Red Sea in Egypt

The Red Sea in Egypt: A Dream Trip. Your Guide to Planning the Perfect Vacation

The Red Sea in Egypt is a perfect destination for a dream vacation, no matter what time of year. With many destinations to choose from, it has become a symbol of the country’s tourism, rivaling even the great monuments of the Pharaonic era. However, you don’t have to choose between them since a combined trip to Egypt and the Red Sea is a perfect plan, giving you ample time to explore each place.

If you’re one of those travelers who dreams of experiencing the charms of the Red Sea, look no further! Egipto Exclusivo has created a comprehensive guide with all the information you need to plan your trip. You can also check out the pages dedicated to each specific destination to get a complete understanding of what this coast has to offer. Don’t miss any details, and let our agency provide you with everything you need for an unforgettable vacation!

Where Is the Red Sea in Egypt and What Is It Like?

The Red Sea in Egypt is a vast stretch of crystal-clear waters that covers a large geographic area. While it also borders other East African countries like Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti, as well as Middle Eastern nations like Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, its coastline in Egypt is a popular tourist destination.

The Red Sea coastline in Egypt can be divided into two main regions:

The African coastline, which stretches from Suez to the Sudanese border. While the northern Gulf of Suez area is not as developed as a tourist destination due to the influence of the Suez Canal, the southern half of this coastline, from Hurghada southward, is a popular spot for tourists.
The southern Sinai Peninsula coastline, which is considered Asian territory. The corresponding coast of the Gulf of Suez has less tourist interest, while the southern end of the peninsula (Ras Muhammad National Park) and the southeastern coast of the peninsula, framed in the Gulf of Aqaba, are of great interest.

The Red Sea in Egypt is known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, making it a popular destination for diving. The vacation destinations along both coastlines are easily accessible, with short distances between them. In fact, it’s often quicker to travel between destinations by boat than by road within the same area.

Climate of the Red Sea in Egypt

The climate of the Red Sea in Egypt is one of the reasons why it’s such a popular destination. While summer temperatures can reach around 35°C on average, they are still cooler than the scorching temperatures of the desert or the Nile Valley.

Additionally, the winter temperatures are mild, rarely dropping below 20°C during the day and 10°C at night. The region also receives very little rainfall, making it an ideal destination to visit year-round, unlike coastal destinations in the Mediterranean which have a more pronounced winter season. You can find more information about the climate of specific vacation destinations on their respective pages.

Main Destinations in the Red Sea in Egypt

When it comes to vacation destinations on the Red Sea in Egypt, there are numerous resorts dotted along the coastline. However, several destinations stand out, and Egipto Exclusivo caters to all of them. Here are the main ones:

Destinations in the Red Sea on the African Egyptian Coast

The African coastline of the Red Sea is characterized by arid and relatively flat terrain, punctuated with wadis or dry river courses. Although its landscape may appear less spectacular at first glance, the Eastern Desert that stretches inland can offer some interesting surprises. The most famous destinations include:

Hurghada: a pioneer and icon of tourism in Egypt’s Red Sea. It boasts an important international airport that serves the area, as well as a marina that is geared towards the premium sector.
Marsa Alam: a smaller and quieter destination that also has an airport nearby.
Quseir: situated halfway between Hurghada and Marsa Alam, the nearest airport is that of Marsa Alam.
Berenice: located near the border with Sudan, it is the southernmost holiday destination, and a new international airport has recently been opened, which is expected to boost its tourism offerings.

Red Sea Destinations in Sinai

The Sinai Peninsula boasts a desert-like terrain that is as arid as the east of the Nile Valley. However, it has a more rugged profile, particularly in the south where the Sinai Mountain Range towers. Therefore, vacation destinations in this part of the Red Sea offer an additional scenic appeal, with golden rock mountains serving as a stunning backdrop behind the coast, where various sports and adventure activities can also be enjoyed.

Egipto Exclusivo offers the following outstanding vacation destinations in this area of the Red Sea:

Sharm El Sheikh: one of the largest and most diverse, with a strong presence of luxury tourism. It boasts one of the biggest airports in the country.
Dahab: until recently considered a backpacker destination, its offerings have become more sophisticated and complete in recent years.
Nuweiba: it is home to one of the primary ports of the Gulf of Aqaba.
Taba: located on the border with Israel, it has an international airport serving it.

Main Attractions of the Red Sea in Egypt

The Red Sea in Egypt offers a plethora of attractions that make it an ideal vacation destination. Egipto Exclusivo can plan a trip that caters to your preferences. Here are some of the main attractions that the Red Sea has to offer:

Sun and Beach Tourism, in Winter and Summer

As we mentioned in the section dedicated to the climate of the Red Sea, Egypt is an excellent option for sun and beach tourism throughout the year. The destinations along the coast offer pleasant temperatures even in the low season, making it a perfect winter getaway. In the summer, the heat of the high season is better tolerated with a refreshing swim, whether in the crystal-clear waters of the sea or in the numerous and varied hotel and resort pools.

