In short
Egypt's Red Sea coast offers some of the world's best snorkelling and diving, warm water year-round and resorts for every style, from lively Hurghada to boutique El Gouna and remote Marsa Alam. It is about four hours' drive from Luxor, making it the natural way to finish an Egypt trip.
The mainland Red Sea coast runs for hundreds of kilometres along the Eastern Desert, with coral reefs starting just metres from the shore. Hurghada is the main hub, with an international airport and a long strip of resorts. About 25 km north, El Gouna is a purpose-built lagoon town of canals, boutique hotels, restaurants and kitesurfing beaches. South of Hurghada, Makadi Bay and Soma Bay offer self-contained resorts with house reefs and golf, while Marsa Alam, about 270 km further south, is quieter, wilder and closer to the best marine life.
The reefs here are home to more than 1,000 species of fish and hundreds of species of coral. Day boats from Hurghada visit the Giftun Islands, while Marsa Alam has dugongs and green turtles in its seagrass bays and dolphins at Sha'ab Samadai, known as Dolphin House. For divers, liveaboards head to the Brothers Islands, Daedalus and Elphinstone for sharks and big pelagics.
Most Australian travellers spend 3–5 nights on the Red Sea after the Nile, unwinding after the early starts of temple sightseeing. It suits honeymooners, families and divers alike, and the drive from Luxor through the Eastern Desert mountains is an experience in itself.
Top things to see in Red Sea Coast
El Gouna
A private resort town built on a network of lagoons, with an attractive marina, more than a dozen hotels, good restaurants and some of the best kitesurfing conditions on the coast. It suits couples and families who want walkable streets and variety beyond a single resort.
Hurghada
The coast's main city and easiest access point, with the widest choice of hotels and boat trips. The marina area has restaurants and cafes, and dive centres run daily trips to reefs and wrecks in the Strait of Gubal.
Giftun Islands
A protected area just off Hurghada with white-sand beaches and shallow reefs, visited by day boat for snorkelling. Choose a smaller operator to avoid the most crowded boats.
Soma Bay and Makadi Bay
Peninsulas and bays south of Hurghada with resorts set on their own house reefs, so you can snorkel straight from the jetty. Soma Bay is known for its golf course and kitesurfing; Makadi Bay is popular with families.
Marsa Alam and Abu Dabbab
Marsa Alam is the place for a quieter, nature-focused stay. In Abu Dabbab bay, snorkellers often see green turtles grazing on seagrass, and dugongs are occasionally spotted, though sightings have become rarer.
Dolphin House (Sha'ab Samadai)
A horseshoe-shaped reef near Marsa Alam where spinner dolphins rest in the lagoon. Visits are regulated by zone to protect them, and sightings are common but never guaranteed.
Wadi el-Gemal National Park
South of Marsa Alam, this protected area combines mangroves, desert valleys, ancient emerald mines and offshore islands. Bedouin-guided excursions and snorkelling trips explore it.
Offshore dive sites
Elphinstone Reef, the Brothers Islands and Daedalus are among the most famous dive sites in the world, with walls, soft corals and oceanic whitetip and hammerhead sharks. They are for experienced divers and often visited by liveaboard.
Unforgettable experiences
- Snorkelling straight off a resort house reef among parrotfish, clownfish and coral
- A full-day boat trip to the Giftun Islands or Dolphin House
- Learning to kitesurf or windsurf in the steady winds of El Gouna or Soma Bay
- A PADI open-water course or discovery dive in warm, clear water
- Sunset quad or jeep trips into the Eastern Desert with dinner at a Bedouin camp
- Stargazing on a desert evening far from city lights near Marsa Alam
When to visit Red Sea Coast
March to May and September to November are the best months, with air temperatures of about 26–32°C and water around 24–28°C. Summer is very hot on land (often 35°C or more) but the sea is at its warmest. Winter (December to February) brings sunny days of about 22–24°C, cooler water around 22°C, and frequent wind, which is great for kitesurfing but can make boat trips choppy; bring a light wetsuit or rashie.
How long to spend in Red Sea Coast
Three nights is enough for a taste of the beach and one boat trip; four to five nights is ideal after a busy Nile itinerary. Divers often stay a week or join a 6–7 night liveaboard. If you are travelling to Marsa Alam, allow at least four nights to make the longer transfers worthwhile.
Getting there
From Luxor, the road to Hurghada crosses the Eastern Desert in about four hours; El Gouna is about 30 minutes further. Flights from Cairo to Hurghada take about an hour. Marsa Alam International Airport serves the southern resorts, with mainly seasonal and charter flights; the drive from Hurghada takes about 3–4 hours. Return to Cairo by domestic flight for your international departure.
Specialist tips
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and a rash vest; the sun is intense even in winter
- Never stand on or touch coral, and do not feed fish
- Choose your area by style: El Gouna for variety, Soma or Makadi for resort relaxation, Marsa Alam for marine life
- Follow local guidance on swimming areas; rare shark incidents have occurred on this coast
- Pack a light wetsuit for winter snorkelling, when water drops to about 22°C
- Book boat trips with licensed operators that limit numbers and give a safety briefing
Red Sea Coast: frequently asked questions
Which is better, Hurghada or El Gouna?
El Gouna is smaller, quieter and more stylish, with walkable lagoon-side restaurants. Hurghada has more choice and is cheaper, but is busier. Our Egypt and Red Sea tour uses El Gouna or Hurghada.
Is the Red Sea good for snorkelling in winter?
Yes. Visibility is excellent year-round, though the water drops to about 22°C from December to February, so a light wetsuit helps.
How do you get from Luxor to the Red Sea?
By road, about four hours from Luxor to Hurghada through the Eastern Desert, usually by private transfer.
Is the Red Sea coast good for families?
Very. Shallow lagoons, house reefs and kids clubs make it easy. See our Egypt family adventure and our Egypt with kids guide.
Is the Red Sea coast safe?
The resort areas are well established and popular. Advice can change, so check Smartraveller before you go and see our Is Egypt safe? guide.
