Hurghada is where many travellers end an Egypt trip, with a few days of sun and sea after the temples. Or they start there, on a beach holiday, and realise that Luxor is only a few hours away. Either way, the question is the same: which excursions from Hurghada are worth leaving the pool for?
This guide covers the best of them, from island boat days and dolphin reefs to desert safaris and the long day trip to Luxor, with an honest note on who each one suits.
Giftun Island and Orange Bay
The Giftun islands lie offshore from Hurghada inside a protected area, ringed by coral reefs. A boat day usually combines two or three snorkelling stops with beach time at Orange Bay on Giftun Kebir, known for its pale sand and clear shallow water. It is the most family-friendly sea trip from Hurghada, because the water at Orange Bay is calm and shallow on most days. See the Giftun Island and Orange Bay Snorkelling Trip, and our guide to Giftun Island.
Dolphin House
North of Hurghada, a sheltered horseshoe-shaped reef known as Dolphin House is where pods of spinner dolphins often come to rest. On many days you can snorkel near them, but sightings are never guaranteed, and good crews keep their distance and let the dolphins decide how close they come. If they do not appear, the reef stops are still worth the day. See the Dolphin House Snorkelling Trip.
The reef without getting wet
Not everyone wants to snorkel. A semi-submarine has a lower deck below the waterline lined with windows, so you watch the coral and fish from a seat. It is ideal for young children, non-swimmers and older travellers, and most trips add an optional snorkelling stop for anyone who wants to get in. See the Semi-Submarine Reef Trip.
A desert safari at sunset
The mountains of the Eastern Desert start just inland from the coast. An afternoon safari begins with a quad bike ride behind a lead rider, then moves to a Bedouin-style camp for a short camel ride, tea and the sunset, followed by dinner, a show and a sky full of stars. No licence is needed for the quads, though minimum ages are set by the operator. See the Hurghada Desert Safari.
Luxor in a day
This is the big one. Luxor is around four hours by road from Hurghada, and a long day takes you across the Eastern Desert to the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon and Karnak. Expect 12 to 14 hours door to door, with a very early start. It is tiring, but for many beach holidaymakers it is the highlight of the trip. The same tour works as a shore excursion from Safaga port, timed around your ship. See the Luxor Day Trip from Hurghada or Safaga Port.
If you would rather not rush, add a night in Luxor, or turn the idea around and join a short Nile cruise. Read our 4 day Nile cruise itinerary to see what three nights on the river covers.
Cairo by air
The Pyramids are a long way from the Red Sea by road, but only about an hour by air. A same-day return flight gives you the Giza plateau, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum, with a guide and driver waiting at Cairo airport. See the Cairo Day Trip from Hurghada by Air.
Which excursion should you choose?
- Families with young children: Orange Bay or the semi-submarine.
- Wildlife lovers: Dolphin House, on a calm day.
- Couples and groups after something different: the sunset desert safari.
- First-time visitors to Egypt: Luxor or Cairo. Do not leave Egypt without seeing at least one of them.
Practical tips
- Sea trips depend on the wind and sea on the day. The crew chooses the stops, and calm mornings are usually best.
- National park and protected area fees are usually separate. We confirm what is included on your quote.
- Use reef-safe sun cream, and never touch or stand on coral.
- For Luxor and Cairo, check your hotel’s breakfast times. A packed breakfast is worth asking for.
Every excursion here is quoted on request, with pickup from your Hurghada hotel. Browse all our Egypt day tours, or send us your dates.
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