Things to Do in Hurghada: 2026 Travel Guide

15 Best Things to Do in Hurghada

Our list starts with the islands and reefs, because they are why most people come to Hurghada, then moves into the desert, the town and the famous day trips. Every entry links to the tours that do it.

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   1. Spend a day at Orange Bay

   Orange Bay, on Giftun Island, is the most popular island day out in Hurghada: white sand, shallow turquoise water and time on the beach, with two snorkeling stops on coral reefs on the way. Lunch is served on board. Choose a classic yacht, the Elite VIP boat, a pirate sailing boat, a combined Orange Bay and Magawish trip — or add a first dive with an instructor.

   From $21 per personSee tours →
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   2. Relax on Mahmya Island

   Mahmya, in the Giftun islands, is the quieter, more upmarket island day: an hour on the island with lunch served there, plus two snorkeling stops on coral reefs from a comfortable yacht with a sun deck.

   From $99 per personSee the tour →
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   3. Choose your island: Paradise, Hula Hula, Eden, Bianca or Ozirea

   Each island trip follows the same easy rhythm — a yacht with a sun deck, two snorkeling stops on coral reefs and around an hour on the island. Eden Island serves lunch on the island, Hula Hula has a snorkeling guide and a buffet lunch, and the new Ozirea Island has sun loungers and an option with an infinity pool.

   From $22 per personSee tours →
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   4. Snorkel with wild dolphins at Dolphin House

   Dolphin House is a reef where a pod of wild dolphins often rests, so you have a good chance of seeing them in the open sea. The boat trip includes two snorkeling stops and lunch on board — or book a private speed boat just for your group.

   From $22 per personSee tours →
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   5. Go scuba diving

   The diving boat trip makes two dives at two different reefs with PADI instructors, for beginners and certified divers alike, with all equipment and a buffet lunch included. Not sure yet? The Orange Bay trip has an optional first dive with an instructor — no experience needed.

   From $21 per personSee tours →
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   6. Ride a quad into the Eastern Desert

   The desert begins right behind the town. The classic safari is about 50 km on an automatic quad, with a camel ride and Bedouin tea in a Bedouin village — suitable for beginners. The bigger safaris add a dune buggy and a 4x4 jeep, followed by a BBQ dinner and an oriental show.

   From $18 per personSee tours →
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   7. Watch the stars in the desert

   Far from the town lights, the desert sky is full of stars. The stargazing safari combines a quad ride, a 4x4 jeep, a camel ride in a Bedouin village and a BBQ dinner with an oriental show, then looks at the sky through a professional telescope.

   From $30 per personSee the tour →
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   8. See the reef from a semi-submarine

   Not a swimmer, or travelling with small children? A semi-submarine has large panoramic windows below the waterline, so you watch the coral and the fish while you stay dry. The Sea Scope trip adds a snorkeling stop for those who want to swim.

   From $18 per personSee tours →
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   9. Sail on the Nefertari pharaonic boat

   The Nefertari cruise from Makadi Bay is a pharaonic-themed boat with an underwater observation deck, a guided snorkeling stop, photos in ancient Egyptian costumes and a three-course meal on board — a fun half day for families.

   From $90 per personSee the tour →
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    10. Watch the show at Dolphin World

    Dolphin World has a live dolphin show in a modern indoor arena, with a walrus performance, and a favourite with children. You can also book the show together with a swim with the dolphins and their trainers.

    From $15 per personSee tours →
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    11. Grand Aquarium and Makadi Water World

    Two easy days out for families: the Grand Aquarium has an underwater tunnel with sharks, rays and sea turtles, plus a mini zoo and rainforest area, and Makadi Water World has more than 50 slides and attractions, wave pools and splash areas for children, with lunch included.

    From $40 per personSee tours →
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    12. Explore the Marina, El Mina Mosque and the nightlife

    The city tour shows the Hurghada most visitors miss: the Marina, El Mina Grand Mosque, the historic Coptic church, the fruit, vegetable and fish markets and a panoramic viewpoint, with time for shopping. At night, the beach clubs and nightclubs open from 23:00 — book your entry ticket in advance, with an optional hotel transfer (guests 18 and over).

    From $15 per personSee tours →
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    13. Unwind in a Turkish hammam

    After a few days in the sun, a Turkish hammam is the perfect slow afternoon: a traditional bath with peeling and foam, a full body massage and, depending on the spa, a salt cave, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. Hotel pickup is included.

    From $25 per personSee tours →
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    14. Take a day trip to Luxor

    Luxor is the most rewarding long day trip from Hurghada: the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple and Hatshepsut Temple with an Egyptologist guide and lunch. Choose a large group or a mini group, the Valley of the Queens instead — or start with a sunrise hot air balloon over Luxor.

    From $55 per personSee tours →
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    15. See the Pyramids of Giza from Hurghada

    Yes, you can see the Pyramids in a day: by bus or in a mini group, by private limousine, or by plane with domestic flights and back in Hurghada the same day. The tours combine the Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx with the Grand Egyptian Museum or the Egyptian Museum, with an Egyptologist guide and lunch.

    From $45 per personSee tours →

Hurghada Itineraries: 3, 5 and 7 Days

Boat trips leave in the morning and most desert safaris in the afternoon or evening, so you can often fit a relaxed beach morning around them.

Practical Tips for Hurghada