Discover the best beaches in Hurghada, from Orange Bay and Mahmya to Paradise Island. Compare the top beach spots and plan your perfect Red Sea getaway with Cruisara.
Blessed with waters as bright and red as a piece of ripe fruit, Hurghada has captured tourists from all over the world. For those that are coming from Europe or any place in the world, you should not have to spend hours sifting through the negative and positive reviews or outdated blog posts in search of the best beaches in Hurghada.
Follow this guide to maneuver through the public shores, private resort stretches, and islands to explore by boat that are making this coastline one of the world's most raved about.
Why Hurghada Is Home to Some of Egypt's Best Beaches
There is one thing that is better than almost anything else in the coastal holiday town of Hurghada, and that is the amount of sunshine that it experiences, as well as the water temperature never falling below journey and swimming level.
The Red Sea here is famous for a beautiful supply of coral reefs that lie just meters and feet from the shoreline, calm bays that are insulated from the powerful currents, and soft, golden sand on the mainland and powdery white on the outlying islands.
With a well developed tourist area, great hotel transfers, and a balance of affordable public beaches and five-star resort beaches, it is evident why it remains one of the best beaches in Hurghada to visit again and again.
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Map of the Best Beaches in Hurghada
It will be helpful to visualize everything you need before you put any part of your bag together. The best beaches in Hurghada map often divide the city into a few basic areas a few kilometers apart in the coastal direction.
- Downtown and El Mamsha have public beaches and the Old Vic Beach Hurghada.
- To the south, down to Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay with resort strips and unpretentious coves to enjoy the calm swimming waters.
- The Marina area where boats leave every day for Mahmya, Orange Bay and Paradise Island.
Best Public vs Private Beaches in Hurghada
Egypt is not known for its free beaches. Even public ones will require a small fee for entrance, which in turn is good for purchasing a sunbed and a more reasonable price for the day than paying for a resort day pass.
The point of comparison between the best public beaches in Hurghada and private ones might be determined on a cost, crowd and facility basis rather than a quality of the seaside basis.
Beach
Type
Entry Fee
Best For
Old Vic Beach Hurghada
Public
Low fee
Families, casual swimmers
Public Beach No. 9
Public
Low fee
Water sports, groups
Dreams Beach Hurghada
Private resort
Day pass fee
Shore snorkeling, couples
Sahl Hasheesh resorts
Private
Day pass or hotel stay
Luxury loungers
Mahmya Beach
Island, boat trip
Included in boat tour
Day trips, snorkeling
On Fridays and local holidays the quality public beaches become extremely crowded, whereas private ones remain less crowded but it is advisable to ask for a higher day use fee.
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Best Beaches for Snorkeling
If you're only snorkeling as part of this experience, it brings a few names to mind. The protected marine park of Giftun Island makes Mahmya Beach a great choice and the reef off its shore is one of the healthiest along Hurghada, perfect for swimmers who prefer to have real coral in front of them rather than a swimming pool view.
Orange Beach Hurghada is typically angled and combined with adjacent Hula Hula Island within the same boat ride, as the 2 are located side by side and are often paired as a stop, providing a shallow lagoon and a short boat ride to any of the nearby reefs.
Dreams Beach Hurghada also has a house reef that is so close that you can see and reach it without getting in the water.
Best Beaches for Families
When taking kids along, you're searching for things like shallow entry, calm water and something to keep everyone occupied until they're back in the pool.
Best beaches in hurghada specially the Old Vic fits the bill for most of these requirements: soft sand, rent a sunbed and the water is mellow, with slow-moving waves near the coast, making it ideal for families. Also, Public Beach No. 9 is great too because no one loves a break from the sun without a beach break.
- Old Vic Beach Hurghada: mild water and an easy long beach
- Favored Public Beach No. 9: food stands and shaded rest rooms
- Resort beaches in Makadi Bay: shallow coves and kids' activities
Best Beaches for Couples
If you are looking for a more quiet and romantic area, private beaches on resort islands and outer islands are helpful.
Paradise Island is a step up from other boat trip islands in terms of atmosphere and price and is one of my favorites, with turquoise waters and less hustle and bustle than Orange Bay, perfect for couples who prefer a quieter afternoon getaway from the larger groups.
Also, Dreams Beach Hurghada stretches are perfect for a relaxed stroll down the beach, and the private beach areas around Sahl Hasheesh provide cabanas and tranquil corners that don't get crowded easily.
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Best Time to Visit Hurghada's Beaches
There is almost no bad month to visit the Red Sea as the water temperature is around 27 degrees Celsius year round. However, the sitting period from March to May and September to November is the most comfortable combination of sunshine and temperature, with no extreme heat during the day like the temperature during July and August.
For those who want to travel during the months when the beaches are not so crowded and the temperature is not so extreme, these months make great options to schedule your vacation around the best beaches in Hurghada.
Beach Safety Tips
There are a few simple things that make any glide to the beach easier, particularly for a visitor from outside Egypt.
- Take reef safe sunscreen and reapply regularly since this sun is stronger than it feels.
- Use water shoes when entering on rocks or at the edge of reefs.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid direct exposure to the sun from 12 noon till 3pm.
- Sweatshirts are welcome in private waters.
- Explore reef areas only with the guidance or certification of a guide or center if they are not familiar to you.
- Always store valuables in lockers or with a trusted tour operator during boat trips.
Which Beach Is Right for You?
There are a lot of best beaches in Hurghada, so the question of which ones to choose depends on your travel style. Looking for an inexpensive day nearby the hotel? Either Old Vic beach Hurghada or Public Beach No. 9 can get the job done.
Looking for corals and colorful fish? Head towards either Mahmya Beach or Orange Beach Hurghada. Traveling as a couple and want something just a little more exclusive? Explore Paradise Island for the more laid-back ambiance and upscale vibe.
Book Your Red Sea Beach Adventure with Cruisara
Instead of searching for beaches here and there, look no further than the all-in-one beach day package at Cruisara offers an awesome sea journey through the Red Sea, as searching for the best beaches in Hurghada seems like a piece of cake the moment you click the first time. Most trips include:
- From anywhere in Hurghada, you will be picked up and dropped off at the hotel.
- Easy cruise to Orange Bay, Hula Hula, Mahmya Beach or the more exclusive Paradise Island.
- Two snorkeling sites with snorkeling equipment available
- A buffet luncheon on board followed by complimentary soft drinks served throughout the day.
- The optional extras available include parasailing, a private speedboat and sunset sailings.
Everything is pre-arranged, so all you have to do is take your sunscreen and good appetite for the rest of the day with you.