Safaga Guide: Diving, Kitesurfing, Beaches & Day Trips

Discover Safaga

Safaga is a port town on the Red Sea coast about fifty kilometres south of Hurghada, famous for diving, kite and windsurfing and healing black sand. The sea is usually calm and clean, the wind steady, and the reefs hold corals, turtles and dolphins. The hotels stand in the Soma Bay area about ten kilometres north of Safaga and in the town itself, a port that behaves like a real Egyptian town. For divers Safaga is the base for Panorama Reef and the wreck of the Salem Express, for windsurfers the conditions are ideal from spring to autumn, and for everyone else it is a calm place without crowds. From Hurghada it is about an hour by car, along the coastal road from the airport, where hotel bays alternate with desert. Safaga is cheaper than Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, but the choice of evening entertainment is more modest, so it suits an active holiday. Citizens of the EU need a visa, arranged electronically or at the airport.

What to see

The places worth your time in Safaga, and what to expect at each

Kite and Windsurfing at Soma Bay

Soma Bay

Soma Bay and the area around Safaga are among the best places in Egypt for kitesurfing and windsurfing thanks to a steady northerly wind and a shallow lagoon. The school and equipment hire are right on the beach. Beginners learn in the calm shallows and the advanced on the open sea.

Tip: The wind is strongest in the afternoon, so beginners should go out in the morning. Ask the school whether it holds IKO or VDWS certification.

Admission:: lessons from €70
Time needed:: half a day

Panorama Reef

off Safaga

A reef off Safaga with coral walls, shoals of fish and turtles, the most popular dive site in the area. Depth ranges from five to thirty metres and conditions suit beginners too. It can also be snorkelled from a boat.

Tip: Morning trips are calmer with better visibility. Ask the dive centre about current conditions.

Admission:: trip from €40
Time needed:: half a day

The Salem Express Wreck

south of Safaga

The wreck of a ferry that sank in 1991 with the loss of hundreds of lives. It lies at a depth of ten to thirty-two metres and is among the most visited wrecks in the Red Sea. It is a grave, so it is not entered and is dived with respect.

Tip: Dive only with a licensed boat and respect the site — do not take objects. It is not suitable for beginners.

Admission:: trip from €70
Time needed:: full day

Safaga Island (Paradise Island)

off Safaga

A small island offshore with a white beach and a coral reef, reached by boat on a full-day trip. The sea is clear, you snorkel, play volleyball and lunch is served on the island. It is the most popular excursion from the hotels.

Tip: Choose a smaller boat with an early departure, as groups are noisy. Bring sun protection, as there is no shade on the island.

Admission:: from €30
Time needed:: full day

Black Sand Therapy

by the coast

Safaga is known for healing baths in black sand, which is warmed by the sun and used for rheumatism and skin conditions such as psoriasis. Treatment lasts several days and is carried out by specialised centres. Many hotels offer wellness packages.

Tip: Consult a doctor before treatment, as heat can worsen some problems. The best time is autumn and spring, when the temperature is not extreme.

Admission:: from €30
Time needed:: 2 hrs

Mons Claudianus

Eastern Desert

A Roman quarry in the Eastern Desert about sixty kilometres from the coast, from which grey granite was mined for imperial buildings in Rome. The workers' town, a temple and broken columns survive. It is an adventurous desert trip.

Tip: Set off early and go with a licensed driver in an off-road vehicle. Bring water, a head covering and sunglasses, as there are no services on site.

Admission:: trip from €60
Time needed:: full day

The Old Harbour and Market

Safaga town

The town of Safaga with its port, from which ferries sail to Saudi Arabia, and a market selling fruit, spices and everyday goods. It is an authentic look at daily life. It is not a tourist spot, which is its charm.

Tip: Visit in the morning, when the market is liveliest, and ask locals where to shop. Pay in EGP and bring small change.

Admission:: free
Time needed:: 1–2 hrs

Dolphins and Snorkelling

Red Sea

Dolphins live in the bays around Safaga and accompany boats on full-day trips. Snorkelling with dolphins is regulated and takes place only with a licensed operator. It is a trip for those who want to experience nature.

Tip: Choose an operator that follows the protection rules. Do not touch the animals and do not chase them with the boat.

Admission:: from €40
Time needed:: full day

El Quseir (day trip)

south of Safaga

An old Red Sea port about eighty kilometres south of Safaga with an Ottoman fort and quiet beaches. It is a calmer alternative to the tourist resorts and suits a morning trip. The fort is a small museum of the history of trade.

