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Red Sea and Sinai Tours

🤿 Diving · Snorkelling · Desert Safaris · Sinai

Red Sea & Sinai Tours
World-Class Diving, Beaches & Desert Adventure

Egypt's Red Sea coast offers two distinct experiences: Hurghada on the mainland — family-friendly and the perfect add-on to a Nile cruise — and Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula, home to some of the world's finest diving.

★★★★★ 4.9 · 224 verified Red Sea & Sinai reviews
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🐠 1,200+ fish species in the Red Sea
🤿 Ras Mohammed National Park
🏖️ Year-round beach weather
⛰️ Mount Sinai & St. Catherine's
🏜️ Desert safari from both coasts
Two Coasts, One Extraordinary Sea

The Red Sea Egypt's Other Wonder

The Red Sea is the world's northernmost tropical sea — and one of its most biodiverse. Over 1,200 species of fish, 200+ species of coral, with 10% of those species found nowhere else on earth. This is not a generic beach destination: it is one of the planet's premier marine ecosystems, accessible from world-class resort infrastructure and combining naturally with the monuments of the Nile Valley.

Hurghada sits on Egypt's mainland Red Sea coast, 3–4 hours south of Luxor — the natural conclusion to a Nile Valley tour. Family-friendly, competitively priced, and set around a beautiful bay with easy snorkelling access. Sharm El Sheikh occupies the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula — quieter, more upscale, and the gateway to Ras Mohammed National Park, the SS Thistlegorm wreck, and the Straits of Tiran.

At Egypt Tours by Locals, we design Red Sea extensions to the Nile circuit — combining Hurghada with a Nile cruise, or Sharm El Sheikh with a Cairo and Sinai cultural itinerary, guided by specialist local operators.

Year-round
Diving season in the Red Sea
1,200+
Marine species in the Red Sea
4.8★
Average Red Sea rating

\"The Red Sea is the perfect end to any Egypt itinerary. Three days in Hurghada after the Nile cruise — snorkelling at the Giftun Islands, a desert safari into the Eastern Desert, watching the sun set over the Red Sea after two weeks of ancient history — there is nothing like it. The sea is extraordinary.\"

👨‍🏫
Magdy Fattouh
Senior Egyptologist · Cairo University, History & Archaeology
20+ yrs experience Cairo University Red Sea and Sinai Tours specialist 1,000+ tours designed
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Our Red Sea & Sinai Tours

Beach packages, diving excursions, snorkelling day trips, and desert safaris. All can be combined with a Nile Valley itinerary into a complete Egypt experience.

A wonderful shot of a tourist while diving from one of the beaches of Giftun Island

Hurghada Snorkeling Excursion to Sharm El Naga Bay or Giftun Island

From$75
6 Hours
Availability : Everyday
Join us for an unforgettable day of snorkeling in the breathtaking Red Sea! Choose between two spectacular destinations: Sharm El Naga Bay or Giftun Island. Sharm El Naga Bay boasts crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, perfect for exploring a diverse underwater world filled with colorful fish and marine life. With shallow waters ideal for families and activities like beach volleyball and camel rides, there’s fun for everyone. Alternatively, head to Giftun Island, a national park known for its stunning reefs and rich marine ecosystem. Just a short boat ride away, you can enjoy snorkeling, water sports, and a delicious open buffet lunch on board while keeping an eye out for dolphins. Whichever destination you choose, your day will be filled with adventure and relaxation. After your experience, we’ll conveniently transfer you back to your hotel in Hurghada. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity!
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A great shot of a beautiful girl from one of Luxor Temples

Full Day Luxor Tour from Hurghada by Car

From$125
12 Hours
Availability : Everyday
Join us for an unforgettable day trip from Hurghada to Luxor! Your adventure begins with a comfortable, private transfer to Luxor, taking in breathtaking views along the way. Begin your exploration on the West Bank with a visit to the Valley of the Kings, where you’ll discover the ornate tombs of legendary pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. Be amazed by the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural marvel perched on dramatic cliffs. Next, gaze at the Colossi of Memnon, colossal statues that reflect the grandeur of ancient Egypt. After a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the East Bank to explore the vast Karnak Temple Complex, a pivotal site in Luxor’s history. End your day at Luxor Temple, a stunning testament to the religious practices of ages past. Return to your Hurghada hotel filled with memories of this incredible trip!
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A wonderful shot of St. Catherines Monastery with the Moses Mountains from the outside

