Red Sea Resorts
Sun, sand, and world-class snorkeling on the mainland coast 🐠🏖️
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Overview
For families who want the beauty of the Red Sea without leaving the African mainland, this coastline is the answer. Centered around Hurghada and stretching south to the quieter Marsa Alam, this region is dedicated to beach tourism. The waters here are shallow, warm, and teeming with colorful fish, making it one of the best places in the world to introduce children to snorkeling. Unlike the historical cities, the vibe here is purely resort-focused, with massive hotels offering water parks, kids' clubs, and all-inclusive ease.
El Gouna, a gated resort town north of Hurghada, offers a more upscale, manicured experience with lagoons and pedestrian-friendly marinas. Further south, Marsa Alam is wilder and quieter, offering chances to see sea turtles and dugongs (sea cows) in their natural habitat—a bucket-list experience for animal-loving families.
Key Attractions
The sea is the main attraction. A boat trip to Giftun Islands (Mahmya or Orange Bay) offers Maldives-like white sands and shallow water perfect for toddlers. For a dry underwater experience, the Hurghada Grand Aquarium walks families through the region's marine life, including sharks and rays. South in Marsa Alam, Sharm El Luli is often voted one of the best beaches in the world for its pristine, undeveloped beauty. If you want a touch of culture, the Hurghada Museum is a surprisingly good, small museum blending Pharaonic history with local heritage.
Practical Advice
Hurghada is windy, which is great for kite-surfing but can make getting out of the pool chilly in winter (Jan-Feb). Reef shoes are essential as many beaches have coral or rocks near the shore.
Food & Drink
Typical meal times: Resort schedules dominate, but outside, dinner is late (8:00 pm onwards).
Typical meal costs: Tourist promenade prices apply. A meal for four costs EGP 1,200–2,200 (approx. $25–46 USD / €23–42 EUR).
Dietary requirements: Resorts cater to all allergies (gluten-free, nut-free) better than anywhere else in Egypt. Buffets usually have clear labeling.
Signature dishes:
- Grilled Red Sea Fish – Freshly caught grouper or snapper, simply grilled with oil and lemon.
- Siyadiya – While also Alexandrian, the Red Sea version of this fish-and-rice dish is spicy and rich.
Why this score?
The region provides numerous outdoor activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and desert safaris by quad bike or jeep. However, these are typically organized as commercial excursions starting and ending at comfortable resorts rather than true wilderness expeditions. The environment is heavily managed to ensure safety and convenience for high-volume tourism.
Why this score?
Resort towns like Hurghada and El Gouna have modern private medical facilities and specialized hyperbaric chambers to support the diving community. Many doctors in these tourist hubs are accustomed to treating international patients and have high levels of English proficiency. While good for most tourist needs, the most complex specialized treatments still necessitate a transfer to Cairo.
Why this score?
The mainland Red Sea coast, featuring hubs like Hurghada and El Gouna, is a major international destination for sun-and-sea holidays. It attracts millions of visitors annually, particularly from Europe, who come for the world-class coral reefs and expansive all-inclusive resort complexes. The region's developed infrastructure and year-round sunshine make it a top-tier leisure choice for families.
El Gouna is high-end/luxury. Hurghada offers the widest range, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. An all-inclusive 4-star family stay usually costs EGP 4,000–7,000 (approx. $85–145 USD / €75–135 EUR) per night, which can be great value considering meals are included.
Family Travel Notice
Check entry tax requirements at specific border crossings, as infants may be exempt. Ensure all family members are up to date on routine vaccinations, including measles, before travel.
Getting Here & Around
Getting Here
- Airports – Hurghada International Airport (HRG) and Marsa Alam (RMF) serve the region with many direct charters from Europe.
- Bus – Go Bus runs frequent, comfortable coaches from Cairo (5-6 hours) and Luxor (4 hours).
- Ferry – A ferry occasionally operates between Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, but schedules are erratic; verify before planning.
Getting Around
- Uber/Careem – Available in Hurghada and El Gouna. Reliable and prevents haggling stress.
- Microbuses – Very cheap white vans that run fixed routes along the coast road. adventurous but crowded.
- Taxis – In Marsa Alam, taxis are the only option and can be expensive due to large distances between resorts.
