Safaga and Soma Bay from Hurghada

Safaga and Soma Bay lie about 53 km south of Hurghada on Egypt's Red Sea coast, a drive of roughly 45-60 minutes each way. A taxi or private car costs about EGP 1,000-1,500 one-way, while microbuses from Hurghada's main station cost only EGP 50-80 and run frequently in the daytime. The road passes the Makadi Bay resort area before reaching Soma Bay, a peninsula of large resorts, a golf course and a well-known kitesurfing and windsurfing venue. Safaga is a working port town with a long, windy bay that makes it one of Egypt's best-known kite and windsurf destinations, and it also offers diving and snorkelling over coral reefs. Visitors can watch kitesurfers at Soma Bay, take introductory lessons, snorkel or dive from local centres, with diving from about EGP 3,000 (about $60), or visit the sandy beaches and Safaga's town centre for a local feel. The area is also known for its health tourism, with sulphur and black-sand therapy associated with the town. A suggested day leaves Hurghada in the morning, stops at Soma Bay for coffee and wind-sport viewing, moves on to Safaga for a snorkel or dive excursion, has lunch at a seafront restaurant, and returns by sunset. Year-round conditions are pleasant, with mild winters and hot summers; from April to October the winds are strongest, which suits kite and wind sports but can make boat trips choppier. Arriving in the morning gives calmer sea conditions for snorkelling and diving. Food and rest stops are available at resort restaurants and beach clubs in Soma Bay, with simple fish and grill restaurants in Safaga town, and day-use access to hotel beaches can often be arranged for a fee. Transport costs range from EGP 50 to 3,000 round trip depending on mode, so budget choices are straightforward.