Diving in the Red Sea for All Levels

Diving in the Red Sea is becoming an increasingly popular attraction for tourists, with its hidden underwater beauty being just as fascinating as the monuments and landscapes above water. Egypt has a wealth of diving opportunities, with plenty of companies and professionals offering specialized services for all levels of divers – from those who prefer free diving to those who like to scuba dive or snorkel on the surface.

The Red Sea is home to a spectacular variety and quantity of marine fauna and flora, including beautiful soft coral reefs with fire or brain corals, among others. Dazzlingly colored fish, such as butterflyfish, Napoleon fish, clownfish, and barracudas can also be found in abundance. And larger species, including whalesharks, hammerheads, oceanic sharks, dolphins, and dugongs, are also represented.

There are many famous dive sites in the Red Sea, including the Blue Hole of Dahab, the Ras Muhammad National Park and the Tiran Islands in Sharm el-Sheikh, the Giftun Islands in Hurghada, and the Rocky Island in Berenice.

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing in the Red Sea of Egypt

The Red Sea is known for its generous winds at certain times of the year, making it a popular destination for lovers of surfing disciplines such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. Egypt has specialized schools and instructors for these activities, with late summer and early autumn being particularly favorable. However, kitesurfing and windsurfing can be enjoyed at many other times of the year.

Nature and Adventure Tourism

While the Red Sea is often associated with its underwater beauty, the vacation destinations in this region have much to offer on land as well. Trekking is a popular activity, with routes through the mountains of Sinai (including canyons, ascents, and descents) and the landscapes of the Eastern Desert.

For an extra adventure element, 4×4 or quad safaris can be arranged, as well as cultural experiences with desert Bedouins and their camels, which may include typical dinners or folkloric demonstrations of this ancient people. Climbing and bouldering are also popular activities in Red Sea destinations located on the Sinai Peninsula.

Culture and History in the Red Sea

While the Red Sea destinations may not have as many historical monuments as other parts of Egypt, culture lovers can still find plenty to explore. The fortress of Pharaoh’s Island and the museums in Sharm El Sheikh are just a few of the options available. Excursions to nearby historical sites, such as the Monastery of St. Catherine in Sinai or the Temple of Edfu in the Nile Valley, can also be arranged for those interested in delving deeper into Egypt’s rich history and art.

How to Plan Your Trip to Egypt and the Red Sea

If you’re planning a trip to Egypt and the Red Sea, there are several ways to plan your experience. The following are the two most common options:

Complete Vacation in the Red Sea: If you’re looking for a period of total relaxation where the beach, hotel pool, and lounge chair are a priority, then a complete vacation in the Red Sea is ideal. But this option is also perfect for those who love the star activities in this area, such as diving, kitesurfing, or windsurfing. This way, they can fully engage in their favorite sport.
Combined Tour of Egypt and the Red Sea: If you can’t travel to Egypt every year, then a combined tour of Egypt and the Red Sea is a great option. Many tourists take advantage of their annual vacation to combine the different attractions of the country into the same tour. It’s customary to reserve the last few days for the Red Sea as a final rest before returning to their place of origin. Here are two common examples:

Ancient Egypt (Giza, Luxor, etc.) + Red Sea: Egipto Exclusivo can take care of this combination, which is usually by road to Hurghada or by plane to the same destination or to those located on the Sinai Peninsula.
Nile River Cruise (from Edfu to Aswan) + road trip to Marsa Alam.

How to Travel to Red Sea Destinations in Egypt

Red Sea destinations in Egypt are easily accessible by plane, with international airports located nearby. The most popular ones are Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, but if you’re interested in other places, you can explore flight options with layovers from your place of origin.

Although limited, taking a ferry is also an option to consider. The Nuweibaa-Aqaba (Jordan) line is practically the only international ferry option available. Private trips and boat rentals can expand your options. However, train travel is non-existent.

Road transport is a viable option to reach the Red Sea from Egypt, whether from a point in the Nile Valley or from Cairo. You can reach the Sinai Peninsula from Israel or Jordan through the Taba border crossing.

For more information on each of these travel options, check the specific pages of the Red Sea destinations in Egypt.

How to Get Around Your Destination

Getting around the Red Sea destinations in Egypt can be a bit challenging due to the lack of an efficient public transport network. Minibuses are not a comfortable solution for mobility, so taxis are the best way to make short trips. In Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, taxis are readily available at strategic points such as airports or marinas. Car rental offices are also more prevalent in these cities. Bicycles are an option for small and relatively quiet holiday destinations, such as Dahab.

If you want to have full availability and comfort, hiring a vehicle with a driver is the most convenient way to enjoy any corner of the Red Sea. Egipto Exclusivo offers this service, tailored to your needs and with total flexibility. Contact us for this and any other details of your trip!”