Overnight Tour to St Catherine & Moses Mount from Sharm

From$450
2 Days
Availability : Everyday
Embark on an unforgettable two-day adventure to St. Catherine, starting with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. Enjoy a drive through the stunning landscape of the Sinai Peninsula before arriving at Mount Moses for an evening hike. During the ascent, watch the stunning sunset over the Sinai Mountains, capturing the perfect moment before settling into one of the camps for a night under the stars. The next day, wake up early to watch the sunrise from the summit, then have breakfast at the campsite. Explore the historic St. Catherine’s Monastery, home to stunning architecture and ancient artifacts. After lunch and some free time, return to Sharm El Sheikh, filled with unforgettable memories from this wonderful trip.
(15 Reviews)
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Top Sites & Experiences

The Best of Red Sea and Sinai Tours

Eight essential experiences for every red sea and sinai visitor — with insider guidance on timing, context, and what your Egyptologist guide can show you that no itinerary can replace.

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Hurghada — Red Sea Mainland

Egypt's largest Red Sea resort — 40km of coastline, world-class hotels, easy snorkelling directly from the beach. Orange Bay (Giftun Islands) is often called the \"Maldives of Egypt\" for its turquoise water and white sand. 3–4 hours from Luxor — the natural add-on to any Nile cruise itinerary.

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Ras Mohammed National Park

Egypt's first national marine park, established 1983 — at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Shark Reef, Yolanda Reef (named for a 1980 cargo wreck), Jackfish Alley, and Anemone City are among the most celebrated dive sites in the world. Over 1,000 species of fish, 150 species of coral.

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SS Thistlegorm Wreck

A British cargo ship sunk by German bombers in 1941, now lying 30m below the Red Sea surface — motorcycles, military vehicles, and ammunition still in the hold. Consistently ranked among the top 10 dive sites in the world. Accessed from Sharm El Sheikh on a day liveaboard trip.

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Straits of Tiran

Four reefs in the narrow strait between the Sinai Peninsula and Saudi Arabia — Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon (with its famous grounded cargo ship). Extraordinary biodiversity including hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and vast shoals of barracuda.

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Blue Hole, Dahab

The most legendary dive site in Egypt — a vertical sinkhole dropping 130m, linked to the open sea by a 26m tunnel at 52m depth. Famous for its atmosphere, its surreal beauty, and its dangerous reputation for divers who exceed their abilities. Incredible snorkelling on the rim.

⛰️

Mount Sinai & St. Catherine's Monastery

One of the most historically significant mountains in the world — 2,285m above sea level, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments. The sunrise hike (2–3 hours) is extraordinary. St. Catherine's Monastery at the base, founded in the 4th century CE, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site still in operation today.

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Desert Safaris (Hurghada & Sharm)

The Eastern Desert (from Hurghada) and Sinai Desert (from Sharm) offer quad biking, 4x4 safaris, camel rides, and Bedouin village dinners under the stars. A completely different Egypt experience combining sea and desert in a single day.

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Dolphin Reef & Giftun Islands

Dolphin Reef (Hurghada) offers snorkelling with wild dolphins in their natural environment. Orange Bay on the Giftun Islands — the \"Egyptian Maldives\" — is accessible by boat with extraordinary visibility and shallow coral gardens perfect for beginners and families.

Planning Your Visit

Practical Tips for Red Sea and Sinai Tours

Timing, logistics, and insider knowledge from our Egyptologists and local specialists.

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Hurghada vs Sharm — Which to Choose

Choose Hurghada if you want: value, variety, family-friendly beaches, and easy combination with a Nile cruise from Luxor (3–4 hour drive). Choose Sharm El Sheikh if you want: world's best diving, calmer upscale atmosphere, and access to Ras Mohammed National Park and the SS Thistlegorm wreck. For diving or snorkelling as the primary purpose, Sharm wins. For a relaxed beach add-on to the Nile circuit, Hurghada is the natural choice.

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Best Time for Red Sea

Diving: excellent year-round. Summer (July–September) offers the best underwater visibility and calmest seas — though it's hot on land. Beach and sightseeing: October–April for comfortable temperatures. December–February is peak season for combining the Nile Valley with the Red Sea coast.

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Note on Sinai Entry

Sharm El Sheikh has a special entry arrangement — travellers arriving directly by flight receive a free entry stamp valid for the Sinai tourist areas only. If you also plan to visit Cairo and Luxor, you need a standard Egyptian visa. All Egypt Tours by Locals Red Sea packages include clear visa guidance for your itinerary.

