Choosing your day: sea or town

Hurghada marina

If you only have one day, the boat trip is the best idea: it takes the whole day (about 7 hours), but it is the best thing the town does. If you arrive tired, if the sea is rough or if you travel with very young children, the day on land is more flexible. Before choosing, check the weather and the best time to visit Hurghada: in summer, wind can cancel trips at sea.

Option 1: a day on the islands

This is the formula that fills the quays. A shared boat usually leaves between 8:00 and 9:00 from the marina or a nearby harbour and returns around 16:00 or 17:00. Allow about 25 to 45 USD per adult with lunch and drinks, sometimes plus national park and coast guard fees; ask for the final price.

  • Morning: crossing of about 30 to 45 minutes, then a first snorkelling stop on a reef.
  • Midday: lunch and swimming on a white-sand beach. Depending on the offer, you will go to Giftun Island, Orange Bay or Paradise Island.
  • Afternoon: a second snorkelling stop, then the return. Sunbathing on deck is part of the programme.

Paradise Island beach

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, a hat and cash. In the evening you still have time for dinner in El Dahar or at the marina.

Option 2: a day in town

For a day on land, take the districts in this order to limit taxi rides (see getting around Hurghada).

  1. Morning in El Dahar: the old town is the oldest district. Stroll through the old souk, stop by the fish market and have a look at the harbour. See the El Dahar guide and the district page.
  2. Lunch: a fish restaurant near the harbour, or a simple meal in a souk street.
  3. Afternoon at the marina: waterfront walk, boats, cafés and restaurants. The Hurghada marina is also the departure point for many boat trips.
  4. End of the day: a swim at a public beach (see public beaches), then dinner in Sakkala, the lively centre of town.

If you want to add an activity without heading out to sea, the Sindbad submarine and the Grand Aquarium are sheltered options; check their opening times before going.

How much to allow for the day

As a guide, a day by boat costs about 25 to 45 USD per adult all-in or nearly, plus dinner. A day on land costs far less: taxi or minibus rides, simple meals, a few purchases. For a detailed budget by item, see travel budget in Hurghada.

If you have more than one day

A two-day stay lets you combine sea and town: see Hurghada in 2 days. To choose a district to stay in, read where to stay in Hurghada.