Planning a holiday on the Red Sea and wondering what to do in Hurghada? You are in the right place. We are a local team based in Hurghada, and every day we take guests to the islands, into the desert and on day trips to Cairo and Luxor. In this guide we share the 15 best things to do in Hurghada, with real prices, how long each trip takes, and the honest local tips we give our own friends.
Quick answer: if you only have a few days, don’t miss a boat trip to Orange Bay or Paradise Island, a desert quad safari at sunset, and a day trip to Luxor or Cairo to see the temples and the Pyramids.
Hurghada excursions at a glance (prices 2026)
| Excursion | Duration | Price from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Bay boat trip | Full day | €25 | Beaches & snorkeling |
| Paradise Island | Full day | €29 | White sand & families |
| Dolphin House | Full day | €24 | Wild dolphins |
| Mahmya Island | Full day | €81 | Premium, calm island |
| Quad safari | 3–4 hours | €23 | Adventure |
| Sunset desert safari & dinner | Afternoon + evening | €45 | All-in-one desert night |
| Cairo day trip by bus | Very long day | €65 | Pyramids & museum |
| Luxor day trip by bus | Long day | €65 | Temples & Valley of the Kings |
| Hot air balloon in Luxor | Sunrise | €70 | Once-in-a-lifetime views |
| Scuba diving cruise | Full day | €30 | First dive or certified divers |
| Marsa Alam sea turtles | Full day | €85 | Turtles & dugongs |
| Jungle Aqua Park | Full day | €52 | Kids & families |
Most of our excursions include hotel pick-up in Hurghada, and you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before. As soon as you book, our representative contacts you on WhatsApp to confirm your pick-up time.
1. Orange Bay: the most famous boat trip in Hurghada
Orange Bay on Giftun Island is the picture you have probably seen on Instagram: soft white sand, shallow turquoise water and wooden sun umbrellas. The boat stops at two coral reefs for snorkeling on the way, then you spend a few hours relaxing on the beach. A buffet lunch is served on board.
Local tip: the island is busiest between 11:00 and 14:00. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes for the coral areas. 👉 See the Orange Bay boat trip
2. Paradise Island and Hula Hula: calm beaches for families
If you are travelling with children or simply want a quieter beach, Paradise Island and Hula Hula Island are perfect. The water is very shallow and clear, and the snorkeling stops are easy for beginners. Want to see two islands in one day? Try our Two Islands trip with White Island.
3. Mahmya, Eden and Bianca: the premium islands
For a more exclusive day with fewer people, choose Mahmya Island inside the Giftun national park, Eden Island with drinks included all day, or Bianca Island. These trips cost a little more but the comfort, food and beach service are clearly a step up.
4. Swim with dolphins at Dolphin House
Dolphin House (Shaab El Erg) is a reef north of Hurghada where a family of wild spinner dolphins often rests. The Dolphin House boat trip gives you a good chance to see them and to snorkel on the reef, with lunch on board. Sightings are never guaranteed because the dolphins are wild, and that is what makes it special. Prefer a smaller group? Book the speedboat dolphin search.
5. Desert quad safari and Bedouin village
Just 20 minutes from the hotels, the Eastern Desert is a completely different world. Drive your own quad through the dunes and mountains, stop at a Bedouin village for tea and bread baked in the sand, and meet the camels. Choose the classic quad bike safari, the sunset quad safari, or a buggy for two if you prefer to ride together.
6. Sunset safari with dinner, show and stargazing
The most complete desert experience: quad, camel and horse ride, a Bedouin buffet dinner, a folklore show with tanoura dancing and time to look at the stars far from the city lights. Book the sunset desert safari or the Super Safari with quad, buggy and jeep.
7. Day trip to Luxor: the world’s greatest open-air museum
Luxor is about 4 hours by road from Hurghada, so a day trip is very doable. In one day you visit Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings, with lunch, entrance tickets and a guide speaking your language included. Choose the Luxor trip by bus, a smaller group in the Luxor minibus trip, or total freedom with a private car. Read our complete Luxor day trip guide to compare all the options.
8. Hot air balloon at sunrise over Luxor
Floating over the temples and the green Nile valley at sunrise is one of the most beautiful experiences in Egypt. Because the balloons fly at dawn, the best option from Hurghada is our Luxor 2 days with hot air balloon from €175 per person (3 people or more, €195 for 2), with a free felucca ride on the Nile. Already in Luxor? Book the balloon flight only.
