Why the Red Sea around Hurghada is so special: warm, clear water, vivid coral reefs, sandy islands, and wild dolphins, all year round.
Hurghada sits on the edge of the Red Sea, one of the warmest and clearest seas on earth. Just minutes from shore you find vivid coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, sandy islands, and wild dolphins. It is one of the easiest places in the world to swap the city for open water.
Why the Red Sea is so warm and clear
The Red Sea is almost enclosed and sits in a warm, dry part of the world, so it stays warm for most of the year. There are very few rivers flowing into it, which keeps the water clear and salty. That clarity is why visibility while snorkeling is often excellent, and why the colors look so bright.
What lives in the Red Sea
The reefs here are alive with color. You can expect clownfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, angelfish, and many more, along with sea turtles and the occasional ray. Pods of wild dolphins roam the open water near reefs like Dolphin House. We cover the marine life in more detail in our Red Sea fish guide.
Best things to do on the Red Sea in Hurghada
- Snorkel the coral reefs and meet the fish up close.
- Relax on white sand islands like Orange Island and Hula Hula.
- Search for wild dolphins on a Dolphin House trip.
- Escape the crowds in the calm lagoon at Magawish Island.
When to visit Hurghada
Hurghada is a year round destination. Spring and autumn are warm and comfortable, summer is hot and perfect for the water, and even winter days are usually mild and sunny. Mornings on the water tend to be the calmest.
However you spend it, the Red Sea is the reason people fall in love with Hurghada. A private speedboat is the most relaxed way to see the best of it in a single morning.
