks for Hurghada’s desert. Cross the plains on an ATV, or choose a tour with multiple activities, such as camel rides and Bedouin encounters. Many extend into the evening, with dinner and belly-dancing shows beneath the stars.

Day 2: Day Trip to Cairo or Luxor

Take a (long) day or overnight trip to Cairo or Luxor, by air or road. Perhaps go overland to Cairo to see the Giza Pyramids and Egyptian Museum, home to Tutankhamun’s treasures. Closer by is Luxor, the capital of Egypt during pharaonic times and the location of the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, and more. If you’re not planning a return to Egypt any time soon, it might make sense to visit both Cairo and Luxor in one 2-day trip. Fly to Cairo in the morning and spend the day touring before flying on to Luxor for overnight and to explore its big-ticket sights the next day.

Day 3: From Sights to Sports

Spend your final day exploring Hurghada’s sights, such as St. Maria Church and old mosques, on a city tour, then let rip at a cable water park, bouncing across the waves on a wakeboard. Alternatively, slow the pace with a glass-bottom boat or submarine ride to see the underwater world without getting soaked. Other options include a day out at family favorite Aqua Jungle Park, with 35 chutes, 14 pools, and other attractions. Finally, round off your trip with a dinner-and-show excursion. Savor a traditional Egyptian dinner before watching an outdoor Arabian fantasia show of acrobatic horse-riding displays, folkloric dancing, stunts, and music.

With its white sands and Red Sea waters, Hurghada is ideal for sun, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. But away from the beaches, the resort also offers desert mountains, Bedouin culture, adventure sports, and family fun. Here’s how to sample them all on a 2-day break.

Day 1: Red Sea Days, Arabian Nights

**Morning:**Visitors flock to Hurghada for its gorgeous waters, so start out on the Red Sea. Experienced scuba divers can sail to marine-life spots such as Giftun Island, while first-timers can take trips that include tuition and introductory dives. If diving doesn’t float your boat, opt for a snorkeling cruise to areas known for their coral beds and dolphin sightings.

**Afternoon:**Make more of the Red Sea with activities that let you experience its sea life without getting wet. A fishing trip is a treat for seasoned and newbie anglers, while a glass-bottom boat or submarine excursion is a great way for nonswimmers and young kids to view the underwater depths.

**Evening:**After an action-packed day, unwind with a Hurghada dinner-and-folklore-show package. Adults and kids will love relaxing over a traditional dinner before hitting the Alf Leila Wa Leila 1,001 Arabian Nights fantasia show. This outdoor extravaganza fuses Arabic horse-riding displays with traditional dance and music to make for a magical evening.

Day 2: City Sights to Desert Nights

**Morning:**Dip into history with a day trip to Luxor, southwest of Hurghada. While a tour means an early start, you’ll be rewarded with the stunning sights of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. If you prefer to stay in Hurghada, discover the ‘Ghost City’ of Umm el Howeitat—its abandoned streets are a haunting window into bygone desert life. 

**Afternoon:**Following a morning’s exploring, switch to more laid-back activities. Choose the adrenaline rush of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) expedition into the desert, or go for family fun with a visit to Hurghada’s Jungle Aqua Park to enjoy its slides and pools.

**Evening:**Spend your last night absorbing the mystique of Hurghada’s desert. Book an ATV or 4WD tour into the mountains, and as the sun sets, enjoy a barbecue supper and folkloric displays. Many trips also include a stop at a Bedouin village and activities such as camel rides and stargazing to make your final evening extra special.

Sharm el Sheikh is an ideal place to have the unforgettable experience of riding a camel in the desert. From a short ride through the sands of the Sinai Desert to a full-day adventure safari, here are some of the best options for traveling the traditional way.

Highlights

• Learn how to mount and ride a camel as you experience its unusual gait.

• Ride through the Sinai Desert, to the base of Mt. Matamir, or along a Gulf of Aqaba beach.

• Combine your camel safari with another Egyptian adventure, like snorkeling, stargazing, quad biking, or a traditional Bedouin dinner and cultural show.

• Camel riding tours can last anywhere from three to 12 hours, depending on the option you choose.

• Some tours include pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Sharm el Sheikh.

Combo Tours

While riding a camel is a quintessential desert experience in Egypt, it’s one of many adventures on offer, some of which can be combined into a single, action-packed day trip. Take a 4WD safari to the rugged Colored Canyon, snorkel the Blue Hole—one of the country’s most famous dive spots on the Red Sea—before riding a camel along the shores of the Gulf of Aqaba, or ride into the desert for an evening of stargazing and Bedouin culture. For a more adrenaline-fueled day trip, combine your camel ride with a sand buggy or quad bike tour of the desert outside Sharm el Sheikh. 

