25+ Best Things to Do in Hurghada Egypt – Complete Activities Guide (2025)
Discover the best activities and experiences in Hurghada from world-class diving to desert safaris, water sports, cultural tours, and family adventures. Complete guide with prices, tips, and recommendations.
🎯 Top Activities at a Glance
Hurghada offers incredible variety of activities and experiences beyond its famous beaches. From exploring the underwater wonders of the Red Sea to adventures in the Egyptian desert, this comprehensive guide covers the 25+ best things to do in Hurghada with detailed information, prices, and insider tips.
Top Water Activities in Hurghada
1. 🤿 Scuba Diving – #1 Activity in Hurghada
Scuba diving is THE premier activity in Hurghada. The Red Sea offers some of the world's best diving with pristine coral reefs, diverse marine life including dolphins and turtles, famous shipwrecks, and excellent visibility (20-30m year-round).
Diving Details
- Price: Single dive $25-35, 2-dive day trip $50-70
- PADI Open Water Course: $300-400 (3-4 days)
- Discover Scuba (try dive): $40-60
- Duration: Half day to full day
- Best Sites: Giftun Island, Abu Nuhas wrecks, Carless Reef
- Requirements: No certification needed for try dives
2. 🐠 Snorkeling Tours – Best for Beginners
Snorkeling offers access to Red Sea beauty without diving certification. Full-day or half-day boat trips visit pristine coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, suitable for all ages and swimming abilities.
- Price: $20-35 per person (includes lunch, equipment)
- Duration: Half day (4-5 hours) or full day (7-8 hours)
- Includes: Boat transfer, snorkel gear, lunch, guide
- Best for: Families, non-swimmers, beginners
- Top Spots: Giftun Island, Orange Bay, Dolphin House
3. 🪂 Parasailing – Best Aerial Views
Parasailing provides breathtaking views of Hurghada's coastline and Red Sea from 50-100 meters high. Safe, exhilarating, and suitable for most ages.
- Price: $25-40 per person
- Duration: 10-15 minutes flight
- Requirements: Minimum age typically 6-8 years
- Available: Most major beaches and marinas
4. 🛥️ Giftun Island Day Trip – Best Island Experience
Giftun Island is Hurghada's paradise island with pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and protected coral reefs. A must-do experience combining beach relaxation with snorkeling.
- Price: $40-65 per person
- Includes: Boat transfer, beach access, lunch, snorkel gear
- Duration: Full day (7-8 hours)
- Beaches: Mahmya Beach or Paradise Beach
5. 🏄 Water Sports – Adrenaline Activities
Hurghada offers extensive water sports from jet skiing and banana boats to kite surfing and windsurfing at various beaches and water sports centers.
- Jet Ski Rental: $30-50 per 30 minutes
- Banana Boat: $15-25 per ride
- Kite/Windsurfing: $40-80 per day (equipment)
- Paddleboarding: $15-25 per hour
- Best Locations: Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, Hotel beaches
Desert & Adventure Activities
6. 🏜️ Desert Safari – Top Land Activity
Desert safari is Hurghada's most popular land excursion. Experience Egyptian desert via quad biking, visit Bedouin villages, enjoy traditional dinner, and watch sunset over sand dunes.
- Price: $25-45 per person
- Duration: 5-7 hours (afternoon/evening)
- Includes: Hotel pickup, quad biking, camel ride, dinner, show
- Activities: Quad/buggy driving, Bedouin camp, BBQ dinner, stargazing
- Best Time: Late afternoon for sunset
7. 🐪 Camel Riding – Traditional Experience
Camel riding offers authentic desert experience. Available as standalone activity or part of desert safari tours.
- Price: $15-30 for short ride, included in desert safaris
- Duration: 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Best for: Photos, cultural experience
8. 🏎️ Quad Biking – Desert Thrills
Standalone quad biking tours for adrenaline seekers. Longer and more intense than safari-included quad sessions.
- Price: $30-60 depending on duration
- Duration: 2-4 hours
- Requirements: Minimum age 16 for solo riding
Cultural & Sightseeing Activities
9. 🕌 Old Town El Dahar – Cultural Hub
El Dahar is Hurghada's historic district with traditional souks, local markets, mosques, and authentic Egyptian atmosphere away from tourist resorts.
- Cost: Free to explore (budget for shopping/food)
- Highlights: Local markets, spice souks, traditional cafes
- Best Time: Morning or late afternoon
- Duration: 2-4 hours
10. 🏛️ Luxor Day Trip – Ancient Egypt
Visit ancient Egyptian temples and tombs on a day trip to Luxor. See Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and other UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Price: $50-80 per person
- Duration: Full day (14+ hours including travel)
- Travel Time: 4 hours each way
- Includes: Transport, guide, entrance fees, lunch
11. 🛍️ Marina Hurghada – Entertainment District
Marina Hurghada is the modern entertainment hub with waterfront dining, shops, cafes, and vibrant nightlife.
- Cost: Free entry (pay for dining/activities)
- Activities: Dining, shopping, boat trips, evening walks
- Best Time: Sunset and evening
Unique Experiences in Hurghada
12. 🚢 Submarine Tour
Explore underwater world without getting wet in a real submarine descending 25 meters.
Price: $40-60 | Duration: 2 hours
13. 🐬 Dolphin House Trip
Swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat at Dolphin House reef.
Price: $45-70 | Duration: Full day
14. 🎣 Fishing Trip
Deep sea fishing in the Red Sea for tuna, grouper, and other species.
Price: $50-100 | Duration: Half/full day
15. 💆 Spa & Hammam
Traditional Turkish bath experience with massage and body treatments.
Price: $20-60 | Duration: 2-3 hours
Best Activities for Families
- 🐠Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
See coral reefs without getting wet - $20-30
- 🏖️Giftun Island Beach Day
Shallow safe waters, snorkeling - $40-60
- 🐬Dolphin Watching
Kid-friendly boat trips - $45-70
- 🏰Mini Egypt Park
Miniature Egyptian monuments - $10-15
- 🏊Resort Waterparks
Many resorts have water slides and pools
Money-Saving Tips for Hurghada Activities
- 💰 Book through hotels: Often better prices than street vendors
- 🤝 Group discounts: Most tours offer reduced rates for 4+ people
- 📅 Off-season rates: Activities 20-30% cheaper January-February
- 🎫 Package deals: Combine activities for better value
- 🗣️ Negotiate prices: Street vendors expect bargaining (start at 50-60%)
- ⏰ Early booking: Reserve popular trips in advance for best prices
- 🎒 Bring own equipment: Snorkel gear rental adds $5-10 per trip
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top things to do in Hurghada?
Top things to do in Hurghada include scuba diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea, desert safari with quad biking, visiting Giftun Island, water sports (parasailing, jet skiing), exploring Old Town El Dahar, boat trips, submarine excursions, Marina Hurghada dining, spa treatments, and cultural experiences at local markets.
How much do activities cost in Hurghada?
Hurghada activity prices: Desert safari $25-45, snorkeling trip $20-35, scuba diving (2 dives) $50-70, parasailing $25-40, quad biking $30-50, Giftun Island day trip $40-60, submarine tour $40-60, Marina dinner $15-40. Prices are among the most affordable globally for these activities.
Is Hurghada good for families with children?
Yes, Hurghada is excellent for families. Family-friendly activities include glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling (shallow reefs), dolphin watching, banana boat rides, aquarium visits, Mini Egypt park, resort pools and kids clubs, beach activities, and gentle desert camel rides. Most resorts offer dedicated children's facilities.