Things to do in El Gouna: Attractions and places to visit

1. Abu Tig Marina

The modern Abu Tig Marina is the heart of the city, social meeting point and culinary hotspot. The marina can easily be counted among the most important sightseeings in El Gouna, as life takes place here during the day as well as in the evening. For example, enjoy a relaxing walk in the morning and admire the many luxurious yachts. Like all areas of El Gouna, the marina is absolutely safe and can be visited without hesitation at any time.

Have lunch in one of the great restaurants and enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the harbour. In the afternoon, a cup of coffee or a refreshing ice-cream might be the right choice before you continue your exploration. By the way, all places in El Gouna can be reached by TukTuk (or optionally by taxi) for a fixed small fee – so you can get back to the hotel comfortably at any time!

2. Lagoon tour by boat

The ingenious lagoon system of El Gouna, the “Venice of the Orient”, can of course best be explored from the water. Some tour operators even offer their guests the opportunity to get to know the lagoon free of charge. Please ask your tour guide about the possibilities. Mostly it goes along some of the most beautiful hotels and numerous private villas through the canals of El Gouna to the marina.

That’s good to know: For a really small surcharge you can book the lagoon tour also privately and are then exclusively with your loved ones on the boat on the way. This is an ideal opportunity for a small romantic trip as a couple. The private tour is also great for families who simply want more freedom on board and want to explore the city at their own pace. A completely different perspective than from the country will reveal itself to you!

3. Surf spectacle at Mangroovy Beach

El Gouna is one of the world’s best spots for kitesurfers, because the shallow, warm shallow water and year-round wind guarantee provide the best conditions for beginners and professionals. Hotspot is the Mangroovy Beach not far from Abu Tig Marina, there is also a big surf center here, which besides kitesurfers can now also provide classic windsurfers with the necessary tips and all imaginable equipment. Here is also a small bar as well as some beach loungers.

The beach is one of the more interesting sightseeings in El Gouna, as there is really entertainment at any time of the day. The adventurous stunts are exciting to watch and often it is the youngest surfers who are the most enthusiastic with spectacular jumps. In addition, there are beach volleyball courts and on many summer evenings even nice beach parties with very sociable surfer boys and girls.

4. Snorkeling and dolphin tours

With the Red Sea right on your doorstep and some of Egypt’s best coral reefs just a short boat ride away, the waterfront excursions are of course huge. One of El Gouna’s most popular attractions is a combined snorkeling and dolphin tour, although dolphins cannot be guaranteed. With a little luck there is even the opportunity to snorkel and swim with them for a few moments.

We were already on the spot ourselves and were very lucky: A big swarm of more than 20 dolphins swam curiously to our small group of snorkelers, dived under us and then moved on. They were incredible moments that are hard to put into words. But also the normal snorkeling stops at the colorful coral reefs were definitely worth the trip. Also suitable for beginners!

5. Desert Safari: Quad tour through the desert

If after a few days you have had enough of all the feasting and lazy sunbathing on the beach, you could experience the necessary variety and adrenaline on a desert safari. As a rule, the tours are day trips from El Gouna, as the impressive desert areas are up to 1.5 hours away from the city. However, the journey is entertaining in an air-conditioned vehicle, so this should not be a major obstacle for you.

The desert tour from El Gouna leads first to a Bedouin camp, where a briefing drive into the Quads takes place. Afterwards it goes in a column on the Quads always after the guides across the desert. Headscarves are also recommended for men because of the sand and the strong sunlight, otherwise they can be purchased locally. Depending on the tour, lunch and a visit to a camel farm are included.

6. Nightlife in the Bartender Bar

As interesting and high-class as it is already during the day at the Abu Tig Marina, the nightlife there is also as exuberant and nevertheless sophisticated. There are a handful of nice bars and small clubs in El Gouna, which have all settled in the area of the marina or in the town centre except for the facilities of some hotels. The hotspot for an entertaining, casual party with good music and nice people is The Bartender Bar right by the harbour.

Here you will find a great selection of tasty drinks and numerous outdoor seating areas. The furnishings are very stylish, the tables are made of old car tires, for example, and the overall atmosphere is wonderfully positive. The Bartender Bar is not only famous for its DJs, but above all for its excellent cocktail menu. A popular alternative, especially every Thursday, are the notorious parties at the DuPort Pool Club at the other end of the marina.

7. Horse riding on the beach of El Gouna

Even if we only recommend riding trips abroad in exceptional cases, because the care in handling the animals is not always guaranteed, the many positive feedbacks and evaluations of Yalla Horse Riding have led us to include the riding trips on the beach of El Gouna in the most popular sights. The German-speaking team offers riding lessons and excursions for beginners and advanced riders.

The tours range from short guided rides around the stable to one-hour rides in the desert to half-day excursions with an extensive ride on the beach including swimming. Also very well maintained camels and donkeys can be found in the Yalla riding stable and can be booked for tours. You can also visit the barn without making a reservation and get an impression of the animals and the operators yourself.

8. Diving in El Gouna

Besides the above mentioned snorkeling trips, El Gouna is of course also an ideal location for a diving holiday. Several internationally certified diving schools at the highest level offer exciting dives for advanced divers, but also the opportunity to complete a diving certificate in El Gouna as a beginner. No wonder, after all, the dive sites are among the best sights for divers in all Egypt.

Off the coast of El Gouna there are impressive reefs and great wrecks with an incredibly diverse underwater world to admire. In recent times, we have also repeatedly sightings of whale sharks reported. Especially recommended are the providers Orca Dive Club El Gouna and Colona Divers El Gouna as well as TGI Diving El Gouna and Emperor Divers El Gouna. In recent years, these four diving schools have received the absolute top marks of holidaymakers on the Red Sea.

9. Dine Around Concept

The Dine-Around in El Gouna is certainly one of the big features of the holiday destination and, despite extensive advertising by the tour operators, is not even known to many holidaymakers. In plain language, Dine Around means: you can simply try dinner at another hotel or even some restaurants in town instead of your own hotel. The food is already included in the price and is downward compatible without surcharge.

This means that guests of the participating 5-star hotels can dine in ALL other hotels, guests of a 4-star hotel only in all 2- to 4-star hotels. Only the consumed drinks are subject to a charge – but very cheap. An exciting concept that prevents boredom at the buffet and gives many new impressions. Even luxury hotels such as the Sheraton Miramar Resort, the Steigenberger Golf Resort and the Mövenpick Hotel take part in the Dine Around programme.

10. Playing golf in El Gouna

The Egyptian lagoon city of El Gouna has made a name for itself in the golfing scene worldwide, as not only are the golf courses of excellent quality, but the pleasant mild climate also offers perfect conditions in winter. The 18-hole USPGA course in El Gouna was created by American architects (Fred Couples and Bene Gates) and is one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, with a phenomenal view of the city’s lagoons.

It is the only course in Egypt with a valid rating from the German Golf Association and the USPGA. The El Gouna Golf Club also has an Aqua Driving Range with 30 tees and areas for pitching, chipping and putting. The required handicap of the course is 45. Many golfers reside in the elegant Steigenberger Golf Resort in El Gouna. At the Ancient Sands luxury resort, another large 18-hole golf course is being built inland.

Best time to visit El Gouna

We recommend the following months as best time to travel for exploring the attractions and acivities of El Gouna:

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November

You can find more information about the weather, including all climate data, on our climate page for El Gouna.