The Egyptian Red Sea coast unfolds over 600 km one of the most beautiful maritime façades in the world, and concentrates some of the best diving on the planet. The coral reefs, protected by an almost continuous sunny climate, high salinity and warm currents year-round, are home to more than 1,200 species of fish, 17% of which are endemic to the Red Sea (clownfish, hawkfish, Arabian angelfish). Conditions are ideal 365 days a year for diving and snorkelling — water at 22-30 °C depending on the season, visibility 25-30 m, iconic fauna (dolphins, dugongs, reef sharks, manta rays, green turtles, napoleons).
The west coast revolves around five main destinations, from north to south: El Gouna (high-end private resort village), Hurghada (popular tourist capital), Soma Bay and Sahl Hasheesh (luxury bubble-resorts), Safaga (industrial port and diving cruise hub), and Marsa Alam (expert diving resort). Each corresponds to a different traveller profile — detailed below.
For a short diving stay (5-7 days), choose a single resort according to your profile: Hurghada for families, El Gouna for kitesurfing and lifestyle, Marsa Alam for expert divers. Stay in 4-5 star all-inclusive formula (flight + hotel + meals + drinks package from Paris: €600-1,200/person/week depending on season) which remains the excellent value for money of the destination.
For a complete Egypt stay (12-14 days), combine 3-4 days Cairo/Giza + 4-7 nights of Nile cruise + 3-5 days Red Sea. The Red Sea serves as a decompression formula after the cultural intensity of Cairo and the Nile, and allows you to return rested. Favour Hurghada or El Gouna for their accessibility from Luxor (3h30 by bus); avoid Marsa Alam, too far (8h by bus from Luxor).
Access is via the international airports of Hurghada (HRG) and Marsa Alam (RMF), both served by direct charter flights from Paris-Orly and several regional cities (Transavia, Corendon, AirCairo) in 4h30-5h. Return fares: €200-450 depending on the season. No direct flight on Marsa Alam year-round — check charter seasons.
Read also
- Cairo and Giza — Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo: the essential cultural dimension before the Red Sea.
- Nile Valley — Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Nile cruise: to combine before diving for a complete trip.
- Sinai Peninsula — The eastern Red Sea alternative: Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Blue Hole, Mount Sinai.
- Egypt — Complete country guide: visa, budget, regions to explore and the best time to visit.