Sights & Entertainment

Hurghada’s main attractions are silent and submerged. Red Sea creatures flabbergast in their array of colors, shapes, and sizes. Buck-toothed trigger fish, iridescent parrot fish rays with blue polka dots, sea cucumbers, giant clams, and a million others star in this briny freak show. The shimmering, variegated blues of Hurghada’s waters have been spared the terrors of oil exploration (for the moment anyway), and the shitting colors will woo even the sternest terranean. See Underwater Adventures in Sinai for important general information on snorkeling and scuba diving.

You can reach some of the reefs without a boat. An interesting one lies off the beach to the left of the Sheraton; another lies off the string of beaches at the northern end of town. To reach Hurghada’s most brilliant scenery you must board a barge. The all-day trip to Geftun Island, the most popular excursion, usually includes two one-hour snorkeling stops near the island and a fish meal prepared on the boat during the trip. Be sure to take along a hat, suntan lotion, and potable water.