El Gouna Travel Guide: Lagoons, Beaches and Water Sports

Development started in 1989, north of Hurghada, with the aim of making this a town rather than a collection of hotels. The emphasis is on the water: lagoons and canals separate the islands, and the whole resort is sometimes compared to Venice.
Hotels, marinas and shops are located within the same area, which means a day spent going from a morning on the water to an evening meal on the waterfront is entirely possible. The town is also part of the Red Sea in Egypt, a coastline noted for its coral reefs and seaside resorts and quieter coastal towns.
A brief summary of the main attractions:

• Lagoons and canals that connect islands, marinas and hotels

• Abu Tig Marina and the waterfront restaurants

• Kitesurfing and windsurfing at popular beaches such as Mangroovy and Zeytouna

• Diving and snorkelling excursions to Red Sea reefs

• A golf course inside the town

• A Downtown area featuring cafes, shops and a pedestrian square

• An annual film festival

In short, most things to do in El Gouna are water-based, and the distances are short enough that you can get in two or three of them in a single day. We've listed them in a suggested order, starting with the lagoon and canal system and ending with activities that need more arrangement to try.

See the Lagoons and Canals

The layout reveals itself as you look out across the water. Bridges and the path along the marina are great places to appreciate the interplay between the islands, and the effect that this has on the views from hotel windows. An afternoon stroll is a good time to do this, as the sun starts to set over the lagoons.

Stroll Abu Tig Marina and Downtown

Abu Tig Marina is the main harbour, where yachts and boats are moored alongside restaurants and shops. A short drive away, the Downtown area is built around a pedestrian square, where cafes, shops and evening meals are all close together.
The two areas work well together, and you can leave the marina as it empties out during the late afternoon, and reach the bar and restaurant area of Downtown as it starts to fill up again.

Try Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

Coastal breezes and relatively shallow waters make this a popular spot for kitesurfers and windsurfers. Mangroovy Beach and Zeytouna Beach are both known to the sport, and the beach setting means that even if you are just watching, you will be able to see what is happening.
Beginners are likely to start at a local school, where conditions can vary from day to day, and from season to season: ask the instructor what they recommend for your level of experience.

Dive or Snorkel on Red Sea Reefs

The reefs are a major attraction, and one of the reasons to visit this part of Egypt. Dive centres in the area offer boat excursions to the reef sites and nearby islands, and snorkelling is an option for those who prefer to stay on the surface.
Make sure to find out what the trip includes and how long it is likely to last, and whether you can rely on the centre to supply any equipment you might need.

Play a Round of Golf

A golf course is situated within the town, making it simple to block out an hour or two in the morning before heading to the beach. Make sure to confirm any rules or restrictions with your accommodation, or the golf club itself.

Time Your Visit With the Film Festival

The resort holds a film festival, which normally takes place in the autumn. If you have the time and flexibility to do so, the event is a good addition to a more general visit, and worth checking the dates in advance if you are making travel plans around it.

Add El Gouna to a route that includes Cairo, Luxor or Aswan, and let the Red Sea wrap up your time in Egypt at a relaxed pace. See how it fits in with ancient monuments in our Egypt travel packages.

Most people arrive at Hurghada International Airport and arrange transport north towards the resort. It is worth booking a driver in advance, with your accommodation or with a recommended local company, so that you have someone waiting for you when you arrive.
Within the town, distances are short enough that tuk-tuks and bicycles are practical ways to get around, and many people choose to walk between the marina, Downtown and the closest beach area.
Some useful advice for first-time visitors:

• Pack sun cream and a refillable bottle for days on the beach and on boat excursions

• Light clothing that can be layered is a good option for daytime wear, and something more substantial for evenings by the water

• Swimwear and a towel are advisable for boat trips, as many of them include a swimming stop

• Confirm any details with water sports and dive operators about what you need to bring with you

It depends on what you want to do. Swimming and snorkelling and kitesurfing all have slightly different requirements, so our advice is to read our guide to the best time to visit Egypt, and to make a note of any other conditions that are relevant to the activities you want to try.
Winter is a popular time to visit the coast, and one of the few mentions of the Red Sea in our Christmas Day in Egypt article refers to a night out under the stars as a possible way to welcome in the New Year.

We have a number of suggested itineraries that include a stay at this resort. Travelers often spend the first part of their trip looking at the ancient ruins and monuments of Cairo and Luxor, before spending the last few days in this resort town. Reviewers on our site rate the combination highly.
If you are interested in seeing the Nile Valley, river cruises run from Luxor to Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan, and this can be a good way to extend your time in this area. For those thinking of a multi-country tour, we also have trips that include Egypt, Jordan and Morocco.
A more dramatic landscape is found further west, where Siwa Oasis is located in the Western Desert near the border with Libya. Siwa combines Berber culture and history, with natural scenery of salt lakes and springs.

Where is the resort town located?

It is on Egypt's Red Sea coast, north of Hurghada. Most visitors travel here from Hurghada International Airport with a private driver

What are the best things to do in El Gouna for first-time visitors?

We suggest you start with the view over the lagoons and canals, then spend a couple of hours at Abu Tig Marina, choosing one water sport such as snorkelling or a reef diving day trip, and finishing the day in Downtown.

Is the town suitable for water sports beginners?

Kitesurfing and windsurfing are popular activities, and these can be learned at local schools: beaches such as Mangroovy and Zeytouna are good for beginners. Make sure to ask about the level of tuition and the range of equipment available.

How do you get from the airport to the resort?

Most people travel here with a private driver, who picks them up at Hurghada International Airport before heading north towards the resort. It is worth booking a driver in advance through your accommodation or with a local agency.

How many days should you spend there?

A long weekend will give you time to look around the marina and Downtown, and to choose one of the water activities. If you want to allow time for a reef diving excursion, the golf course, and possibly a combination of day trips and slow days at the beach, then a week will give you enough time.