Tip: The road runs along the coast and takes an hour. Stop at the fort, then for a fish lunch in the harbour.

Admission:: about 70 EGP
Time needed:: half a day

Photos: The Salem Express Wreck — Thomei08 (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Safaga Island (Paradise Island) — Joachim Greiner (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Mons Claudianus — Хрюша (CC BY-SA 3.0) · The Old Harbour and Market — User:MatthiasKabel (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Where to stay

Areas and districts, matched to the kind of trip you are taking

Soma Bay

Best for: hotels and kite, calm

A peninsula about ten kilometres north of Safaga with hotels, golf and beaches. It is the best place for kitesurfers and for those who want calm in an enclosed zone. A taxi takes you to town.

Safaga town

Best for: authentic Egypt

A port town with hostels, small hotels and a market. Prices are lower and the atmosphere authentic, but the choice of entertainment is limited. Suits travellers who want to get to know Egypt.

Coast north of Safaga

Best for: beachfront hotels

A strip of hotels along the beaches between Soma Bay and the town, with all-inclusive and house reefs. It is calm and has a wide choice of accommodation. A good choice for families and divers.

Safaga Port (surroundings)

Best for: the harbour and ferries

The area around the port, from which ferries sail to Saudi Arabia. It is noisier with traffic and has fewer tourists. Suits only the undemanding.

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Getting around

From the airport

The nearest airport is Hurghada (HRG), about sixty kilometres north, served by charter flights from Europe. The transfer to a hotel takes an hour and is arranged by the tour operator or a taxi. Marsa Alam airport (RMF) is a hundred and fifty kilometres away. Buses run from Hurghada to Safaga several times a day.

Hurghada International Airport (HRG) · 60 km

Tour operator transfer· 1 hr
Taxi to the hotel· 1 hr· 700 EGP
Private transfer· 1 hr· €35

Around town

Hotels in Soma Bay and the area lie far apart, so you cannot manage without transport. Taxis and hotel shuttles run between the hotels and the town, with the price agreed in advance. Buses run from the town to Hurghada. Excursions are arranged by dive centres and travel agencies.

TaxiFrom hotels to Safaga and on excursions, agree the price in advance. · 300 EGP

Hotel shuttleTo town and to the dive centres. · €10

Bus to HurghadaSeveral times a day from the bus station. · 50 EGP

On footAround the hotel bay and along the beach.

Useful apps: Google Maps, Uber, Careem, Maps.me

When to go

Safaga has a desert climate with minimal rain and a steady wind. The summer is hot at around thirty-nine degrees, but the wind refreshes. In winter it is about twenty-four degrees and the sea twenty-two. The best time for diving and kitesurfing is March to November.

Best time

March to November

What to avoid

January and February (cooler sea)

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Day	23°	24°	27°	32°	36°	38°	39°	38°	37°	33°	28°	24°
Night	13°	14°	16°	20°	24°	26°	27°	27°	26°	22°	17°	14°
Rainy days	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Sea	22°	22°	22°	23°	25°	26°	28°	29°	28°	27°	25°	23°

Food & drink

In Safaga you eat in hotels: buffets, à la carte restaurants and beach bars. In town are small eateries with Egyptian food, where you eat for a hundred to two hundred EGP. Fish restaurants in the harbour offer fresh catches.

What to try

Fresh Red Sea fish

Grilled fish with lemon and rice, chosen straight from the ice. In the harbour restaurants it is priced by weight and fresh.

Ful medames

Stewed fava beans with olive oil, lemon and cumin, served for breakfast with bread. The basis of an Egyptian breakfast.

Koshari

Egypt's national dish: rice, lentils, pasta and chickpeas with tomato sauce. A cheap and filling meal for forty to a hundred EGP.

Ta'meya

Egyptian falafel of fava beans, fried and served in pitta. Street stalls sell it from early morning.

Shawarma

Sliced meat from a rotating spit in pitta with vegetables. A cheap meal for sixty to a hundred EGP.

Karkadé

Hibiscus tea served hot or cold, a staple drink of Egypt.

Egyptian sweets

Baklava, basbousa and kunafa, sweet desserts with honey and nuts. Served with tea.

