Complete Guide to Hurghada Beach Activities: Everything You Need to Know in 2024

Did you know that the Red Sea along Hurghada’s coast hosts over 1,200 species of fish and 250 different coral species? I’ve spent countless hours exploring these waters, and let me tell you – there’s nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world! After organizing beach activities for thousands of tourists over the years, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your Hurghada beach experience.

Trust me, I’ve made all the rookie mistakes so you don’t have to! From choosing the wrong time to visit certain beaches to learning the hard way about local customs, I’ve experienced it all. But now, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned to make your trip absolutely perfect.

Understanding Hurghada’s Beach Areas

You know what most travel guides get wrong about Hurghada? They treat all the beaches like they’re the same! I learned this the hard way when I first started working here. Let me break down each area for you based on my daily experiences with tourists.

The North Beach area is what I like to call our “luxury strip.” It’s home to some of the most pristine private beaches you’ll find in Hurghada. The water here is typically calmer than in other areas, making it perfect for families with young children. I remember helping a family with three kids under 6 find the perfect spot here – they ended up coming back three days in a row!

The Central Beach area is where all the action happens! This is where you’ll find the highest concentration of water sports centers and beach activities. The public beaches here can get pretty crowded during peak season, but that’s also what makes them so lively and fun. I’ve seen some of the most amazing impromptu beach volleyball tournaments here!

The South Beach area is my personal favorite for snorkeling. The coral reefs are closer to the shore here, and the marine life is absolutely incredible. Just last season, I guided a group of first-time snorkelers who spotted a sea turtle within minutes of entering the water – their excited faces were priceless!

When it comes to choosing between public and private beaches, here’s what I’ve learned: If you’re looking for facilities and services, private beaches are worth every penny. They typically cost between 200-500 EGP per person (depending on the season), but you get loungers, umbrellas, and usually cleaner facilities. Public beaches are free or have a nominal fee (20-50 EGP), but you’ll need to bring your own everything.

Best Time for Beach Activities in Hurghada

Let me tell you something that might surprise you – the “best” time to visit Hurghada isn’t necessarily during the peak summer months! I’ve seen so many tourists arrive in August, expecting perfect conditions, only to find themselves overwhelmed by the heat.

The peak season runs from June to August, with temperatures often soaring above 40°C (104°F). Sure, the water’s perfect at around 28°C (82°F), but spending time on the beach can be challenging unless you’re properly prepared. I always tell my guests that April-May and September-October are the sweet spots for beach activities.

Here’s my month-by-month breakdown based on years of experience:

January-February: Water can be chilly (20-22°C), but perfect for diving as marine life is more active March-April: Ideal conditions, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds May: Getting warmer but still pleasant, water temperature perfect June-August: Very hot, busy, book activities in advance September-October: My favorite months – still warm but not overwhelming November-December: Cooler but still good for most activities

Water temperature varies less dramatically than air temperature throughout the year. I’ve noticed that early morning sessions (7-10 AM) often provide the best conditions for most activities, especially during summer months. The wind typically picks up in the afternoon, which is great for kitesurfing but can make snorkeling less enjoyable.

Popular Beach Activities in Hurghada

Let me tell you about something that still amazes me after all these years – the sheer variety of beach activities available here! I’ve watched complete beginners transform into confident snorkelers in just one afternoon, and I’ve seen families create memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Swimming and sunbathing might seem basic, but there’s an art to it in Hurghada. The best spots for casual swimming are actually in the resort areas between Hurghada Marina and Sahl Hasheesh. I always tell my guests to look for the floating platforms – they’re perfect for taking a break and spotting fish without any special equipment. Just yesterday, I saw a family having the time of their lives just floating and watching the colorful fish swim by!

When it comes to snorkeling, I can’t stress enough how incredible the house reefs are. My favorite spot is the shallow reef area near Old Vic Beach. The water’s usually calm, and the coral starts in water that’s just waist-deep. I once guided a group of nervous first-timers here, and within 30 minutes, they were confidently exploring the reef like pros!

For beach sports enthusiasts, we’ve got everything from volleyball courts to football areas on the larger beaches. The area near Sunrise Resort has particularly good facilities – I’ve organized countless beach volleyball tournaments there. Pro tip: early morning or late afternoon games are best to avoid the intense midday heat.

