Things to do — Red Sea

The Egyptian Red Sea coast offers an essentially seaside and underwater experience, with some desert and cultural complements. Here are the must-sees.

Diving and snorkelling are the main attraction. More than 200 sites listed on the west coast, from the coastal reef accessible from the beach to 7-night offshore cruises. Diving cruises (liveaboards) are the emblematic experience — 12-26 cabin boats, 3 to 4 dives per day, full board, count €1,200-2,500/person/week depending on standing. Flagship itineraries: Brothers, Daedalus, Elphinstone (departing from Hurghada or Safaga, 7 nights); St John's and Rocky Island (departing from Marsa Alam, 7 nights, expert offshore diving); Thistlegorm and north (departing from Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh, 5-7 nights, wreck + reef mix). For day dives from a resort, count €50-80 for 2 dives with equipment included, boat transfer and lunch.

For beginner divers and snorkelling lovers, coastal sites accessible from the beach are numerous. Abu Dabbab (35 km north of Marsa Alam) is famous for its green turtles and resident dugongs. Sha'ab Samadai (15 km south of Marsa Alam) is the sanctuary of long-beaked dolphins — groups of 50 to 200 dolphins that station in the protected lagoon in summer. Marsa Mubarak and Marsa Egla also house resident dugongs.

Kitesurfing and windsurfing are the second great speciality of the region, particularly in El Gouna and Soma Bay. El Gouna houses one of the best kitesurf schools in the world (KiteHouse, Element Kite School) — constant thermal winds of 15-25 knots 250 days a year, protected lagoons ideal for learning, young international atmosphere. Soma Bay (Mövenpick Soma Bay, Sheraton Soma Bay) offers similar conditions in a more luxurious and calmer setting. 4-day beginner course: €400-500.

Desert excursions from Hurghada allow you to discover the Arabian Desert. The most recommended: visit to the Coptic monasteries of Saint Anthony and Saint Paul (the two oldest Christian monasteries in the world still active, 4th century, 4h round trip from Hurghada). Classic excursion: 4x4 safari in the Hurghada desert (day or half day, €40-80, swim in a hot spring, lunch under a Bedouin tent — often too folkloric). More authentic: 2-3 day trek in the Eastern Desert with Bedouin guide, night under the stars (€350-500/person in organised group).

The excursion to Luxor from Hurghada (3h30 by road) is possible but tiring in one day — Valley of the Kings + Karnak in express, exhausted return to Hurghada in the evening. Prefer at least 2 days with one night on site to peacefully enjoy the experience.

Snorkelling from the beach: most resorts in Hurghada, El Gouna, Soma Bay and Marsa Alam have a pontoon with direct access to the reef — fins, mask and snorkel for rent at €5-10/day. Reference spots: Mahmya Island (off Hurghada, deserted beach and pristine reef, day organised at €50-80), Giftun Island, Paradise Island.