20 Things to Do in Hurghada - From First-Timer to Regular

People sometimes think Hurghada is only about lying on a beach, but there is far more to do here than you can fit into one trip. From world-class diving to ancient temples, sunrise fishing to late-night boat parties, this list covers 20 of the best things to do in Hurghada, with real prices and my honest advice on how to book each one.

On and Under the Water

1. 1Go scuba diving on a house reef. PADI try-dives start from about 60 euros. Book directly with an established dive centre rather than a beach tout.
2. 2Snorkel at Giftun Island. Half-day boat trips run 15 to 25 euros including lunch. Take the early departure to beat the crowds.
3. 3Swim with wild dolphins on a Dolphin House trip. From 25 euros. Choose an operator that keeps a respectful distance from the pods.
4. 4Try a discover scuba course if you want your open water certification. Budget two to three days and around 250 to 350 euros.
5. 5Go kitesurfing in El Gouna. Lessons from 50 euros per hour. The steady afternoon wind is ideal for learning.
6. 6Rent a jet ski or try parasailing along the Mamsha. From 15 euros. Always agree the price and duration before you start.
7. 7Take a glass-bottom boat tour if you do not want to get wet. From 12 euros and great for families with small children.

Insider tip: book sea activities for the morning. The water is calmer, the light is better, and the wind picks up after midday.

Desert and Land Adventures

1. 1Join a desert safari with quad bikes and a Bedouin dinner. From 30 euros. The sunset departures are the most atmospheric.
2. 2Ride a camel into the Eastern Desert at dusk. Often bundled with the safari, or from 15 euros on its own.
3. 3Stargaze away from the city lights. The desert sky here is incredible, and many safaris include a short astronomy session.
4. 4Play a round of golf at one of the championship courses in El Gouna or Soma Bay. Green fees from around 60 euros.
5. 5Take a spa and hammam afternoon. A traditional scrub and massage costs far less than in Europe, often under 40 euros.

Culture, Food, and Town Life

1. 1Wander the old town of El Dahar and its traditional bazaar. Free to explore, and the best place to buy spices and souvenirs.
2. 2Eat fresh grilled fish at a local seafood restaurant. A full meal costs 10 to 20 euros per person. Choose your fish at the counter.
3. 3Have a sunset coffee on the Mamsha promenade. From a couple of euros and one of the simple pleasures of Hurghada life.
4. 4Visit the Grand Mosque, an elegant landmark in the city centre. Free to admire from outside, and visitors are welcome with respectful dress.
5. 5Browse Senzo Mall or City Center for shopping, a cinema, and air-conditioned comfort on the hottest afternoons.
6. 6Join a Hurghada food tour to taste koshary, falafel, and fresh juices with a local guide. From around 30 euros.

Day Trips Worth the Early Start

1. 1Take a full-day trip to Luxor to see the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple. From 65 euros including transport and guide.
2. 2Fly to Cairo to stand before the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. From 120 euros for a long but unforgettable day.

That is 20 ways to fill your days in Hurghada, and there are dozens more once you start exploring. My one piece of advice is to mix it up: spend a morning underwater, an afternoon in the desert, and an evening eating fresh fish by the sea. If you want help booking any of these at a fair local price, just ask us. We work with trusted operators and can save you both money and the hassle of haggling.