Hurghada's main draw is the Red Sea. The water is clear, warm, and home to some of the best coral reefs in the world — and you don't need to be a certified diver to appreciate them. Snorkeling trips to the Giftun Islands run daily from the marina and give non-divers a proper look at the reef. For those who want to go deeper, the town has dozens of dive centers catering to everyone from first-timers working toward their Open Water certificate to experienced divers hunting for wrecks and shark encounters.
On land, the options are thinner. Desert safaris by quad bike, jeep, or camel depart most evenings, covering the Sahara terrain behind town with a stop at a Bedouin camp. The Hurghada National Museum is worth a few hours for its collection of Eastern Desert antiquities. The Marine Biology Museum north of town is a worthwhile stop, particularly for anyone who wants an introduction to Red Sea species before getting in the water.