The Red Sea Governorate is Egypt's premier coastal destination, stretching over 1,200km along the Red Sea coast and offering world-class diving, pristine coral reefs, and luxury beach resorts. From the bustling resort hub of Hurghada to the unspoiled shores of Marsa Alam, this governorate combines natural wonders with modern amenities. The region attracts millions of visitors annually seeking underwater adventures, desert safaris, and sun-soaked relaxation.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Red Sea.
-
Mahmya Beach (Giftun Island)
Widely regarded as Egypt's most beautiful beach, Mahmya on Big Giftun Island is a vision of white powdery sand and turquoise water in a protected marine park. The snorkeling directly off the beach is world-class with vibrant coral gardens just 5 meters from shore. Access is by boat from Hurghada marina (about 25 minutes). Day trips are available from all hotels.
Editor’s tip. Book the day before — sunbeds sell out early in peak season. The morning boat arrives with fewer people. Reef-safe sunscreen is mandatory.
-
Sahl Hasheesh Private Bay
The crescent-shaped bay at Sahl Hasheesh is one of the most beautiful natural bays on the Egyptian Red Sea coast, with fine white sand, calm turquoise water, and the backdrop of dramatic desert mountains. The Oberoi and surrounding five-star hotels control most of the beachfront but day passes are available for non-guests at the Sahl Hasheesh beach clubs.
Editor’s tip. Stay at the Oberoi for the ultimate beach experience, or visit on a day pass. The sunset light on the mountains behind the bay is spectacular.
-
Orange Beach (Shaab Abu Ramada)
A pristine coral reef island and beach 20km from Hurghada accessible by day trip boat. The turquoise water and white sand combined with the vibrant coral gardens beneath the surface make this one of the most photogenic sites in Egypt. The Egyptian Dancer coral formation nearby is a famous fish aggregation site.
Editor’s tip. Combine with Giftun Island for a full day trip. Morning visits offer the best light and fewer boats.
-
El Gouna Lagoon Beaches
El Gouna's network of artificial lagoons and islands creates numerous small, beautiful beaches with calm, shallow water perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. The Abu Tig Marina beach is the most popular, while the beaches at The Three Corners and other hotels have excellent facilities.
Editor’s tip. El Gouna's lagoon beaches are calmer and more sheltered than open sea beaches — ideal for children and non-swimmers.
-
Makadi Bay Beach
Makadi Bay has a long stretch of sandy beach fronting the large resort hotels 30km south of Hurghada. The beach is wide, clean, and well-maintained with calm water ideal for families and non-swimmers. The bay is sheltered from northerly winds, making it one of the calmest swimming beaches in the region.
Editor’s tip. Makadi Bay is one of the best beaches for families with young children due to its calm, shallow, sandy water.
-
Sharm El Naga Beach
A protected bay 30km south of Hurghada with one of the finest accessible shore-snorkeling reefs on the Egyptian coast. The reef starts immediately from the beach and is rich with fish, moray eels, and soft corals. Day visitors pay a small entry fee that includes sunbed and snorkeling equipment.
Editor’s tip. No boat needed — this is one of the best shore-snorkeling sites in Egypt. Arrive early on weekends as it gets busy with local visitors.
-
Soma Bay Beach
The Soma Bay peninsula has a magnificent long sandy beach on its sheltered bay side, with calm water perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The Kite Station at Soma Bay is internationally recognized and provides professional lessons. The beach is clean and well-maintained by the Soma Bay resort development.
Editor’s tip. Soma Bay is world-class for kitesurfing March-May and September-November. Book Kite Station lessons at least a day in advance.
-
Abu Dabbab Beach
A wide sandy bay 26km north of Marsa Alam with a seagrass-covered shallow seafloor that is the feeding ground for resident dugongs and sea turtles. The beach itself is pleasant with a small beach cafe, and the snorkeling for wildlife encounters is extraordinary.
Editor’s tip. Early morning visits (8-10am) offer the best chance of dugong sightings. Keep a respectful distance from all wildlife.
-
Marsa Alam Town Beach
The main public beach near Marsa Alam town is a relaxed, low-key beach popular with local Egyptians and divers staying in the area. Basic facilities, clean water, and an authentic local atmosphere far from the mass tourism of Hurghada.
Editor’s tip. This is where local Egyptians swim — a refreshing contrast to the tourist resort beaches. Basic and authentic.
-
Hamata Beach (Wadi El Gemal)
One of the most remote and pristine beaches in Egypt, Hamata is a small village and beach at the northern edge of Wadi El Gemal National Park. The beach fronts a crystal-clear bay with excellent snorkeling on the house reef and access to some of the most undisturbed diving in the Red Sea.
Editor’s tip. Requires a 4WD vehicle and overnight stay planning. The most untouched beach on the Egyptian Red Sea coast.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.