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.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Giftun Island / Mahmya Beach
Egypt's most photogenic beach location — turquoise water, white sand, and coral reef accessible directly from shore. The combination of beach, desert mountains in the background, and the underwater coral garden creates extraordinary images at any time of day.
Best time: Morning (8-10am) for calm water and soft light
Tip: An underwater camera or waterproof housing is essential · The first hour after arrival (before more boats come) has the cleanest water and fewest people · Reef-safe sunscreen only — protect the coral you're photographing
El Gouna Lagoons at Sunset
El Gouna's network of lagoons and canals turns a dreamlike pink and gold at sunset. The lagoon bridges, Arabesque architecture, and moored boats create compositional possibilities that feel more like the Maldives than Egypt.
Best time: 1 hour before sunset through 30 minutes after
Tip: Rent a golf cart or buggy to cover the lagoons efficiently at sunset · The bridge near the central square frames the lagoon beautifully · Long exposures after sunset capture beautiful calm-water reflections
Elphinstone Reef Underwater
One of the world's top ten underwater photography locations — oceanic whitetip sharks cruising the wall, soft corals in vivid oranges and purples, and schooling fish in the blue water. Advanced diving required.
Best time: October-May; morning dives offer best light angle
Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens for reef walls and a long lens for sharks in the blue · Strong currents require a dive computer and attention — maintain buoyancy for photos · Video captures shark behavior better than stills
St. Anthony's Monastery Exterior
The fortress-like white walls of St. Anthony's Monastery rising dramatically against the bare rock face of the Red Sea Mountains create one of Egypt's most atmospheric photographs. The contrast of the white monastic walls against the red-brown desert rock is spectacular.
Best time: Morning light on the monastery walls; late afternoon for warm mountain colors
Tip: Ask permission before photographing monks · The view from the cave of St. Anthony back down to the monastery is one of Egypt's most dramatic photographs · Do not photograph inside the churches without explicit permission
Quseir Old Town
The coral-brick buildings, Ottoman fortress, and traditional fishing harbor of Quseir offer extraordinary architectural photography opportunities in a setting almost completely unaffected by mass tourism. The coral-brick buildings have a unique texture found nowhere else in Egypt.
Best time: Morning light (8-11am) for best architectural light
Tip: Quseir receives very few tourists — you'll have almost exclusive access to most locations · Early morning is beautiful with fishing activity in the harbor · The fortress rooftop offers a panoramic view over the old town and sea
Dolphin House (Shaab el Erg)
Snorkeling alongside a pod of 50-100 wild spinner dolphins at Dolphin House is one of the most exhilarating wildlife photography opportunities in Egypt. The dolphins are accustomed to snorkelers and will swim within meters.
Best time: 7-10am when dolphins are resting in the shallow lagoon
Tip: Never pursue the dolphins — stay still and let them approach · A GoPro with underwater housing is ideal · Video mode captures dolphin behavior better than still photography
Red Sea Desert Sunrise
The Eastern Desert at sunrise is one of photography's greatest gifts — an infinite landscape of ancient rock in shades of gold, ochre, and purple under a sky that progresses from deep blue to burning orange in minutes.
Best time: 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after sunrise
Tip: Arrange a desert jeep safari that departs before dawn · The Eastern Desert has virtually zero light pollution — extraordinary star photography the night before · Bring warm clothes — desert nights are cold in winter
Abu Dabbab Dugong Encounter
Photographing a dugong underwater is an extraordinary privilege available at Abu Dabbab Bay. These gentle mammals grazing on seagrass are completely unfazed by snorkelers and allow close, unhurried observation.
Best time: 8-11am for calmest water and best underwater light
Tip: Approach slowly and silently — a calm approach gets you much closer · Use a GoPro or underwater camera in auto mode for effortless focus · Never chase or touch the dugong — fines apply in the national park
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
Shoot during golden hour (1 hour after sunrise, 1 hour before sunset) for warm, directional light.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in religious or cultural contexts.
Carry spare batteries and storage — opportunities for great shots appear unexpectedly.