🔀

Combining with the Nile

Hurghada is the most popular Red Sea destination to combine with a Nile cruise — just 3–4 hours by road from Luxor. A typical combination: 2 days Cairo + 4-night Nile cruise (Luxor to Aswan) + 3 days Hurghada. This covers ancient monuments, the Nile, and the Red Sea in a complete 9-day Egypt experience.

Traveller Reviews

What Guests Say About Our Red Sea and Sinai Tours

Real reviews from real guests — verified on TripAdvisor and Google.

★★★★★

We added 3 days in Hurghada at the end of our Nile cruise and it was the perfect conclusion. Two weeks of ancient monuments, then 3 days in a completely different Egypt — snorkelling at Orange Bay (genuinely like the Maldives), a desert safari into the Eastern Desert at sunset, and incredibly comfortable beach resort time. The contrast with the Nile Valley made both experiences better. Highly recommend combining them.

🇬🇧
Tom & Rachel H.
Bristol, UK · Nile Cruise + Hurghada Extension
★★★★★

We came specifically for the diving — Ras Mohammed and the Thistlegorm wreck. Both are absolutely extraordinary. The Thistlegorm in particular: swimming through a cargo hold with wartime motorcycles still upright on the deck after 80 years is one of the most surreal and beautiful experiences I've ever had underwater. Our dive guide from Egypt Tours by Locals was excellent. We will return for the Blue Hole in Dahab next year.

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Stefan & Claudia W.
Frankfurt, DE · Sharm El Sheikh Diving Trip
★★★★★

We did 14 days: 2 Cairo, 3 Nile cruise, 2 Aswan with Abu Simbel, 3 Hurghada, 2 Sharm. The variety of experiences in one trip was extraordinary. The Red Sea after all those ancient sites was revelatory — snorkelling in 28°C water with visibility like glass, surrounded by fish species I'd only seen in documentaries. Egypt Tours by Locals managed the entire logistics chain between all 5 destinations without a single hiccup.

🇦🇺
Sophie & Mark L.
Melbourne, AU · Complete Egypt + Red Sea
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs — Red Sea and Sinai Tours

Egypt's finest diving is concentrated around Sharm El Sheikh (Sinai Peninsula): Ras Mohammed National Park, the SS Thistlegorm wreck, and the Straits of Tiran are world-class. Hurghada offers excellent diving at Giftun Islands and Sha'ab Abu Nuhas. Dahab's Blue Hole is legendary. Marsa Alam in southern Egypt is particularly good for encountering turtles and dugongs. For beginner and intermediate divers, both Hurghada and Sharm offer excellent PADI/SSI dive courses with English-speaking instructors.
Absolutely. The Red Sea's shallow coral reefs are extraordinary for snorkelling — visible from the surface in clear water with excellent visibility. Glass-bottom boat tours, semi-submarine experiences, and guided snorkelling trips are available at all skill levels. Hurghada's Giftun Islands (Orange Bay) is particularly suitable for non-divers. Desert safaris, camel rides, quad biking, and Bedouin dinners are all excellent alternatives to marine activities.
Both cities have international airports with direct flights from Cairo (approximately 1 hour). Hurghada is also accessible by road from Luxor (3–4 hours) — making it ideal as an end to a Nile cruise itinerary. Sharm El Sheikh is on the Sinai Peninsula with its own international airport. Egypt Tours by Locals arranges all transfers, flights, and logistics between destinations.
Yes. St. Catherine's Monastery is approximately 2–2.5 hours from Sharm El Sheikh by private vehicle. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site still operated by Greek Orthodox monks, housing one of the world's oldest libraries. The Mount Sinai sunrise hike departs at midnight for a 2–3 hour ascent, arriving at the summit for dawn. Egypt Tours by Locals arranges the full excursion including guide and transport.
Yes — especially Hurghada. The shallow, calm bays are ideal for children learning to swim and snorkel. Glass-bottom boats provide underwater viewing without getting in the water. Orange Bay (Giftun Islands) has gentle, clear shallow water perfect for families. Hurghada has water parks, dolphin shows, and beach clubs with children's facilities. Sharm El Sheikh is also family-friendly though slightly more resort-focused.

Plan Your Red Sea & Sinai Experience

Tell us whether you prefer Hurghada, Sharm, or both — we'll design your Red Sea extension or standalone beach itinerary within 24 hours.

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