What to Do in Hurghada: 9 Fun Things

You’re planning a trip to Hurghada, but you’re not sure where to start with this Egyptian Red Sea resort town. While most travelers think it’s just about beaches and hotels, there’s actually a surprising mix of adventures waiting beyond the coastline. From underwater exploration to desert encounters, you’ll find activities that won’t break your budget. Here’s what you need to know about the nine experiences that’ll make your Hurghada visit memorable.

Dive or Snorkel the Red Sea’s Premier Coral Reefs

When you’re looking for world-class diving without breaking the bank, Hurghada’s Red Sea reefs deliver an underwater paradise that rivals destinations costing twice as much. You’ll explore over 200 coral species and encounter 1,200 fish species at premier sites like Shaab El Erg and Abu Galawa Reef.

Start at Giftun Island’s marine reserve for beginner-friendly snorkeling, then progress to Shaab Abu Ramada (“The Aquarium”) where you’ll spot sea turtles and dolphins. Advanced divers shouldn’t miss Carless Reef’s coral pinnacles and reef sharks.

Time your visits for spring and autumn mornings when conditions are ideal and crowds are minimal. El Fanadir‘s shallow turquoise waters offer perfect drift dives, while protective regulations ensure these coral gardens remain pristine for future exploration. With Hurghada’s year-round diving season, you can experience these underwater wonders regardless of when you visit.

Take a Boat Trip to Giftun Islands National Park

Just 45 minutes from Hurghada Marina, Giftun Islands National Park offers Egypt’s most accessible slice of untouched Red Sea paradise without the premium price tag of remote destinations. Standard day trips last 6-8 hours and typically include hotel transfers, boat transport, snorkeling gear, and refreshments.

You’ll find diverse zones across Big and Little Giftun islands. Lagoon Beach’s shallow waters suit families perfectly, while Adventure Bay offers deeper diving spots with frequent dolphin sightings. Orange Bay provides developed facilities like restaurants and beach activities, whereas Wild Coast remains untouched for exploration. The park protects over 196 coral species and more than 1,000 fish species, making it one of the Red Sea’s most biodiverse marine environments.

Book ahead during peak season, as tour operators restrict access to designated areas within this protected marine reserve. Most boats depart between 8-11 AM with afternoon returns.

Experience Desert Life on a Bedouin Safari

After exploring the pristine waters around Giftun Islands, you’ll discover that Hurghada’s adventures extend far beyond the coastline into Egypt’s vast Eastern Desert. A Bedouin safari offers incredible value, with mini tours starting around €20-26 that include quad biking, camel rides, BBQ dinner, and live entertainment.

You’ll venture 25-35 kilometers into the desert by 4×4 jeep, visiting traditional Bedouin villages where you can experience authentic hospitality with welcoming tea ceremonies.

The adventure continues with quad bike sessions lasting 30-120 minutes and camel rides through stunning desert terrain.

Most tours last 5-8 hours with hotel pickup included. You’ll enjoy sunset viewing, stargazing opportunities, and cultural insights into nomadic traditions. These experiences are guided by professional instructors who ensure both safety and an authentic culture throughout your desert adventure.

Evening entertainment features oriental shows with singing, dancing, and fire performances under the desert stars.

Explore Underwater Worlds Without Getting Wet

While the Red Sea‘s crystal-clear waters beckon divers and snorkelers, you don’t need to get wet to explore Hurghada’s incredible underwater worlds. Visual VR World offers 30-minute underwater exploration packages where you’ll swim among jellyfish, encounter sharks, and tour coral reefs using cutting-edge VR headsets and motion controls.

At Pickalbatros Water Valley Resort’s Neverland, you can experience gravity-defying underwater simulations suitable for all ages. These VR centers also feature thrilling shipwreck experiences, including 360° Titanic sinking simulations that combine historical data with real underwater drone footage.

YouTube’s 360° Red Sea videos, shot with Samsung Gear 360 cameras, let you virtually snorkel Hurghada’s reefs from your smartphone. These experiences are perfect for trip planning, accessibility needs, or simply enjoying marine life adventures without the expense of diving gear.

Wander Through Hurghada’s Old Town and Marina

Where can you experience authentic Egyptian culture beyond Hurghada’s polished resort strips? Head to El Dahar, Hurghada’s historic old town, where narrow streets buzz with local life. You’ll find traditional markets selling fresh produce, spices, and leather goods—perfect for bargaining practice.

