Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Egypt's coastline spans the Mediterranean Sea in the north and the Red Sea in the east, plus the Sinai Peninsula shores on the Gulf of Aqaba and Gulf of Suez. The Red Sea coast is world-renowned for diving and snorkelling, with some of the planet's healthiest coral reefs and clearest waters. Resort towns like Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam draw millions of visitors, while the Sinai's Dahab offers a more laid-back alternative.
The Red Sea coast features coral reef systems directly accessible from shore, warm year-round temperatures, and exceptional underwater visibility (often 30+ metres). The Mediterranean coast near Alexandria offers different character—sandy beaches, cooler water, and Egyptian summer holiday culture. The Sinai combines desert mountains with coral-fringed shores.
Egypt's best beaches are on the Red Sea coast: Dahab (diving and the Blue Hole), Marsa Alam (dugongs and pristine reefs), Sharm el-Sheikh (Ras Mohammed National Park), and Hurghada (resort beaches and diving). The Mediterranean coast has Alexandria's beaches.
Most tourists can get a visa on arrival ($25) or an eVisa at visa2egypt.gov.eg. The tourist visa is valid for 30 days. Some nationalities require advance visa arrangements.
Red Sea diving is excellent year-round. Water temperatures range from 21°C (winter) to 28°C (summer). March to May and September to November offer the best conditions: warm water, excellent visibility, and fewer crowds. Summer is hottest but water conditions are good.
Egypt's Red Sea resort areas (Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Dahab) are generally safe for tourists with well-established security. Always check your government's travel advisories for the latest information, particularly regarding the Sinai Peninsula.
