Things to do in Red Sea

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All about Red Sea

When to visit

Egypt’s Red Sea resorts are popular summer vacation destinations, but temperatures can be oppressively hot in July and August, making desert trips a test of endurance. Fall (September–November) is a great time to visit, with warm seas, sunny days, cooler nights, and fewer crowds. April and May, despite cooler seas, are also good options for sun without the scorch.

Getting around

Intercity buses connect the Red Sea resort towns, but what public transit there is tends to take the form of fixed-route minibusses. These are hard to access unless you speak Arabic. Uber and Middle East rideshare app Careem operate in Hurghada, while some travelers explore Dahab by bike. Elsewhere most visitors rely on taxis, tours, and private drivers. Self-driving is rarely cost-effective and can be risky.

Traveler tips

Clear waters and colorful marine life make the Red Sea a spectacular scuba destination, but Egyptian safety standards could be better. Untrained divers should look for structured experiences in tiny groups, such as PADI’s Discover Scuba Diving and SSI’s Try Scuba.

Travelers who fly into Sharm el Sheikh get a free entry permission stamp. But this only covers Sinai tourist areas, so if you want to see the Giza Pyramids or Luxor, you’ll need a visa.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do if you go to the Red Sea?

The Red Sea, the world’s northernmost tropical sea, offers epic diving and snorkeling, with vibrant marine life and great visibility. Desert safaris are a top choice in all the resort areas. Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh have all the attractions you’d expect of big international resorts, such as water parks.

Is it worth visiting the Red Sea?

Yes. If you’re interested in water sports or jonesing for beach time, a trip to the Red Sea is a must. Red Sea resorts can also provide a great break from ancient sites. Hurghada is about a 4-hour drive from Luxor, home of the Valley of the Kings.

Why is the Red Sea a tourist attraction?

Year-round sunshine, blue skies, and sandy beaches make the Red Sea a top destination for a beach vacation, particularly for Europeans. Scuba divers flock to sites like the Straits of Tiran, Ras Mohammed National Park, the SS Thistlegorm wreck, and the Dahab Blue Hole, while there’s snorkeling and free diving too.

Can you swim in the Red Sea?

Yes. Unlike the Dead Sea, with which it’s sometimes confused, the Red Sea is very much alive. Temperatures range between 70–82°F (21–28°C) depending on the time of year. There are the usual tropical hazards, including sharks and poisonous critters, but statistically, you’re more likely to be killed by a cow.

Is the Red Sea safe for tourists?

Yes. There have been a few well-publicized Red Sea shark attacks, while poisonous wildlife includes stonefish and lionfish, but most snorkeling and dive trips are trouble-free. The Red Sea resorts are safe, but the UK FCO advises against travel to parts of inland Sinai for fear of terrorism.

What country owns the Red Sea?

Most of the Red Sea is classified as international waters, meaning no country owns it. But the 10 nations bordering the Red Sea divide its coastal waters and islands between them. These countries are Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Yemen, Djibouti, and Somalia.

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