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 day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul
One of Egypt's most spiritually powerful day trips — visiting the world's two oldest functioning Christian monasteries, hidden in the dramatic Red Sea Mountains. St. Anthony's Monastery (155km from Suez) was founded in the 4th century AD over the cave of St. Anthony the Great, the father of all monks. St. Paul's Monastery lies nearby, built over the cave where St. Paul of Thebes lived as a hermit for 91 years. Both monasteries have ancient churches decorated with extraordinary frescoes, and offer a profound encounter with early Christianity.
Highlights: Ancient church frescoes · Cave of St. Anthony hike · Monastic community life · Dramatic mountain scenery
Quseir and Wadi Hammamat
A combined cultural day trip to the ancient port city of Quseir and the prehistoric desert road of Wadi Hammamat. Quseir is a beautifully preserved Ottoman-era city with a 16th-century fortress museum and unique coral-brick architecture. Wadi Hammamat, accessible en route, contains thousands of ancient inscriptions spanning 5,000 years on the walls of the ancient pharaonic highway to the Red Sea.
Highlights: Ottoman fortress and museum · Coral-brick old town · Ancient pharaonic inscriptions · Desert wadi scenery
Giftun Island and Dolphin House
A full day boat excursion combining the spectacular Mahmya beach on Giftun Island with the dolphin snorkeling at Shaab el Erg (Dolphin House). Morning visit to Dolphin House for the resident spinner dolphin encounter, followed by a late morning and afternoon at the white sand beach of Mahmya with excellent snorkeling over the Giftun reef.
Highlights: Wild dolphin snorkeling · World-class beach · Giftun coral reef snorkeling · Protected marine park
El Gouna Day Trip from Hurghada
A day visit to El Gouna, the exclusive lagoon resort town 25km north of Hurghada. Spend the morning exploring the canals and Arabesque architecture by golf cart or on foot, take lunch at one of the marina's excellent restaurants, enjoy an afternoon on the beach, and return to Hurghada in time for dinner. A fascinating contrast to Hurghada's more typical resort atmosphere.
Highlights: Lagoon architecture · Abu Tig Marina dining · El Gouna beach · Golf cart exploration
Soma Bay and Safaga Kite Surfing Day
A day trip to the famous kitesurfing destinations of Soma Bay and Safaga, 45-60km south of Hurghada. Even non-kitesurfers will enjoy watching the extraordinary skill of kitesurfers at Soma Bay's famous Kite Station, and Safaga's unique black sand with therapeutic mineral properties is worth experiencing. The reefs of Safaga are among the best in the northern Red Sea.
Highlights: World-class kitesurfing · Therapeutic black sand beach · Safaga reefs diving · Soma Bay thalasso spa
Abu Dabbab and Marsa Alam Snorkeling
A day trip from Hurghada or a half-day from Marsa Alam combining the dugong and sea turtle snorkeling at Abu Dabbab Bay with a visit to the Marsa Alam marine park. Abu Dabbab is one of the world's most reliable sites for encountering dugongs in the wild, alongside sea turtles feeding on the seagrass. Marsa Alam's coral reef snorkeling adds a second dimension to this wildlife-focused day.
Highlights: Dugong encounters · Sea turtle snorkeling · Marsa Alam coral reefs · Pristine wildlife
Eastern Desert Jeep Safari
A half or full day 4WD jeep safari into the Eastern Desert west of Hurghada, visiting dramatic desert landscapes, ancient Bedouin sites, perhaps the ruins of old settlements, and ending with a sunset over the desert mountains and a traditional Bedouin dinner around a campfire.
Highlights: Desert landscape photography · Bedouin culture experience · Camel encounters · Stargazing (evening trips) · Traditional Bedouin dinner
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.