Nearby Airports (2 airports)
Hurghada International Airport
HRGHurghada
Marsa Alam Airport
RMFMarsa Alam
View full flight map for Egypt →
Official Links
Packing List
Essential for entering the sea; many beaches have sharp coral or stonefish immediately offshore.
The sun is deceptive due to the cooling wind; kids burn very quickly while snorkeling.
Rental gear often leaks or fits children poorly; bringing your own ensures a good experience.
Evenings can be very windy, especially in open resort areas.
Public restrooms and even some museums often lack toilet paper; carrying your own supply is essential.
The interiors of pyramids and tombs in the Valley of the Kings can be stiflingly hot with zero air circulation.
You must remove shoes to enter mosques; thick socks protect feet from dust, heat, or cold marble floors.
Dehydration and stomach upsets are common; these help recovery quickly if the local food disagrees with you.
Essential for women and girls to cover heads when entering mosques, and useful for sun/dust protection.
Lighting inside ancient tombs and pyramids can be dim; a small light helps kids spot hieroglyphic details.
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Wadi el Gemal and Giftun Island Protectorate offer rare desert-meets-sea ecosystems and unique wildlife encounters. Winter is the peak season for desert exploration to avoid the dangerous summer heat.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
The Red Sea is internationally renowned for diving and coral reef quality. While beach resort infrastructure may not match Caribbean/Maldives levels, the marine environment is world-class. Current 'good' rating undervalues Egypt's global competitive position for marine tourism.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Known for world-class kitesurfing in El Gouna and the award-winning Red Sea Mountain Trail for hiking. Spring and autumn provide the optimal balance of wind and temperature for these active pursuits.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
High-end marinas and the Hurghada Museum offer a sophisticated resort-culture experience for discerning travelers. Walking and outdoor dining are best enjoyed during the cooler spring and autumn months.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
The Hurghada Grand Aquarium and marine biology centers provide internationally significant insights into Red Sea biodiversity. These indoor-outdoor sites are most comfortable during the milder transitional seasons.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The Route 24 coastal highway provides dramatic desert-to-sea vistas and access to historic inland trails. Winter months are essential for safe and comfortable driving and exploring scenic desert viewpoints.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Features large-scale water parks like Makadi Water World that are significant regional draws for families. Peak times avoid the extreme heat of summer and the cooler winter winds that make water play less enjoyable.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
The El Gouna Film Festival is a premier international cultural event held annually in a high-end resort setting. The October festival dates define the peak period for cultural event tourism in the region.
Public Holidays & Calendar Next 12 months
Public holidays, festivals, cultural celebrations, and seasonal natural phenomena coming up in Red Sea Resorts over the next 12 months.
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Travel Advisory
Standard safety precautions are insufficient. Multiple international agencies recommend exercising increased vigilance due to the threat of terrorism and regional political instability.
Safety Topics
Traveller Advice (4 groups)
Media professionals must obtain official accreditation from the national press center before arrival. Operating without proper credentials can lead to severe legal penalties and detention.
Local laws and social perspectives on sexual orientation and gender identity differ significantly from Western norms. Public displays of affection or sharing information online could lead to legal complications or discrimination.
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. Register your travel plans with your national embassy and stay informed of local safety updates through official channels.
Check entry tax requirements at specific border crossings, as infants may be exempt. Ensure all family members are up to date on routine vaccinations, including measles, before travel.
Agency Summaries
The overall security situation remains stable for the majority of travelers in tourist hubs, but specific advisories are in place for border zones and the Sinai Peninsula. Ongoing regional tensions may affect travel arrangements.
Travelers should maintain a high level of vigilance due to an unstable security environment and the persistent threat of terrorist activity throughout the country. Regional conflicts have made certain border areas particularly dangerous.
Safety concerns are more significant than those found in standard travel destinations. Particular attention should be paid to the risk of civil unrest and the presence of landmines in specific remote areas.
Irish citizens are encouraged to be highly vigilant and monitor local media. Regional escalation poses a risk of sudden travel disruptions and changes to the security profile of the country.
Terrorism is an ongoing risk that could impact any location at any time. Recent military developments in the broader region have increased the potential for travel disruptions and localized instability.
Visitors are urged to stay alert for potential terrorist threats. While major tourist sites are generally more secure, remote regions and certain northern areas carry severe safety risks that discourage non-essential movement.
Information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute travel, safety, medical, or legal advice. Conditions may change. Users are responsible for independently verifying information before travel.