A well-known resort on the Red Sea 240 mi/385 km southeast of Cairo, Hurghada has a beautiful crescent-shaped bay, rugged mountains and good beaches, but the main attraction is a nearby coral reef—one of the finest in the world.
Local dive centers accommodate both snorkelers and scuba divers. Deep-sea fishing and other watersports are also popular. Just 3 mi/5 km north of town is the Marine Museum. It has excellent ocean and fish life—plan on spending at least two hours to see the museum.
There are also a number of good to excellent resorts near Hurghada. About 33 mi/53 km south is Safaga, which also has coral reefs. Nearby Soma Bay has more pristine beaches, watersports and an international-quality golf course.