What it costs

1.5 L water

10–15 EGP

Lunch in a local eatery

100–200 EGP

Diving (2 dives)

€50–70

Kitesurfing lesson

€70–100

Safaga Island (trip)

€30–45

Taxi from the airport

700 EGP

4★ all-inclusive hotel (night)

€50–100

Black sand treatment

€30

Indicative prices that change over time — treat them as a guide, not a price list.

Practical information

SocketsCEuroplug, two round pinsFSchuko

Voltage220V / 50Hz

Tap waterDo not drink tap water — Tap water in Egypt is not for drinking. Bottled water is cheap and hotels provide it free.

TippingTipping (baksheesh) is expected in Egypt: a few EGP for restaurant staff, 20–50 EGP for housekeeping and dive instructors. In all-inclusive hotels it is given according to satisfaction.

Driving on theright

SafetySafaga is safe, but in the sea watch for currents, wind and coral — wear water shoes. For diving choose licensed centres. The sun is strong, so use protection. The emergency number is 122.

Opening hoursHotels run around the clock. Shops in town open around nine and close after ten. On Friday they are closed until noon. Dive centres set out in the morning.

Customs & etiquetteIn Egypt dress modestly outside the hotel: shoulders and knees covered. Alcohol is served only in hotels. When diving do not touch coral or animals.

A few local wordsHello — Marhaba / As-salamu alaykumThank you — ShukranPlease — Min fadlakHow much is it? — Bikam da?No, thank you — La, shukranCheers — Fi sihhatakWhere is the toilet? — Fein el-hammam?

How to plan your days

1 day

A day in Safaga

1Morning breakfast and a kite or windsurfing lesson.
2Afternoon pool and beach.
3Early evening a stroll around the bay.
4Evening fish dinner.

2 days

Two days: sea and island

1Day one as above.
2Day two a boat trip to Safaga Island with snorkelling.
3Afternoon wellness.
4Evening relaxing by the sea.

3 days

Three days: diving and surroundings

1Days one and two as above.
2Day three two dives on Panorama Reef.
3Afternoon the market in town.
4Evening return to the hotel.

Day trips

Luxor

220 km · 3.5 hrs by car

The Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Luxor Temple. The road runs through the desert via Qena and the trip is long; it is worth it as a full day with an early start.

Hurghada

60 km · 1 hr by car

The Red Sea's largest resort with a marina, bazaar and aquarium. It suits half a day or an evening.

El Quseir

80 km · 1 hr by car

An old port with an Ottoman fort and quiet beaches, an hour away by car along the coast. It suits a morning trip.

Frequently asked questions

Is Safaga suitable for families?+

Yes, the hotels have kids' clubs and the shallow beach suits children. Soma Bay is calm and enclosed and offers house reefs. For kitesurfing the afternoon wind suits, and mornings are calm.

How do I get from Hurghada airport to Safaga?+

About an hour by car along the coast, with a transfer arranged by the tour operator or a taxi for seven hundred EGP. Buses run from the bus station in Hurghada. A private transfer costs about thirty-five euros.

When is the best time to stay?+

March to November, when the sea is warm and the wind steady for kitesurfing. In summer it is hot at around thirty-nine degrees, but the wind refreshes. In winter the sea can be cooler.

Is the Salem Express wreck suitable for beginners?+

No, it lies at a depth of ten to thirty-two metres and experience is needed. It is also the grave of hundreds of people, so it is dived with respect and nothing is taken. Choose a licensed dive boat.

Do I need a visa for Egypt?+

Yes, citizens of the EU need a visa, arranged electronically in advance or at the airport for about twenty-five dollars. The passport must be valid for at least six months. Conditions change, so check with your foreign ministry.

How does black sand therapy work?+

The sand is warmed by the sun and the patient is buried in it for twenty to thirty minutes. It is used for rheumatism and skin conditions. Consult a doctor and choose a licensed centre.

What does diving cost?+

Two dives from a boat cost roughly fifty to seventy euros including equipment. A beginners' course costs around a hundred euros. Prices vary by centre.

Is Safaga safe?+

Yes, it is a calm town and hotel zone. The main risks are sun, currents and wind at sea. On excursions use licensed operators.

Visa Requirements

Check the latest visa requirements for entering this country. Some nationalities may need to apply for a visa or e-visa before travel.

Check visa requirements

Emergency Numbers

Police122 Ambulance123 Fire180

Language

Arabic

Currency

EGP

Timezone

Africa/Cairo

Dial Code

+20

Population

104M

Area

1,001,450 km²

Voltage

220V / 50Hz

Driving Side

Right

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