Hurghada 2025: What to Pack for a Red Sea Boat Excursion
Quick Summary (TL;DR): For Hurghada boat days, pack reef-safe SPF 50, a long-sleeve rash guard, dry bag, water shoes, motion-sickness bands, passport/ID copy, small cash, power bank, and a quick-dry towel.
Dawn at Hurghada Marina, diesel tang on the breeze, gulls tracing the shoreline—dayboats load fins and fruit crates while crews coil lines. During our March 2025 visit, the smartest passengers boarded hands-free: gear stowed in a 15L dry bag, sun-protective layers on, phones already in waterproof pouches. The Red Sea’s clarity is famous; the sun is merciless. What you pack determines whether your day feels effortless or overheated.
Why it matters now: 2025–2026 sees fuller boats and longer hours on water, with Orange Bay sandbars and Giftun reef stops still headline draws. Air temperatures in summer regularly reach 34–40°C, while sea temperatures hover 22–29°C across the year—beautiful, but UV and dehydration are real factors. Operators emphasize reef etiquette and shade, yet personal kit—rash guards, electrolytes, and secure storage—remains the difference between a good day and a great one.
What Makes Hurghada Special in 2026
Hurghada offers easy-access reefs, sandbar beaches and beginner-friendly conditions close to shore. Boats typically reach Giftun’s protected sites in 30–60 minutes, while longer-range cruises to reefs like Dolphin House can run 1.5–2 hours depending on sea state. Expect strong midday sun, occasional afternoon chop, and crystalline water that invites hours in and out of the sea—so pack for sun, salt and spray.
Checklist, distilled from crew advice and our 2025 boat day: reef-safe SPF 50 (top-up every 90 minutes), long-sleeve UPF rash guard and hat, polarized sunglasses with retainer, 10–20L dry bag, quick-dry towel or poncho, water shoes for sandbars, motion-sickness bands or tablets, reusable 1L bottle with electrolytes, waterproof phone pouch, light windbreaker for the ride back, small cash for onboard extras, passport/ID copy, and a compact power bank (Egypt uses 220V; most outlets on boats are limited). According to dive instructors, winter snorkelers appreciate a 2–3 mm shorty suit when the sea is around 22–23°C.
Top Things to Do in Hurghada
- Giftun Islands day by boat: Snorkel bright plate corals, laze on sandbars, and spot anthias clouds at moored sites. The protected reefs of the Giftun Islands reward early departures with calmer water and smaller crowds.
- Beginner snorkeling or intro dive: Many boats pair shallow reefs with a supervised try-dive. Find options under snorkeling and diving tours; bring a rash guard and a snug mask to prevent leaks.
- Dolphin House cruise: Full-day outings often combine reef snorkeling and hopeful dolphin encounters; pack a windbreaker for the return leg and motion-sickness bands for choppier channels.
Where to Stay in Hurghada (2026 Guide)
Hurghada Marina and Sheraton Road suit couples and social travelers who want cafés and easy pier access; families appreciate short transfer times to morning departures. Sahl Hasheesh offers landscaped promenades and calm bays that are friendly for beginners and kids. Makadi Bay is a reliable all-inclusive base for groups, while Soma Bay draws watersports fans with steady breeze and upscale resorts. Nearby El Gouna offers a more upscale alternative, with marinas and lagoons that streamline private charters.
Best Time to Visit Hurghada
January–February: air 18–22°C, sea ~22–23°C; quieter boats, bring a light jacket. March–May: 24–32°C, sea 23–25°C; prime snorkeling, moderate crowds. June–August: 34–40°C, sea 28–30°C; hottest, busiest, book shade-equipped boats. September–October: 28–34°C, sea 27–29°C; warm water and softer winds, a favorite for longer excursions. November–December: 20–25°C, sea ~24–25°C; cooler evenings, value-friendly.
Getting There and Around
Hurghada International Airport (HRG) sits roughly 10 km from the marina; expect 15–25 minutes by hotel transfer or licensed taxi. Full-day island hopping tours typically depart at 8 AM, so confirm your pickup or pier meet time the night before and pack the night prior to avoid delays on island excursions. Bring a passport or ID copy for marina security checks. Most boats offer shaded upper decks, marine toilets and fresh water for rinsing masks; accessibility varies, so travelers with limited mobility should request a boat with a rear platform and wide ladder. Families will find child life jackets on reputable boats; still, carry sun sleeves and electrolyte tabs for kids.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Choose reef-safe sunscreen (non-nano mineral) and favor rash guards to cut chemical load. Do not stand on coral, collect shells or feed fish; use installed mooring buoys rather than anchoring when chartering. Refill a durable bottle from your hotel before boarding to reduce single-use plastic. Keep towels and bags secured so nothing blows overboard. Dress modestly at the marina, remove shoes if asked on deck, and tip crew in small EGP notes. Photograph marine life with care—no chasing or flash on close subjects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Hurghada?
Plan three to four days to fit a full boat day, a second reef or sandbar trip, and downtime onshore. This window balances weather buffers with time for a desert afternoon or Old Town stroll without rushing.
Is Hurghada good for families?
Yes. Calm bays, sandy entries and short boat rides make snorkeling approachable. Many operators provide shaded decks, child-sized life vests and flexible schedules. Pack sun-protective swimwear, snacks, and a compact float for younger swimmers.
What's the best month to visit Hurghada?
October is a sweet spot: warm sea (~27–29°C), lighter winds and moderate crowds. April also shines for visibility and comfortable air temperatures before peak summer heat pushes midday activity into shade.
Hurghada’s boat days reward thoughtful packing with unhurried hours of reef color and sandbar light. With the right kit ready by sunrise, the only decision is mask or towel first—then the sea answers. To compare itineraries and boats, browse our curated tours and activities.
