Red Sea
Crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and beach resorts — Egypt's tropical paradise.
Overview
The Red Sea coast offers some of the world's best diving and snorkeling. From Hurghada to Marsa Alam, the coast is lined with resorts and pristine beaches. Explore vibrant coral reefs, swim with dolphins, or simply relax on the white sand beaches.
Historical Background
The Red Sea has been a vital trade route for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians launched expeditions to the land of Punt from these shores. Queen Hatshepsut's famous trading voyage departed from the Red Sea coast around 1470 BC. The sea was a crucial link in the spice trade between Asia, Africa, and Europe. In modern times, the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 transformed the Red Sea into one of the world's most important shipping lanes. Tourism development began in the 1980s when Hurghada was a small fishing village — today the Red Sea Riviera is one of the world's top diving destinations.
What to See & Do
Diving & Snorkeling
The Red Sea is home to over 1,200 species of fish and 250 species of coral. Top dive sites include the SS Thistlegorm (a WWII shipwreck), Elphinstone Reef (famous for oceanic whitetip sharks), and the Brothers Islands. Snorkeling is excellent directly from many resort beaches, especially around Mahmya Island and Giftun Island.
Boat Trips & Island Hopping
Day trips to offshore islands and reefs are popular from Hurghada and Marsa Alam. Swim with wild dolphins at Dolphin House reef, visit the white-sand beaches of Giftun Island, or take a glass-bottom boat to see the coral without getting wet.
Desert Safaris
The Eastern Desert stretches inland from the coast. Quad biking through desert wadis, Bedouin camp dinners under the stars, and visits to ancient Roman quarries at Mons Porphyrites offer a contrast to the beach scene.
El Gouna & Luxury Resorts
El Gouna is an upscale lagoon town north of Hurghada with its own marina, golf course, and a distinctly Mediterranean feel. It's a quieter, more refined alternative to the main resort strips.
Food & Dining
Fresh Seafood
Freshly caught fish and seafood are the stars here — grilled sea bass, calamari, and Red Sea shrimp are staples. The marina areas in both Hurghada and El Gouna have excellent seafood restaurants. Many resorts offer beach barbecues with freshly caught fish.
International Dining
The resort towns cater to international tastes with Italian, Asian, and Mediterranean restaurants alongside Egyptian cuisine. El Gouna's restaurant scene is particularly diverse, with options from sushi to steak.
Best Time to Visit
The Red Sea coast is a year-round destination thanks to its dry, sunny climate. Water temperatures range from 22°C in winter to 28°C in summer. The best diving conditions are March–May and September–November when visibility is exceptional and currents are mild. Summer (June–August) brings the warmest water but can be very hot on land (40°C+). Winter (December–February) is pleasant for beach relaxation (25–28°C) though evenings can be cool.
Getting Around
Most visitors stay at all-inclusive resorts and use hotel transfers. Hurghada's main strip (Sigala and the New Marina) has taxis and microbuses. El Gouna has its own tuk-tuk system and marina-to-marina boats. For diving, most dive centers arrange pickup from hotels. Renting a car is possible but usually unnecessary for resort holidays.
Pro Tips
- Book diving courses in advance during peak season (October–November) as popular operators fill up fast
- Reef-safe sunscreen is important — the coral ecosystem is fragile and worth protecting
- The SS Thistlegorm dive site requires an advanced certification — plan ahead if this is on your list
- Marsa Alam is quieter and has better house reefs than Hurghada — ideal for serious divers
- If you're not a diver, snorkeling from the beach at many resorts is still world-class
- Combine a Red Sea beach extension with a Nile Valley tour for the complete Egypt experience
Key Locations
- Hurghada27.2579, 33.8116
- Marsa Alam25.0661, 34.9040
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