If you only have a day to spare in Hurghada, planning ahead is key to enjoying as many of its attractions as possible. From prebooking snorkeling and scuba diving trips on the Red Sea to taking off on desert expeditions, here are our tips for experiencing the best of this Egyptian resort city in 24 hours. 

Morning: Soak Up the Red Sea

No trip to Hurghada is complete without experiencing the Red Sea and its white-sand beaches. Snorkeling fans can join full-day boat trips to various snorkeling hot spots, including reefs where they can explore underwater, watch for dolphins, and ride banana boats. If you prefer to stay dry, opt for a submarine trip. Settle onboard and admire the rainbow-hued corals and fish through viewing windows rather than a facemask. If you’re a novice or experienced scuba diver, Hurghada’s waters beckon with great visibility and rich sea life. Join an open-water boat trip that lets certified divers explore the depths on guided excursions, while beginners enjoy onboard tuition and introductory dives.

Afternoon: Exploring the City and Desert

Many boat tours finish by midafternoon, leaving you ample time to explore on land. An afternoon tour of Hurghada introduces you to the city’s top attractions, such as its Coptic Cathedral and fishing village. Alternatively, if you’re up for some full-throttle adventure, head into the desert on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), roaring along dusty trails before stopping for tea and a camel ride. For something gentler, meanwhile, wander around the Hurghada Grand Aquarium, where the tanks and transparent walkways are populated with nurse sharks, rays, reef fish, and other marine life.

Evening: Sunsets and Shows

If you opted for an afternoon ATV tour, it may continue into the night with a stop for sunset photos before a barbecue dinner and folklore show under the stars. Otherwise, relax and enjoy some classic Egyptian entertainment by booking an evening dinner-and-show experience that begins with a meal and culminates in an exhilarating horse-riding, belly dancing, and acrobatic show in an outdoor arena. If that doesn’t fit the bill, head into the desert on a 4x4 drive and savor dinner Bedouin-style as the sun sinks behind the mountains.

More than 94 percent of Egypt is comprised of desert, so it’s no surprise that Egyptian history and culture developed around life in this harsh environment. For today’s traveler, a trip here wouldn’t be complete without a desert experience. Here’s how to explore Egypt’s desert from Sharm el Sheikh.

Camel Rides

One of the best ways to experience the stark beauty of Egypt’s desert landscapes near Sharm el Sheikh is the way it’s been done for centuries: by camel. Options range from a short ride through the sands of the Sinai Desert to a full-day trek to the base of Mt. Matamir and the Nawamis plateau, with its collection of Bronze Age tombs.

Quad Bike and Sand Buggy Tours

Looking for an adrenaline-fueled desert adventure? Opt for a quad biking day tour through the crags and dunes of the Sinai Desert. Ride solo or shotgun with a friend as you soak up the spectacular scene unfolding around you.

4WD Safaris

With so much desert out there to explore, it helps to make use of a rugged vehicle to get you there. On a 4WD safari from Sharm el Sheikh, ride across the desert sands to the majestic Colored Canyon, named for the multiple hues that reflect off the oxidized surfaces of the rocks.

Mountain Climbing

Hike in the steps of Moses as you climb Mt. Sinai, Egypt’s most famous mountain where the Ten Commandments were received. An early-morning hiking trip up the 7,497-foot (2,285-meter) peak culminates in a stunning sunrise view. Be sure to visit St. Catherine’s Monastery before heading back into town.

Stargazing and Dinner Shows

You haven’t fully experienced the Egyptian desert until you’ve been there at night. Head out into the wilderness for a traditional Bedouin dinner around a campfire as you learn about the nomadic way of life. Once the sun goes down, the stars come out over the mountains of the Sinai Peninsula—a spectacular sight far from the lights of the city.

Lapping the shores of Sharm El Sheikh, the warm, clear waters of the Red Sea support a colorful reef that nurtures tropical marine life from clownfish to lionfish, from turtles to rays. Many Sharm El Sheikh dive spots offer shallower depths and/or limited current, making them perfect for beginner divers or trial scuba dives. Here are our top picks.

Naama Bay

Boasting a shallow incline, sandy bottom, coral pinnacles, and seagrass patches that draw both turtles and rays, Naama Bay is a popular option for dives from discovery packages to training courses. And it’s well-located for hotel transfers, too.

Sharks Bay

Despite the name, you won’t see any sharks at Sharks Bay. Vibrant coral gardens and sandy practice areas make this a great choice for scuba courses and beginner divers. Keep your eyes peeled for unusual creatures such as octopus, cuttlefish, and Spanish dancers—fish that resemble a flamenco dancer’s billowing scarlet skirt.

