The day you arrive in Hurghada, someone will offer you an excursion: at the hotel desk, on the beach, in the street. Prices vary from simple to triple for the same trip, and quality even more. This guide lists the excursions that are really worth it, what they should cost, and how to avoid the classic disappointments (overcrowded boats, endless shopping stops, 4 a.m. departures you didn’t expect).
Top Hurghada excursions right now
Price overview
| Excursion | Duration | Indicative price | Our rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giftun islands snorkelling | 7–8 h | €25–45 | ★★★★★ |
| Orange Bay / Mahmya beach day | 7–8 h | €30–60 | ★★★★☆ |
| Luxor day trip (group) | 14–16 h | €60–110 | ★★★★★ |
| Cairo & pyramids by plane | ≈ 16 h | €250–400 | ★★★★☆ |
| Cairo by road | ≈ 18–20 h | €70–130 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Quad safari + Bedouin dinner | 4–6 h | €20–50 | ★★★★☆ |
| Dolphin House | 7–8 h | €35–55 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Try-dive / 2 dives | half/full day | €45–80 | ★★★★★ |
| Submarine | 2–3 h | €50–70 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Glass-bottom boat | 2–3 h | €20–35 | ★★★☆☆ |
1. Snorkelling at the Giftun islands
The number one excursion. Boats leave from Hurghada marina in the morning and anchor at two or three reefs around the Giftun islands national park, with lunch on board and often a stop on a beach. You will see parrotfish, clownfish, rays and sometimes turtles. Choose a boat with a limited number of passengers and reef shoes in your bag.
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2. Orange Bay or Mahmya: the paradise beaches
Orange Bay and Mahmya, on Giftun Kebir, are the white-sand, turquoise-water beaches of the postcards. The day combines snorkelling and time on the beach with a beach club (Mahmya is more upmarket and requires a specific ticket). Great for families and non-snorkellers.
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3. Luxor in a day
The most rewarding excursion: Karnak temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s temple and the Colossi of Memnon in one long day (departure around 5 a.m., return in the evening). Choose a small group or a private tour with an Egyptologist guide. Everything is explained in our Hurghada–Luxor guide.
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4. Cairo and the pyramids
The pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum. By road it is a very long day; by plane (1 hour each way) it becomes comfortable. Details in our Hurghada–Cairo guide.
See the Cairo day trip by plane →
5. Quad safari and Bedouin dinner
An hour or two of quad biking in the desert behind Hurghada, a stop in a Bedouin camp, a camel ride, sunset and dinner under the stars. Choose the sunset departure (less hot) and bring a scarf and sunglasses against the dust. Avoid tours that spend more time in the shop than in the desert.
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6. Scuba diving and try-dives
The Red Sea is one of the best diving areas in the world and Hurghada has dozens of dive centres. A try-dive (no experience needed) is a great introduction. Certified divers can explore reefs, the El Mina wreck or, on a long day, the legendary Thistlegorm. See our snorkelling & diving guide.
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7. Dolphin House
A boat trip to a reef north of Hurghada where a pod of spinner dolphins often rests. Sightings are frequent but not guaranteed, and the site can be crowded. Respect the rules: no chasing, no touching, swimmers only when the dolphins approach.
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8. Submarine and glass-bottom boat
The solution for non-swimmers, small children and grandparents: a real tourist submarine dives to around 20 m along the reef; glass-bottom and semi-submarine boats are cheaper and shorter.
Check availability on GetYourGuide →
9. And also…
- Hurghada city tour: mosque, Coptic church, souk, marina (see tours).
- Parasailing and water sports (see prices).
- Horse riding on the beach or in the desert (see rides).
- A day in El Gouna — lagoons, marina and restaurants (see tours).
- Luxor by hot-air balloon — sunrise over the Valley of the Kings, as part of a Luxor trip (see options).
Booking: hotel, street or online?
| Where | Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Online platform | Reviews, exact programme, free cancellation on most tours | You must book a day or more ahead |
| Hotel desk | Convenient, pick-up guaranteed | Usually the most expensive |
| Street / beach sellers | Can be cheap, negotiable | No recourse if the boat is overcrowded or the trip cancelled |
- Very cheap trips often include long shopping stops (papyrus, perfume, jewellery).
- Don’t book every boat trip on day 1: wind can cancel or spoil sea excursions, so keep some flexibility.
- Check the pick-up time: for Luxor and Cairo, departure is often 4–5 a.m.
Read also:Snorkelling & Diving in Hurghada (2026): Best Spots, Giftun, Orange Bay & Prices
Frequently asked questions
What is the best excursion in Hurghada?
For the sea, snorkelling at the Giftun islands; for culture, the day trip to Luxor. If you only do two excursions, do those two.
Is it cheaper to book excursions in Hurghada or online?
Street prices can be lower, but without guarantees. Online platforms show reviews, the exact programme and offer free cancellation; hotel desks are usually the most expensive.
Can I do Luxor and Cairo from Hurghada?
Yes, on separate days. Luxor is about 4 hours by road each way; Cairo is 5–6 hours by road or 1 hour by plane. There are also 2-day trips combining both.
Are excursions safe in Hurghada?
Organised excursions with licensed operators are common and generally safe. Choose reviewed operators, check that boats carry life jackets and follow the guide’s instructions at sea and in the desert.
Affiliate disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links (GetYourGuide, hotel and flight comparison sites). If you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and were checked at the time of writing — the live price on the booking page always prevails.