If you’re looking for a place that mixes easygoing beach vibes with seriously impressive underwater scenery, Hurghada might surprise you. Sitting along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, it’s one of those destinations where days seem to slow down the moment you arrive. Sunshine, warm water, and the bluest sea you can imagine—it’s the kind of place that makes you forget about your phone and that’s saying something.
We stayed at the magical Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, a resort in Hurghada. It seems brand new and is all individual bungalows (the word doesn’t do these suites justice) either on the beach or just up the hill a bit. Spectacularly manicured, this hotel is amazing. It’s all about being outdoors – even the restaurants are all partially outdoors.
I’d never stayed at an Oberoi property before, I don’t think there are any in the U.S., but if given a choice I’d choose it every time.
One of the best things you can do
while you’re there is take a boat trip out to Mahmya Island. Honestly, the ride itself is part of the experience. We took a brand new high speed speedboat out to Mahmya and it was a blast. You can also take a larger boat, but it will be slower and you’ll likely stop at many hotels on your way.
As Hurghada fades into the background, the water turns brighter and clearer, and you start to feel like you’re heading somewhere special. Mahmya sits within Giftun Island National Park, and the moment you step onto the sand, you feel it – soft white beaches, calm shallow water, and a peaceful, almost postcard-perfect feel.
But let’s talk about the snorkeling,
because that’s the real star of the show. You don’t need to be an expert or swim far to see something incredible. Just slip into the water, put your face down, and suddenly you’re floating over coral reefs bursting with color. Fish of every shape and size zip past—bright blue, yellow, striped, spotted. Parrotfish crunch away at coral, butterflyfish drift by, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of a stingray cruising through like it owns the place. Don’t forget to ask for a life jacket – this way you can just float. No effort.
The coral reefs around Hurghada are what make the Red Sea so famous, and seeing them up close is unforgettable. The water is amazingly clear, so everything feels sharp and close, like you’re swimming through an aquarium—only better, because it’s real. Some of the corals look delicate and lace-like, others huge and solid, as if they’ve been growing there forever. It’s beautiful, calming, and slightly mind-blowing all at once.
After you’ve had your fill of snorkeling, Mahmya is the perfect place to slow things down. Grab lunch, stretch out on a sunbed, or just sit by the shore with your feet in the water, watching boats drift past. There’s no rush here, and that’s kind of the point.
Back in Hurghada, evenings are just as easygoing. Think seaside dinners, warm breezes, and sunsets that turn the sky soft shades of pink and orange. It’s a great balance—adventure during the day, total relaxation at night.
Hurghada and Mahmya aren’t about ticking boxes or racing through attractions. They’re about enjoying the simple stuff: clear water, living coral reefs, and the quiet joy of floating above one of the most beautiful underwater worlds on Earth. And once you’ve seen it, don’t be surprised if you start planning your return before you’ve even left.
ExploreEgypt 
Leave a comment