Why it matters
After days of temples and tombs, many travellers finish on the Red Sea. The water is warm, visibility is excellent, and the reefs are some of the best in the world.
Choosing a base
- Hurghada. The largest resort area, well connected by air. Many hotels and many boat trips.
- Marsa Alam. Further south and quieter, with reefs close to shore and a chance to see turtles and, sometimes, dugongs.
- Sharm el-Sheikh. On the Sinai peninsula, with major resorts and access to Ras Mohammed National Park.
- Dahab. A relaxed, low-key town popular with divers and freedivers.
Planning notes
- Check flight connections: Luxor and Cairo both link to Hurghada and Sharm, and Marsa Alam has its own airport.
- If you do not dive, snorkelling off a boat is excellent. Ask us about the best reef trip.
- Respect the reef: no touching coral.
How we plan it
We choose the base by how you like to rest: lively resort, quiet reef, or lazy beach, then connect it to your itinerary.