Hurghada: the Diving Capital on the Red Sea
Hurghada is the most celebrated seaside destination of Egypt and one of the most renowned diving destinations in the world. Situated on the western coast of the Red Sea, this city extends for over 40 kilometres along the coastline, offering a perfect combination of golden beaches, crystalline waters and an extraordinarily rich marine life. From the small fishing village that it was in the seventies, Hurghada has transformed into an international tourist metropolis that welcomes millions of visitors every year, attracted by the beauty of its seabeds and by the sunny climate that characterises the region for almost the entire year.
The modern history of Hurghada as a tourist destination begins in the eighties, when the first pioneers of diving discovered the incredible richness of the coral reefs that extend along the coast. Since then, the city has known an exponential growth, developing into three principal areas: El Dahar, the historic quarter; Sigala, the port and commercial zone; and the New Marina, the modern heart of tourist life.
The Diving Sites
Over 40 World-Class Diving Spots
Hurghada boasts a concentration of diving sites that few places in the world can equal. The waters of the Red Sea, with a visibility that often exceeds 30 metres and temperatures that oscillate between 22°C in winter and 28°C in summer, create ideal conditions for diving in every period of the year.
Gota Abu Ramada, also known as "the Aquarium", is perhaps the most famous site of Hurghada. This coral formation situated about 90 minutes by boat from the coast offers an unforgettable underwater experience: shoals of butterfly fish, parrotfish, moray eels, rays and occasionally sea turtles surround the divers in a kaleidoscope of colours. The maximum depth of about 18 metres makes this site accessible also to beginners.
Careless Reef is a coral pinnacle that emerges from the depths of the Red Sea, reaching the surface from a seabed of over 30 metres. Its vertical walls are covered with multicoloured soft corals and gorgonians, while in the winter months it is possible to sight hammerhead sharks and grey sharks that patrol the surrounding waters. This site is recommended for divers with intermediate or advanced experience because of the currents that can be sustained.
Um Gamar is a coral island that offers spectacular dives both for beginners and for experts. The north side presents a coral garden in shallow waters, perfect for snorkelling, while the south slope descends in a vertical wall where it is possible to encounter large pelagics, including tuna and barracuda. The caves and the protrusions of the wall host an incredibly diversified marine fauna.
The Marine Park of the Giftun Islands
The Giftun Islands represent the naturalistic jewel of Hurghada. This archipelago, protected as a national marine park since 1955, comprises two principal islands — Giftun Kebir (Great Giftun) and Giftun Sughayer (Small Giftun) — and numerous minor islets. The surrounding waters host an extraordinary marine biodiversity, with over 150 species of corals and hundreds of species of tropical fish.
The daily excursions to the Giftun Islands depart from the marina of Hurghada and include stops for snorkelling in points where the coral reef is a few centimetres from the surface of the water. The white sand beaches of the islands, bathed by turquoise waters, offer postcard scenarios that fully justify the international fame of this destination. It is important to remember that the number of daily visitors is limited to protect the marine ecosystem, so it is advisable to book in advance.
The City and Its Quarters
El Dahar: the Ancient Heart
El Dahar is the most authentic quarter of Hurghada, where it is possible to savour the atmosphere of the true Egypt far from the resorts. The little streets of the local souk offer a genuine shopping experience, with fragrant spices, colourful fabrics, traditional lamps and artisanal souvenirs. The mosque of Abdel Moneim Riad dominates the principal square, while the traditional cafés along the side streets invite one to sit to taste a mint tea or a Turkish coffee.
The fish market of El Dahar is an unmissable attraction for those who want to live the daily life of the city. Every morning, the local fishermen bring the fresh catch of the day, creating a lively and colourful atmosphere. Many restaurants of the zone allow one to choose the fish directly from the market and have it cooked on the spot.
Sigala and the Marina
Sigala is the commercial and port quarter of Hurghada, where one finds the tourist marina, numerous restaurants, bars and shops of diving equipment. The New Marina, inaugurated in 2008, is an elegant complex that recalls the tourist ports of the Mediterranean, with restaurants overlooking the water, luxury boutiques and a panoramic promenade that comes particularly alive in the evening hours.