White Knight

Beginner divers don’t need to miss out on underwater drama at this ever-popular site. In addition to the coral wall, the eel garden, where marine eels pop out of the sand and undulate as if in the wind, is delightful. Thrill seekers will love the underwater canyon accessed either from above or through a short, shallow tunnel. 

Gardens

Three sites in one, Gardens is perfect for qualified open-water divers looking to extend their skills. Near Garden has an interesting coral wall; Middle Garden is sheltered with pretty reef and a sandy bottom where you might see stingrays; and Far Garden offers coral pinnacles that sometimes draw big fish from far out at sea.

HWith three days in Sharm El Sheikh, you can discover the joys of the desert and Bedouin culture, experience the Red Sea and its pristine coral, and explore some of the region’s rich history—even if Sharm El Sheikh is your only stop in Egypt. Here’s how to make the most of three days in sunny Sinai.

Day 1: Into the Deep

The Red Sea’s clear waters and vibrant marine life make it a mecca for scuba divers and snorkelers alike. Discover why on a snorkeling cruise to Ras Mohammed National Park or a safari to the notorious Blue Hole. Alternatively, drop below the surface of the waters in a full-fledged submarine or learn how to breathe beneath the ocean on an introduction to scuba diving. A seafood lunch is a must, whether on your boat, on the sands, or overlooking the tranquil ocean. For dinner, discover Egyptian food, then kick back with cocktails and perhaps a shisha pipe at one of Sharm El Sheikh’s vibrant bars.

Day 2: Arabian Nights

Your second day in Sharm El Sheikh gives you the chance to experience the Sinai Desert and discover the traditional Bedouin lifestyle. Roar across the sands in your very own ATV on a guided ATV safari, or travel atop a camel as the Bedouin have for centuries, stopping at a desert camp for Bedouin bread and herbal tea. After a stunning sunset, savor the hospitality of these desert dwellers as you feast on a Bedouin barbecue, complete with entertainment from belly dancers, spinning tanoura dancers, and traditional music. Take time to enjoy the brilliance of the night sky, whether that’s watching the moon rise over the dunes or gazing at the stars through a telescope.

Day 3: Ancient Adventures

A third day in Sharm El Sheikh means you can travel farther afield, if you would like. A dawn climb of Mt. Sinai, where some believe Moses received the Ten Commandments, is a classic Sharm El Sheikh adventure. Couple it with a trip to ancient St. Catherine’s Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, if you only have a short time in the region, take a day trip to discover more of the area’s ancient culture. Head into Jordan to see the spectacular pink city of Petra; fly to Cairo to bag the Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx; or visit Luxor and follow in Tutankhamun’s footsteps amid the Valley of the Kings.

From desert plains to dazzling corals, Marsa Alam is a nature lover’s paradise. With three days in this Red Sea resort, you can discover the undersea world on a snorkeling or diving trip, bounce across the sands on an all-terrain vehicle, and even check out Cairo or Luxor. Here’s how.

Day 1: Sampling the Sights

Marsa Alam is known for its Red Sea beaches, but don’t overlook the nearby Eastern Desert. Begin with a camel ride as the rising sun illuminates the desert mountains, or join 

a late-morning ATV tour. 

After lunch, go ahead and hit the beach, cooling off by swimming or snorkeling around the house reefs. To immerse yourself in the Red Sea without getting wet, catch one of Marsa Alam’s semisubmersible voyages, and watch from an underwater observation deck as fish, turtles, and rays cruise by.

Those who missed the morning ATV ride can take an evening drive. Zoom over the plains to a Bedouin village for dinner and entertainment as the sun sets—or get there in a chauffeured, air-conditioned Jeep.

Day 2: Sand and Sea

Your second day is all about as much sand and sea as possible. Chill out on the beach—or join a snorkeling or diving trip to a marine hot spot.

Take a boat to Sataya Reef—dubbed “the dolphin house”—to snorkel among wild spinner dolphins. Or, travel to Abu Dabbab and explore a bay frequented by turtles and dugongs. Sharm El Luli, a white-sand beach with snorkel-friendly shallows, is another idyllic destination.

Scuba divers will find options for every experience level. Beginners can book discovery programs that include instruction and equipment; qualified divers might choose shore dives or excursions to the region’s most spectacular reefs.

Day 3: More of Egypt

Many of Egypt’s must-see cities and attractions are reachable on day trips from Marsa Alam.

Luxor tops many travelers’ lists for its sights such as Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. Also popular is Aswan—tours typically cover the Philae temple, the unfinished obelisk, and felucca sailboat rides on the Nile. Otherwise, visit Edfu and Kom Ombo, two of Egypt’s best-preserved temples.