9. Day trip to Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza
Seeing the Pyramids is on everyone’s list. Cairo is around 6 hours by road, so the day starts very early and ends late, but it is absolutely worth it. You visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, a museum and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Options:
- Cairo by bus: the best price.
- Cairo by minibus: small group, more comfortable.
- Cairo VIP with the Grand Egyptian Museum: see Tutankhamun’s treasures in the new GEM.
- Cairo by plane: only 1 hour of flight each way, ideal if you hate long drives.
10. Scuba diving for beginners and certified divers
The Red Sea is one of the best diving destinations in the world, and Hurghada is the perfect place to try it for the first time. Our diving cruise includes two dives with certified instructors and lunch on board. Not ready to dive? The island day with an intro dive is a gentle first step.
11. Marsa Alam: swim with sea turtles
South of Hurghada, the bays of Marsa Alam are famous for green sea turtles feeding on the seagrass, and sometimes even dugongs. The Marsa Alam day trip combines snorkeling with the turtles and free time on the beach.
12. Private speedboat, catamaran or yacht
For couples, families or groups of friends, a private boat is the best way to enjoy the islands without crowds: you choose the island, the snorkeling spots and the timing. Options include a private speedboat to Orange Bay or Paradise, a private catamaran, or a large yacht with crew for celebrations.
13. Family fun: aqua park, submarine and dolphin show
With kids, Hurghada is a paradise. Spend a day at Jungle Aqua Park, see the reef without getting wet on the glass-bottom semi-submarine, watch the dolphin show, or visit the Grand Aquarium and Mini Egypt Park.
14. Parasailing, horse riding and camel rides
Short activities that fit in any afternoon: fly above the sea with parasailing, ride along the beach and into the desert on a horse, or enjoy a calm camel ride with Bedouin tea.
15. Discover Hurghada city and El Gouna
Hurghada is not only hotels. On the Hurghada city tour you visit El Mina Mosque, the Coptic Cathedral, the old El Dahar district and fish market, and the Marina. Half an hour north, El Gouna, the “Venice of the Red Sea”, is lovely for an afternoon walk and dinner by the lagoons. To end your stay relaxed, book a spa and hammam package.
Longer trips: Nile cruise, Aswan and Siwa Oasis
Have more time? Sail between Luxor and Aswan on a 5-day Nile cruise, visit Abu Simbel, explore the legendary Siwa Oasis, or see it all on our 7-day Egypt discovery tour.
How to choose your Hurghada excursions: our local advice
- One week in Hurghada? One island trip, one desert safari, one day trip to Luxor or Cairo, and one relaxing day. That is the perfect mix.
- Don’t do Cairo and Luxor on back-to-back days. They are long days on the road; rest in between with a beach or island day.
- Book sea trips early in your stay. If the sea is too rough, trips can be moved to another day, and you get a full refund or a new date if we cancel.
- Staying in El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh or Makadi? We pick you up there too, with a small supplement on the long trips.
- Bring: reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, water shoes, a towel, cash for tips and your passport for Cairo and Luxor.
When is the best time to visit Hurghada?
Hurghada is sunny all year. March to May and October to November are ideal: warm sea, comfortable temperatures for Luxor and Cairo. Summer (June to September) is very hot, perfect for sea trips but tiring for sightseeing, so choose early departures. Winter (December to February) is mild and great for the desert and temples, but the sea is cooler and can be windy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best excursion in Hurghada?
For most visitors, the Orange Bay boat trip is the number one excursion in Hurghada. For history lovers, the Luxor day trip is the most memorable.
How much do excursions in Hurghada cost?
Island boat trips start from about €24–29 per person, desert safaris from €23, and day trips to Luxor or Cairo from €65 including transport, lunch, entrance tickets and guide.
Is it better to book excursions online or at the hotel?
Booking online with a local company is usually cheaper than the hotel desk, and you can compare what is included. With Mon Hurghada there are no booking fees and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Can I do a day trip from Hurghada to Cairo?
Yes. By road it is a long day (around 6 hours each way), or you can fly and be in Cairo in about one hour.
Do your guides speak my language?
Yes, our guides speak your language (English or French) on the guided tours.
Book your Hurghada excursions with a local team
Mon Hurghada is a local team that knows every island, desert track and temple. Browse all our trips, or message us on WhatsApp and we will help you plan the perfect holiday. As soon as you book, our representative will contact you to confirm every detail.