For families with kids, I always recommend the protected lagoon areas. The best one is at Dana Beach – it’s like a natural swimming pool! I remember helping a family with young children set up there, and the parents couldn’t believe how perfect it was for the little ones to safely splash around.

Water Sports and Adventures in Hurghada

Now, this is where things get really exciting! After years of coordinating water sports activities, I can tell you that Hurghada offers some of the best conditions in the world for various water sports.

Diving:

Is obviously our crown jewel. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced diver, there’s something here for everyone. The best diving centers (I particularly recommend Dive Pro Academy and Blue Water Dive) offer PADI courses starting from around €250 for a basic certification. Don’t miss the Gota Abu Ramada dive site – we call it the “Aquarium” because of the incredible variety of marine life. I’ll never forget watching a first-time diver’s face light up when they spotted their first moray eel!

Kitesurfing has exploded in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason! The consistent winds between June and August make Hurghada a kitesurfer’s paradise. The best spot is definitely in El Gouna, just north of Hurghada. I’ve seen complete beginners get up on the board after just 2-3 lessons. An approximate course costs around €200-300 for 6-8 hours of instruction, and believe me, it’s worth every penny.

Parasailing:

Is another must-try activity – it gives you a completely different perspective of the Red Sea’s stunning colors. The standard ride lasts about 10-15 minutes and costs around €30-40. I always tell guests to book this early in their trip because if weather conditions aren’t perfect, they can reschedule for another day.

When it comes to jet skiing:

we’ve got several rental points along the coast. Prices typically run around €40-50 for 30 minutes. Here’s an insider tip I’ve learned: book your session for late afternoon when the water’s usually calmer and the crowds have thinned out. Just make sure to bring your driver’s license – it’s required for insurance purposes.

For families or groups, banana boat rides are always a hit! They cost about €15-20 per person for a 15-minute ride. I’ve seen even the most serious adults turn into giggling kids on these rides. The boats that operate from Mahmya Beach are particularly good – their staff are experts at making the ride exciting but safe.

Boat Trips and Island Excursions in Hurghada

This is where I get really excited because boat trips are truly my specialty! After organizing hundreds of excursions, I can tell you that each island destination offers something unique.

Orange Bay is probably our most photographed destination, and with good reason! The turquoise waters and white sandy beaches look like they’re straight out of a postcard. A full-day trip typically costs around €40-50 per person, including lunch. Here’s a secret most tour guides won’t tell you – the best snorkeling spots aren’t actually near the main beach, but rather about 100 meters to the north. I discovered this spot by accident while exploring with a group of marine biology enthusiasts!

Paradise Island lives up to its name, especially during the morning hours. The best tours leave around 8 AM, beating the crowds and catching the marine life at its most active. I’ll never forget the time we spotted a group of dolphins playing near our boat on the way there – completely unplanned and absolutely magical!

Submarine and Semi-Submarine Tours in Hurghada

After coordinating countless submarine tours, I can tell you that these are absolutely perfect for those who want to experience the underwater world without getting wet! We have three main options in Hurghada, and I’ve personally tested each one multiple times.

The Sindbad Submarine is my top recommendation for families with young children. It descends to about 22 meters, and the viewing windows are perfectly positioned for even the smallest passengers. A typical tour costs around €65 for adults and €35 for children. Pro tip: book the 10 AM tour – the sunlight penetration at this time makes the colors of the coral and fish absolutely stunning!

The Panorama Submarine offers a slightly different experience, with larger viewing windows and a deeper dive of about 25 meters. I remember one particular trip where we spotted a giant moray eel – the looks on everyone’s faces were priceless! This one’s slightly pricier at €75 per adult, but the extra depth means you might see different marine life.

For those on a budget, the Royal Sea Scope semi-submarine is a fantastic alternative. While it doesn’t fully submerge, its underwater viewing area gives you a great perspective of the reef life. At €30 per person, it’s our most economical option. Plus, you can actually feed the fish through special tubes – kids absolutely love this!

Beach Safety and Etiquette in Hurghada

I take beach safety very seriously, and after years of experience, I’ve seen just about everything that could go wrong – and more importantly, how to prevent it!

First, let’s talk about swimming safety. The Red Sea has some strong currents, especially around certain reefs. I always advise guests to:

Check the flag system at their beach (red = dangerous, yellow = caution, green = safe)

Never swim alone, even if you’re an experienced swimmer

Stay within the designated swimming areas