Hurghada is Egypt's largest Red Sea resort city, a 40 km coastal strip of dive centres, beach resorts and marinas, with boat trips to Giftun Island, Orange Bay and the reefs offshore.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Hurghada.
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- relaxed day-trip island, calm and shallow
- Sandy beach
- Sun loungers and umbrellas on the operator stretch
- Snorkelling gear hire
- Lunch buffet on most day trips
- Toilets
Mahmya Island, Giftun National Park
Editor’s tip. Choose an early-departing boat to reach the island before the busiest midday period.
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- lively day-use beach club with music and water-sports
- White sand beach
- Sun loungers
- Water-sports kiosk
- Restaurant and bar
- Showers and toilets
Orange Bay, Giftun Island
Editor’s tip. Check whether lunch, drinks and the park fee are included before booking the trip.
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- casual, sociable day-trip beach with a calm lagoon
- Sandy beach and shallow lagoon
- Shade structures
- Snorkelling gear hire
- Lunch on board or on the beach
- Toilets
Paradise Island, Giftun
Editor’s tip. Pick an early departure to enjoy the lagoon before the main boat arrivals.
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- upmarket resort bay, calm and quiet
- Long sheltered sand and coral bay
- Resort and beach-club loungers
- House reef for snorkelling
- Restaurants along the Old Town promenade
- Parking at some entrances
Sahl Hasheesh Beach
Editor’s tip. Agree the day-use fee and what it includes before entering a beach club.
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- family-friendly resort coast, calm and shallow
- Gently shelving sand beaches
- Resort day-use access
- Shallow water suited to children
- House reef snorkelling
- Restaurants and bars at the hotels
Makadi Bay Beach
Editor’s tip. Confirm that a day-use pass includes food, drinks and loungers before paying.
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- relaxed beach-club atmosphere in a lagoon resort town
- Beach club with loungers
- Restaurant and bar
- Water sports in the lagoons
- Showers and toilets
Zeytuna Beach, El Gouna
Editor’s tip. Check the day entry price and inclusions before paying, as they vary by season.
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- quiet upmarket resort peninsula with a kite-sport scene
- Protected lagoon
- Kite and windsurf centres
- Resort day-use beaches
- Golf course on the peninsula
- Restaurants at the hotels
Soma Bay Beach
Editor’s tip. Book kite or windsurf lessons for the morning, when wind is usually more manageable for beginners.
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Hurghada memorable.
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.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Hurghada’s coast.
How do visitors get to Mahmya Island?
The island is reached only by day-boat from Hurghada Marina, a trip of about 45 minutes each way. Most visitors book a full-day package that includes lunch and snorkelling gear.
From the Mahmya Island, Giftun National Park editorial.
How much does a trip to Mahmya Island cost?
Full-day packages with lunch usually cost about EGP 1,500-2,500 (roughly $30-50) per adult. The Giftun park entry fee may be charged separately unless it is bundled.
From the Mahmya Island, Giftun National Park editorial.
How far is Orange Bay from Hurghada?
Orange Bay is about 45-60 minutes by boat from Hurghada Marina. There is no road access, so the trip is by organised day-boat.
From the Orange Bay, Giftun Island editorial.
What does a day trip to Orange Bay cost?
Packages with lunch typically cost about EGP 1,500-2,750 (roughly $30-55) per adult. Drinks, water-sports and sometimes the park entry fee are extra.
From the Orange Bay, Giftun Island editorial.
How do visitors reach Paradise Island?
Access is only by organised day-boat from Hurghada Marina, taking roughly 45-60 minutes each way. There is no road or public ferry.
From the Paradise Island, Giftun editorial.
How much does a Paradise Island trip cost?
Packages with lunch usually cost about EGP 1,250-2,250 (roughly $25-45) per adult. The park entry fee may be extra unless it is bundled.
From the Paradise Island, Giftun editorial.
Can non-guests use Sahl Hasheesh Beach?
Yes, many resorts and beach clubs sell day-use passes, commonly about EGP 400-800 (roughly $8-16) per person. Rules and prices vary by property.
From the Sahl Hasheesh Beach editorial.
How far is Sahl Hasheesh from Hurghada?
It is about 18 km south of Hurghada International Airport and 30-40 minutes from central Hurghada. A taxi costs roughly EGP 500-800 one-way.
From the Sahl Hasheesh Beach editorial.