Alternatively, treat yourself to a flight to Cairo, and marvel at wonders like the Pyramids of Giza, Tutankhamun’s treasures at the Egyptian Museum, and the Khan El-Khalili bazaar.

Set on Egypt’s arid Sinai peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh delivers year-round warmth, golden sands, and the finest coral within easy reach of Europe. Even if you only have a day, you can discover the area’s rich Bedouin culture, stark desert landscapes, and pristine Red Sea waters. Here’s how.

Morning: The Big Blue

Sharm El Sheikh offers a whole world of water sports—spend the morning taking advantage of them. Discover the Red Sea’s brilliant coral on a snorkeling trip or a glass-bottom boat cruise—or dare to venture far below the surface of the water in a genuine submarine. Catch some rays on the golden sands of Sharm El Sheikh’s excellent beaches, swim in the clear, calm waters, and perhaps enjoy an adventure such as parasailing or a private speedboat ride. Lunch on fresh-caught seafood in one of the city’s many excellent beachfront restaurants.

Afternoon: Desert Delights

Once you’ve sampled the Red Sea, it’s time to discover the Sinai Desert, where Bedouin nomads have prospered since time immemorial. A camelback safari is a timeless way to explore the rolling sands and typically includes a stop at a Bedouin camp for sweet herb tea, Bedouin bread, and optional shisha pipe. Alternatively, kick up dust on a guided ATV safari; full training is provided, along with helmets for safety. Take time to scramble through a desert canyon and savor a sunset amid the rugged, ancient landscapes.

Evening: Bedouin Bliss

Desert cultures thrive on hospitality, and an authentic Bedouin barbecue dinner amid rolling dunes or stark rock backdrops is essential. Lounge on traditional carpets and feast on grilled meats, fresh breads, and salads by firelight as belly dancers undulate, tanoura dancers twirl so fast they almost blur, or traditional Bedouin musicians play their ancient instruments. Marvel at the night sky, preserved from light pollution, then identify the ancient constellations through a high-powered telescope. When the moon is full, or close to full, moonrise over the desert sands is a magical experience.

Two days are enough time to immerse yourself in the Red Sea resort of Marsa Alam. From speeding through the desert on an all-terrain vehicle to snorkeling among wild dolphins and exploring Luxor or Aswan, here are some ideas for a 48-hour itinerary.

Day 1: Getting Your Bearings

**Morning:**Start your day on the back of a camel, watching the sunrise in the Eastern Desert—or just head straight for the beach. For a dose of adventure, join a self-drive ATV tour and zoom across the desert in a guided convoy.

**Afternoon:**If you want to see the Red Sea’s marine environment without getting wet, catch one of Marsa Alam’s semisubmersible trips, and watch from an underwater observation deck as exotic fish and rays glide by. Alternatively, wander the souks, shops, and beachside cafés of historic El Quseir.

**Night:**If you missed an earlier ATV expedition, take a late-afternoon-and-sunset drive, racing past desert mountains to a Bedouin village for a barbecue, camel ride, and cultural show. Or, travel by chauffeured Jeep, with mountain stops en route.

Day 2: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, or Sightseeing

**Morning and afternoon:**Devote today to snorkeling  or scuba diving at a Red Sea hot spot such as Abu Dabbab (home to turtles and the occasional dugong) or Sataya Reef (aka “the dolphin house”). Beginners can opt for a dive course. Otherwise, earmark the day for a guided sightseeing trip: admire Luxor’s Karnak temple and pharaonic tombs, or marvel at Aswan’s unfinished obelisk and Philae temple.

**Night:**If you’re back in Marsa in time for dinner, relax to the sound of the waves at a beachfront restaurant. Or, change it up and dine at one of the eateries along the palm-lined corniche in nearby Port Ghalib Marina.

With two days in Sharm El Sheikh, you’ll still likely choose to focus on the twin delights of desert and ocean. But you can also travel farther afield, trying your hand at scuba diving, heading out to desert islands, or scaling the mountain where some believe Moses received the Ten Commandments. Here’s what you need to know.

Day 1: Red Sea

**Morning:**The Red Sea’s clear waters, brilliant coral, and vibrant marine life make discovery a must. With two days in Sharm El Sheikh, you might want to spend the whole day exploring the reef, perhaps on an introduction to scuba or a snorkeling day cruise to Ras Mohammed National Park or Tiran Island.

**Afternoon:**If you’re not having lunch on a boat, savor a seafood feast in a beachfront restaurant before enjoying some water sports. The calm waters are perfect for parasailing, and even nonsnorkelers can experience the Red Sea’s epic reef on a glass-bottom boat cruise.