From Sigala depart the majority of the boat excursions towards the diving sites and the islands, making this quarter the reference point for all the lovers of the sea. The diving centres present in the zone are managed by certified international professionals and offer courses for all levels, from the baptism of the sea to the advanced courses of speciality.
Activities and Experiences
Kitesurfing and Water Sports
Hurghada has become in recent years a reference destination for kitesurfing, thanks to the constant winds that blow on the coast of the Red Sea, particularly intense between May and September. The bay of Soma Bay, situated to the south of the city, and the shallow lagoons near El Gouna offer perfect conditions both for beginners and for expert riders.
Besides kitesurfing, Hurghada proposes a vast range of water sports: windsurfing, parasailing, jet ski, wakeboarding and deep-sea fishing. The submarine excursions and the glass-bottom boats allow also those who do not practise diving to admire the beauty of the seabeds of the Red Sea.
The Aquarium of Hurghada
The Grand Aquarium of Hurghada, inaugurated in 2015, is the largest aquarium of Egypt and of North Africa. The structure hosts over 100 tanks with thousands of specimens of marine fauna, including sharks, rays, turtles and jellyfish. The 24-metre-long underwater tunnel allows visitors to walk surrounded by water, with sharks and fish that swim above their heads. The complex also includes a museum of marine biology and a mini-zoo with reptiles and birds typical of the Egyptian desert.
Safari in the Desert
The excursions in the eastern desert are a perfect complement to the seaside holiday. The tours in quad and jeep cross lunar landscapes of mountains and canyons, reaching Bedouin villages where it is possible to savour the traditional tea, ride camels and admire spectacular sunsets over the desert. The nocturnal astronomical safaris, far from the light pollution of the coast, offer a view of the starry sky that takes the breath away.
Practical Tips for the Visit
How to Get There
The International Airport of Hurghada (HRG) is connected with direct flights to numerous European cities, including Rome, Milan and many other capitals of the continent. From the airport, the resorts and the hotels offer transfer services. Alternatively, it is possible to reach Hurghada from Cairo with an internal flight of about an hour or with a bus journey of about 5-6 hours across the eastern desert.
Where to Stay
The choice of accommodation in Hurghada is very vast and ranges from the luxury all-inclusive resorts on the beach to the more economical hotels in the centre of El Dahar. For those who desire a complete diving experience, many resorts have internal diving centres with direct access to the coral reef from the private pier. The zone of Sahl Hasheesh, to the south of the city, offers high-end structures in a more tranquil and refined atmosphere.
What to Bring
The climate of Hurghada is desert-like, with temperatures that exceed 35°C in summer and maintain themselves around 20-25°C in winter. It is essential to bring high-factor sun protection, a hat, sunglasses and light clothing. For diving, although the majority of the centres provide the complete equipment, it is advisable to have one's own mask and one's own snorkel. For the evenings in the restaurants of the marina, smart casual clothing is appropriate.
Safety and Health
The waters of Hurghada are generally safe for swimming and diving, but it is important to respect the indications of the diving centres regarding the currents and the marine fauna. Never touch the corals nor the marine life: some species, such as the stonefish and the lionfish, can be dangerous. It is advisable to take out travel insurance that covers underwater activities and to verify the state of one's own diving certifications before departure.
The Ideal Period
Although Hurghada is a destination practicable all year, the best period to visit it goes from October to April, when the temperatures are milder and the sun shines practically every day. The summer months, from June to August, can be very hot with temperatures that exceed 40°C, but compensate with a warm sea and excellent diving conditions. For the enthusiasts of kitesurfing, the best period goes from May to September, when the winds are more constant and sustained.
Hurghada represents one of the most complete destinations of Egypt, capable of satisfying both the lovers of the sea and of diving and those who simply seek sun, beach and relaxation. The combination of spectacular seabeds, consolidated tourist infrastructures and an enviable climate makes it an indispensable destination for anyone who visits the land of the pharaohs.