Don’t miss Al Mina Mosque‘s striking architecture and Saint Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church, both significant cultural landmarks.

The adjacent marina offers a modern contrast with waterfront dining and yacht-lined promenades. It’s an ideal evening spot for sea views and casual walks.

Most city tours combine both areas for $12-$45, lasting 3-6 hours with flexible cancellation policies.

El Dahar’s free to explore independently, though expect crowds and strong market aromas. The area is extremely walkable for exploration, making it perfect for soaking in the authentic atmosphere on foot. Bring your camera but ask permission before photographing people or religious sites.

Cool Off at Makadi Water World

When Hurghada’s heat becomes overwhelming, Egypt’s largest water park offers the perfect escape just 25 minutes south in Makadi Bay. You’ll find over 50 water slides split between thrills for adults and gentler options for kids. The wave pool simulates ocean conditions safely, while the lazy river provides relaxation between adrenaline rushes.

Arrive when gates open at 10:00 AM to beat crowds and secure prime sun loungers. Tour packages typically include entrance fees, lunch, and hotel transfers, making budgeting straightforward. Bring your own towels and sunscreen to save money, though lockers are available for rent. The park maintains strict safety regulations with experienced staff and regular equipment maintenance to ensure all guests can enjoy the attractions worry-free.

The FlowRider surf experience and Tornado slide are highlights, but don’t miss the Rain Fortress area if you’re traveling with children. Most visitors spend the full day here.

Take a Day Trip to Luxor’s Ancient Temples

Just four hours from Hurghada lies one of Egypt’s most spectacular archaeological treasures, making Luxor an essential day trip for history enthusiasts. You’ll explore the massive Karnak Temple Complex, spanning 200 acres with its breathtaking Great Hypostyle Hall featuring 134 towering columns.

Don’t miss Luxor Temple, connected to Karnak via the famous Avenue of Sphinxes lined with over 1,000 statues.

Cross to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, where you can enter Tutankhamun’s tomb and other royal burial chambers. Queen Hatshepsut’s terraced mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri offers stunning architecture, while the massive Colossi of Memnon provide perfect photo opportunities. This area is known as the City of the Dead, serving as the primary burial site for ancient Egyptian royalty.

Book guided tours early morning for cooler temperatures and detailed historical context about these 4,000-year-old wonders.

Discover Egypt’s Highlights at Mini Egypt Park

While a full day in Luxor offers incredible ancient experiences, you can explore Egypt’s most famous monuments in just a few hours at Mini Egypt Park in Makadi Bay.

This compact attraction features over 60 detailed 1:25 scale replicas showcasing 5,000 years of Egyptian history, from the Giza pyramids to Abu Simbel temples.

You’ll find interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and guided tours that bring these miniatures to life.

The controlled lighting creates perfect photography opportunities, and guides often share photo tips for memorable shots.

Kids will enjoy designated play areas while adults appreciate the educational value. The park offers archaeological simulations that help visitors understand ancient construction techniques and daily life in pharaonic Egypt.

The park operates daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM with a small entrance fee.

Hotel transfers can be arranged for convenient access from Hurghada resorts.

Stargaze in the Eastern Desert

Far from Hurghada’s bright resort lights, the Eastern Desert transforms into one of Egypt’s premier stargazing destinations. You’ll enjoy over 300 cloudless nights yearly, with dry air and minimal light pollution creating perfect viewing conditions.

The flat desert plains offer unobstructed 360-degree sky views where you can spot the Milky Way stretching overhead. The Red Sea reflects the moonlight below, adding an enchanting glow to your stargazing experience.

Most stargazing tours last 4-5 hours, combining desert safari adventures with astronomical observations. You’ll use professional telescopes to view planets like Saturn and Jupiter while guides point out constellations with laser pointers.

Tours typically include hotel transfers, Bedouin village visits, traditional dinner, and camel riding.

Plan for moonless nights for supreme darkness, bring warm clothes since temperatures drop after sunset, and consider bringing camera equipment for stunning astrophotography opportunities.

The Sum Up

You’ve got endless options in Hurghada without breaking the bank. Whether you’re snorkeling the Red Sea’s incredible reefs, exploring desert landscapes on a budget safari, or wandering through the Old Town’s free markets, there’s something for every traveler and wallet. Don’t miss the affordable boat trips to Giftun Islands or stargazing in the desert – both offer incredible experiences at reasonable prices. Hurghada delivers unforgettable adventures that won’t empty your pockets.