Middle East › Egypt › Hurghada
Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt
Crystal-clear Red Sea waters meet the Sahara Desert at Hurghada — Egypt's premier resort coast and the closest cruise port to the ancient wonders of Luxor.
Crystal-clear Red Sea waters meet the Sahara Desert at Hurghada — Egypt's premier resort coast and the closest cruise port to the ancient wonders of Luxor.
Ships dock directly at Hurghada Port, a secured commercial zone in the central Sekala (Sakkala) district, beside the Marina.
💡 Pro move: If taking a local taxi, agree on the fare (and currency) in writing before you get in — orange-and-blue taxis do not use meters for tourists.
Hurghada Port is a direct-docking facility upgraded under a 2024 AD Ports Group concession; tendering is not used.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (MSC, Costa, Aroya, Ponant) | Hurghada Port quay, Sekala district📍 | Docked |
| Expedition / small ship operators | Hurghada Port quay📍 | Docked |
From reef snorkeling to ancient pharaonic temples, Hurghada punches well above its resort-town size.
Boat trip to the protected Giftun Islands National Park — shallow coral gardens, brilliant reef fish, and powdery white sand in water that reads almost Caribbean. Masks and fins usually included.
Find Giftun Island snorkeling tours →A 3.5–4 hr desert drive brings you to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings — the greatest open-air museum on Earth. Only realistic if your ship is in port 12+ hours; book ship-sponsored tours so the vessel waits if you're delayed.
Find Luxor day trip tours →ATV or 4x4 jeep into the Eastern Desert, followed by a camel ride, Bedouin village visit, mint tea, and a traditional dinner show under the stars.
Find desert safari tours →Buy a day pass at a Red Sea resort (Steigenberger Al Dau, Marriott Red Sea, or similar) for private beach access, sunbeds, and pool — the cleanest and most hassle-free way to enjoy the water without a tour.
Search Hurghada resort day passes →A real submarine descends about 22 metres into the Red Sea so non-swimmers and families can witness the coral reef and its tropical fish in comfort — no wetsuit required. Note: Sindbad submarine tours have been suspended since a fatal 2025 incident — confirm operations have resumed before booking.
Find Sindbad submarine tours →Hurghada's port zone is industrial and best avoided on foot — take a taxi or shuttle to the Marina and walk from there.
A pedestrian-only promenade lined with yachts, cafes, and souvenir shops. Hassle-free zone with no aggressive street vendors — the most relaxed walk in the city.
📍 Open in MapsThe authentic, lived-in heart of Hurghada, about 7 km north of the port in the old town. Browse the fruit market, haggle for spices and leather in the traditional souq, and visit the landmark El Mina Mosque.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 69°F / 21°C | 56°F / 13°C | 0 | 6:36 AM | 5:12 PM |
| Feb | 71°F / 22°C | 58°F / 14°C | 0 | 6:21 AM | 5:36 PM |
| Mar | 76°F / 24°C | 62°F / 17°C | 0 | 5:54 AM | 5:53 PM |
| Apr | 81°F / 27°C | 68°F / 20°C | 0 | 5:20 AM | 6:09 PM |
| May | 88°F / 31°C | 74°F / 23°C | 0 | 5:56 AM | 7:25 PM |
| Jun | 92°F / 33°C | 79°F / 26°C | 0 | 5:49 AM | 7:40 PM |
| Jul | 94°F / 34°C | 83°F / 28°C | 0 | 6:00 AM | 7:41 PM |
| Aug | 95°F / 35°C | 83°F / 28°C | 0 | 6:16 AM | 7:21 PM |
| Sep | 92°F / 33°C | 80°F / 27°C | 0 | 6:30 AM | 6:49 PM |
| Oct | 86°F / 30°C | 74°F / 23°C | 0 | 6:44 AM | 6:15 PM |
| Nov | 79°F / 26°C | 67°F / 19°C | 0 | 6:05 AM | 4:53 PM |
| Dec | 73°F / 23°C | 60°F / 16°C | 0 | 6:27 AM | 4:52 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Taxis are plentiful at the port but meters are rarely used for tourists. Agree on the fare before you get in and pay in Egyptian Pounds for the best rate.
Ride-hailing apps work well in central Hurghada and offer fixed, transparent fares with no haggling. Book from the port exit where cars can pick up.
Pre-booked private transfers offer air-conditioned vehicles with meet-and-greet service. Good value for groups heading directly to the marina, bazaars, or resorts.
Organized half-day tours cover the Hurghada Marina, Fish Market, Grand Mosque, and bazaars with an English-speaking guide. The most practical way to see the city given no HOHO option.
Ship-organized excursions handle all logistics and guarantee return to the ship before departure. Popular options include Red Sea snorkeling, quad biking, and camel rides in the desert.
Upcoming cruises that call at Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.