**Evening:**Scaling Mount Sinai—and touring the ancient desert monastery of St. Catherine’s—is a Sharm El Sheikh essential for many, not least because the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dine early, then catch some shut-eye before you depart for the predawn climb the next day.

Day 2: The Painted Desert

**Morning:**Even if you’re not traveling all the way to St. Catherine’s, two days in Sharm El Sheikh allows you to venture farther into the desert. Start your second day with a 4WD safari with snorkeling included or a trip to the brilliant Colored Canyon. Along the way, discover the joys of Bedouin bread and tea.

**Afternoon:**Alternatively, stay closer to home on a thrilling desert adventure. Choose a camelback ride through arid valleys and undulating dunes, the adrenaline kicks of an ATV safari, or even a combo tour. Explore around sunset when the colors of the desert are at their most beautiful.

**Evening:**However you’ve spent the day, wrap it up with perhaps the ultimate Sharm El Sheikh experience: a Bedouin barbecue with authentic entertainment. Feast by firelight as belly dancers perform and tanoura dancers spin, then look for constellations in the unpolluted night sky.

The most southerly of Egypt’s Red Sea resorts, Marsa Alam has shrugged off its just-for-seasoned-scuba-divers image for one of sun and sea with luxe beach hotels and desert adventures. If you’re on a quick trip, here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in the area.

Morning: Active Adventures

Begin in classic Bedouin style with a dawn camel ride, lumbering through Egypt’s Eastern Desert as the sun rises. Qualified divers, meanwhile, might prefer an early-morning dive around a house reef—although it’s just offshore, Marsa’s marine life is nothing short of spectacular. Later, if you still have energy to spare, consider joining a snorkeling tour to explore a prime marine location such as Sharm El Luli. Those who like to stay on terra firma, however, can head out on a rip-roaring all-terrain vehicle drive across the desert plains.

Afternoon: Sand, Sea, and Spa

If you want to view the Red Sea’s underwater world without getting wet, catch one of Marsa Alam’s semisubmersible trips. Cruise out to sea on a comfortable, multideck boat, and watch from a dry underwater observation deck as tropical fish, turtles, and rays glide by. Alternatively, if you’re a scuba enthusiast and missed out on a dive trip this morning, quick-and-easy forays depart from Marsa’s beaches. Otherwise, roam the souks and sights of the historic harbor town of El Quseir, or treat yourself to a soothing spa session at one of Marsa’s upscale beach resorts.

Night: Desert Dusk

The Eastern Desert is extra-atmospheric come evening, when the fading sun casts the mountains and plains flame red. Tonight, make the most of its beauty—and wide-open spaces—on an all-action sunset ATV expedition. Churn up clouds of dust as you zoom to a Bedouin village for a camel ride, barbecue, and folklore show before driving your ATV back to base. Or if that sounds too strenuous, take it easy: hop in a rugged, air-conditioned Jeep, then ride to a Bedouin desert dinner, stopping at mountain lookouts along the way.

From one of the world’s best wreck dives to tornadoes of schooling fish, there is plenty for advanced scuba divers to love about Sharm El Sheikh. The Red Sea’s spectacular visibility makes marine life easy to spot, while Sharm’s strategic position means there are wrecks aplenty to explore. Here are some dive options.

SS Thistlegorm

The SS Thistlegorm sank during World War II carrying a diverse cargo of war materials—most of which are still preserved onboard. A dive into its holds yields the eerie spectacle of Norton motorcycles and trucks surrounded by marine life, while locomotives are still visible on the sand. The overhead environment makes this a challenging dive.

Straits of Tiran

Often beset by swirling currents, the Straits of Tiran are home to four distinct reefs—Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon—all with pristine coral. Thomas Reef offers schooling fish, a coral wall, and even the occasional shark, while a number of wrecks can be dived when conditions permit.

Ras Mohammed National Park

Closer to Sharm El Sheikh than the Straits of Tiran, Ras Mohammed National Park holds a wealth of dive sites. Shark and Yolanda Reef are a popular combo, both for the vibrant coral and the surreal sight of bathroom fittings from a wreck littering the sand. Other top sites include Jackfish Alley, Anemone City, and Ras Zatar.

Ras Umm Sid

Sharm El Sheikh’s signature advanced dive sites, including Ras Umm Sid, require a substantial boat journey from the city proper. Ras Umm Sid delivers a gorgeous landscape of gorgonian sea fans, pretty coral, and fluttering reef fish, plus the chance of big pelagics—all within shouting distance of the lighthouse.