El Gouna is a standout destination for travelers seeking watersports, desert adventures, and scenic cruises. Its calm lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and proximity to the Sahara make it a playground for a variety of tours and activities.
We particularly love the El Gouna Lagoon, Diving with Dolphin, Snorkeling & Lunch for its combination of relaxing lagoon views and underwater exploration, and the Royal Seascope Submarine for those who want to see marine life without getting wet.
These experiences showcase El Gouna’s natural beauty while offering a taste of adventure that’s accessible and exciting.
Beyond its stunning coastline, El Gouna offers desert escapades like quad biking and camel rides, which are perfect for travelers craving a bit of thrill and cultural connection. Have a look at our top picks below — each offers a different way to experience the Red Sea and the surrounding desert terrain.
1. El Gouna Lagoon, Diving with Dolphin, Snorkeling & Lunch
This tour is ideal for a balance of relaxation and adventure. You’ll start with a boat trip across El Gouna’s beautiful lagoons, giving you a chance to admire the town’s “Venice of Egypt” vibe from the water. The highlight is snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs, where colorful fish and marine life are in no short supply.
For those keen on swimming with dolphins, this tour offers an up-close encounter that’s both exciting and memorable. After exploring underwater, a delicious lunch adds a satisfying finish to the day.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 100 reviews, this experience is praised for its friendly crew and clear waters. The combination of lagoon scenery and underwater thrills makes it a popular choice for families and first-timers alike. The price of around $56 per person represents good value, considering the included snorkeling, dolphin sighting, and lunch.
Bottom Line: If you want to enjoy the Red Sea’s beauty with a touch of luxury and fun, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive experience with plenty of swimming and scenery.
2. From El Gouna: Royal Seascope Submarine with Snorkel Stop
For a unique underwater experience without the need to get wet, the Royal Seascope semi-submarine offers a fantastic option. You’ll cruise in a comfortable observation deck underneath the water, watching the marine life and coral reefs pass by in the Red Sea.
During the cruise, you’ll also have the opportunity to snorkel in a designated stop, giving you the chance to directly interact with the underwater world.
Rated 4 out of 5 from 54 reviews, this tour is valued at just $17 per person—an affordable way to see marine life with minimal effort. The highlight is the dolphin sightings and vast coral formations, which make this a hit with families and curious travelers alike. The ride is smooth, and the underwater views are surprisingly clear, making it a great introduction to Egypt’s marine ecosystem.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a relaxed, educational, and cost-effective way to explore the Red Sea’s underwater life, the Seascope submarine tour is a smart pick.
3. Lagoon trip El Gouna
This water-based tour of El Gouna offers a chance to experience the town from its famous lagoons. You’ll glide through the network of channels, discovering why El Gouna is often called the “Venice of Egypt”. The tour provides an up-close look at luxury villas, elegant waterways, and the town’s sleek modern architecture.
Rated 4.1 from 35 reviews, the lagoon trip costs around $35 per person. Guests appreciate the peaceful scenery and exclusive feeling of floating through a resort built on water. It’s a relaxing way to see the town’s charm, especially if you’re interested in photography or simply want a quieter slice of El Gouna.
Bottom Line: For those who love water views and scenic routes, this trip highlights the luxury and tranquility of El Gouna from a different perspective.
4. Hurghada Quad & ATV Ride with Camel, Desert Vibes & Sea View
This is the tour for thrill-seekers who want to experience Hurghada’s desert landscape. Starting with quad biking and ATV rides, you’ll traverse the sandy dunes, feeling the power of your vehicle under you. The tour also includes a scenic camel ride that offers a slower pace and better views of the Red Sea coastline.
You can opt for different times of day, with options for sunrise with breakfast, daytime adventures, or sunset rides that end with dinner and stargazing. The tour includes transfers and optional cultural shows, making it a versatile experience for day-trippers and those wanting a full desert immersion.
Rated 4 out of 5 from 41 reviews and costing as little as $7 per person, this tour offers exceptional value. The Red Sea desert views and the combination of adrenaline and culture make it popular among adventure lovers.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy off-road fun and want to combine desert scenery with local culture, this tour provides a memorable outing at a budget-friendly price.
5. El Gouna: Red Sea Snorkeling Adventure with Transfers
This full-day snorkeling tour delivers everything you need for a relaxed underwater exploration. It includes all equipment, transfers, and guidance, so you can focus on swimming among the coral reefs and tropical fish. You’ll visit multiple snorkeling spots in El Gouna’s protected waters, known for their clear visibility and vibrant marine life.
Rated for quality, this tour tends to stand out for its small-group setting, allowing a more personalized experience. With a price of $58 per person, it strikes a good balance between affordability and comprehensive service. Many reviewers mention how colorful the reefs are and how the guides make everyone feel comfortable, even beginners.
Bottom Line: For a full-day, hassle-free snorkeling experience with the chance to see a wide variety of marine life, this tour is hard to beat.
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, think about what kind of experience you want. If underwater adventures are your priority, options like the El Gouna Lagoon, Diving with Dolphin, Snorkeling & Lunch or the Snorkeling Adventure are excellent choices. For a low-cost yet immersive marine experience, the Royal Seascope Submarine offers great value.
Desert lovers should consider the Hurghada Quad & ATV Ride, especially if they want a thrilling mix of adventure and cultural sights. Meanwhile, those wanting to enjoy the luxury of El Gouna’s waterways can’t go wrong with the Lagoon trip, which offers a serene perspective of this upscale town.
Book early, especially for popular tours, and consider the best time to visit—generally in the spring or fall—to avoid the intense summer heat.
Final Thoughts
El Gouna offers a diverse range of tours and activities that suit different tastes and budgets. For underwater enthusiasts, snorkeling and diving tours like the snorkeling adventure deliver vibrant marine life and scenic boat rides. For those who prefer exploring on land, the desert quad and camel rides provide a thrilling taste of Egypt’s Sahara.
If you’re looking for a breathtaking view of the underwater world without getting wet, the Royal Seascope Submarine is perfect. Meanwhile, the lagoon trips showcase El Gouna’s unique waterways and luxury lifestyle.
No matter what you choose, these experiences help you see the best of El Gouna’s natural beauty and vibrant life. To avoid missing out, it’s a good idea to reserve your spots ahead of time, especially during peak travel seasons. With so many options, your trip to El Gouna will be packed with unforgettable moments—so start planning now!