The best excursions from Hurghada are on the water: snorkeling boat trips to the offshore reefs, a semi-submarine or glass-bottomed boat for non-swimmers, beginner scuba dives and fishing trips. On land, desert safaris into the Eastern Desert end with a Bedouin dinner, and the Hurghada Museum (EGP 300) fills a short morning. Average highs stay between 22 °C and 35 °C (71–95 °F) through the year.
Key Takeaways
- Hurghada averages 21.7 °C (71 °F) by day in January and 35.1 °C (95 °F) in August, milder than Luxor or Aswan in summer.
- The Hurghada Museum costs EGP 300 for a foreign adult and opens at 10:00 am, with last entry at 12:00 pm (1:00 pm in Ramadan).
- The Eastern Desert behind the town covers about 221,940 km² between the Nile Valley and the Red Sea, with the Red Sea Hills rising to 2,187 m.
- Safety standards of boat, diving and quad bike operators vary, so book through a licensed company and check life jackets and helmets before you set off.
- Non-swimmers can see the reef dry from a semi-submarine or a glass-bottomed boat.
Hurghada excursions compared
| Excursion | Best for | Swimming needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Snorkeling boat trip to the islands | Reef fish and coral, a day at sea | Yes (life jackets help weaker swimmers) |
| Semi-submarine | Families, non-swimmers, older travelers | No |
| Glass-bottomed boat | A short, easy look at the reef | No |
| Beginner scuba dive | A first breath underwater with an instructor | Basic swimming |
| Fishing trip | A quiet half or full day at sea | No |
| Desert safari and Bedouin dinner | Sunset in the desert, camels, dinner and a show | No |
| Guided city tour | Mosques, the marina and the old town of El Dahar | No |
On the water
Snorkeling and island boat trips
Most full-day boat trips leave from the marina in the morning and stop at several reef sites around the offshore islands, with lunch on board. Masks, snorkels and fins are usually included; bring your own if you want a better fit.
Semi-submarine and glass-bottomed boat
A semi-submarine has a viewing cabin below the waterline, so you sit at eye level with the reef. A glass-bottomed boat is simpler and shorter: you look down through a glass floor. Both suit families with small children and anyone who prefers to stay dry. Book our Red Sea semi-submarine tour for the closer view.
Beginner scuba diving
A beginner dive, sometimes called a “discover scuba” or “try dive”, starts with a short briefing and practice in shallow water before a guided dive with an instructor. No certificate is needed. You will be asked about your health, and some conditions rule diving out, so answer honestly. See our Red Sea beginners scuba diving trip.
Fishing
A fishing trip takes you out by boat with rods and bait provided, and the crew often cooks part of the catch on board. It is a calm alternative on days when you would rather not swim.
In the desert
West of the coast, the Eastern Desert stretches to the Nile Valley across about 221,940 km², with the Red Sea Hills rising to 2,187 m. Afternoon safaris drive out by 4×4 or quad bike, stop at a Bedouin camp for a camel ride and sunset, and finish with dinner and a show under the stars. Our desert safari and Bedouin dinner follows this pattern.
A note on quad bikes: the UK government reports several serious quad bike accidents involving British visitors in Egypt’s resort areas. Ride only with an operator that provides helmets and a guide, and stay in the group.
In town
The Hurghada Museum shows pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic and Islamic pieces in one modern building. Its hours are short, 10:00 am with last entry at 12:00 pm (1:00 pm during Ramadan), so plan it for a morning. The foreign adult ticket is EGP 300. A guided city tour usually adds the old district of El Dahar, the main mosques and the marina.
Weather by season
| Month | Average high | Average low |
|---|---|---|
| January | 21.7 °C (71 °F) | 11.2 °C (52 °F) |
| April | 29.3 °C (85 °F) | 18.3 °C (65 °F) |
| July | 35.0 °C (95 °F) | 27.1 °C (81 °F) |
| August | 35.1 °C (95 °F) | 27.1 °C (81 °F) |
| October | 31.3 °C (88 °F) | 21.5 °C (71 °F) |
| December | 23.2 °C (74 °F) | 13.0 °C (55 °F) |
Sea trips run all year. Winter days are pleasant, but boat decks and desert evenings are cool, so bring a layer. In summer, book desert trips for the late afternoon.
For the full list of trips, see our Hurghada day tours.
FAQ
What is the best excursion in Hurghada for non-swimmers?
A semi-submarine or a glass-bottomed boat. Both show the reef without getting in the water, and both suit families with small children.
Do I need a certificate for a beginner scuba dive in Hurghada?
No. A beginner dive is done with an instructor after a short briefing and practice in shallow water. You will be asked health questions before diving.
When is the Hurghada Museum open?
From 10:00 am, with last entry at 12:00 pm, or 1:00 pm during Ramadan. The foreign adult ticket is EGP 300.
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