At a glance
| Criterion | Soma Bay | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Place | Peninsula about 5 km by 2, one controlled entrance | A closed, quiet stay |
| Distance | About 45 km from Hurghada airport, about 28 km from Safaga | Transfer of 20 to 45 min depending on sources |
| Hotels | Several upscale hotels and resorts | Few budget options |
| Sports | 18-hole golf, diving, kitesurfing and windsurfing | For active travellers |
See Soma Bay hotels on Booking.com
A closed resort built for sports
According to Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, the Soma Bay peninsula is linked to the road by a private road with a controlled entrance, and you only get in with a booking (hotel or activity). The hotels most often cited are the Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay, the Cascades Golf Resort, Spa & Thalasso, the Robinson Soma Bay, the Sheraton Soma Resort, the JAZ Soma Beach and the Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge. The list changes: check on Booking what is open. The 18-hole Gary Player golf course is the big draw; diving and kitesurfing rely on an on-site centre and steady wind.
Who is it for?
- Golfers and sports fans: golf, diving, kitesurfing and windsurfing without leaving the peninsula. For kitesurfing, also compare our schools in El Gouna.
- Couples and relaxing stays: spas, private beaches and calm.
- Families: possible in the resorts, but boredom looms with no town around; check kids' clubs and entertainment.
- Budget travellers or city-life lovers: better pick central Hurghada or El Gouna.
Soma Bay and Safaga
Safaga, the neighbouring port town, is about 28 km south; the Safaga page describes its bay and boat trips. Day trips to Luxor from Safaga and Soma Bay are possible, but the road is long: compare in Luxor from Hurghada. For the sea (dolphins, snorkeling), see boat trips; several offers also pick guests up in Soma Bay, sometimes for a supplement.
Booking tips
- Check access: for a day visit, the gate is an obstacle; go through the hotel.
- Transfer: ask the price from Hurghada airport, or book it (Hurghada airport).
- All-inclusive: check whether à la carte restaurants, golf and water sports are included; they usually are not.
- Compare resorts: Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay and all-inclusive: which area.
FAQ
Is Soma Bay far from Hurghada? Yes: about 45 km from the airport; count a transfer of 20 to 45 minutes depending on the source and traffic.
Can you visit Soma Bay for a day? Only with a hotel or activity booking, as entry is controlled.
Are there restaurants outside the hotels? Few: meals are mostly in the hotels; for town you need a taxi.
Which season is windy? The wind is steady along the coast, but check the season with the kitesurf centre before booking.
The Hurghada Authority editorial team, 19 October 2026.
