El Gouna is a private resort town 25km north of Hurghada - a planned development of islands, lagoons, and marinas built from scratch since the 1990s. It operates as a self-contained destination: most visitors arrive, stay within the townβs infrastructure, and leave without engaging with the wider region. Whether that appeals depends entirely on what youβre looking for. For water sports, reliable infrastructure, and a comfortable beach base, it works well.
Kitesurfing on the Lagoons
Kitesurfing is the activity El Gouna does best. The lagoon system provides flat, shallow water with consistent afternoon wind and no boat traffic - conditions that suit learners in particular. Several schools operate here, including Kite El Gouna, offering multi-day beginner courses, equipment hire, and guided sessions for those with existing skills. A beginner course of 9β12 hours runs approximately $300β420 as of 2026, typically spread across 3 days. Equipment rental for certified kiters is around $60β80 per day. Windsurfing is also available on the same water.
If youβre an advanced kiter looking for open sea wave conditions, Dahab on the Gulf of Aqaba is the better destination. El Gounaβs lagoon focus is a deliberate strength for progressing beginners and intermediates rather than experienced riders seeking challenging conditions.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
El Gouna Dive Centre and a handful of other operators run boat dives to the offshore reef. The diving is competent Red Sea fare - reasonable coral health, typical reef fish - but itβs not a standout diving destination compared to Marsa Alam to the south or the dive sites off Hurghada. For casual divers or those completing a PADI course, itβs perfectly adequate. Snorkeling trips from the marina cover similar ground.
Cycling the Lagoon Network
El Gounaβs island structure is navigated on a network of cycling and pedestrian paths connecting the main residential and hotel zones. Bicycle hire is available from several points in town. Itβs a genuinely pleasant way to explore the architecture and waterfront - the town is compact enough that cycling covers everything without becoming a workout.
Search hotels in El Gouna on Booking.com
Abu Tig Marina
The social centre of El Gouna. The marina front has restaurants serving Egyptian and international food, bars, and boutique shops arranged around moored private yachts. Kikiβs Restaurant is a long-running option on the waterfront serving grilled fish and Mediterranean dishes (approximately EGP 500β900 per person as of 2026). Moods Restaurant operates in the same area with a broader international menu. For pizza and pasta, Pomodoro is consistently well-reviewed by repeat visitors. Several informal cafes at the marina edges serve Egyptian breakfast and shisha from morning onwards at prices well below the sit-down restaurants. Evenings at Abu Tig are the liveliest part of the El Gouna experience - the outdoor tables fill as the heat drops and the setting is more agreeable than anything comparable in Hurghada.
El Gouna Film Festival
Held annually in October, the El Gouna Film Festival brings international film screenings, panel discussions, and industry events to the town. Itβs Egyptβs most significant film festival and the cultural highlight of El Gounaβs year. The town fills during the festival and accommodation books out; if the festival coincides with your travel dates, plan ahead. For film-interested travellers, itβs a strong reason to time a visit to October.
Golf and Day Trips
El Gouna Golf Course (18 holes) is one of the better golf facilities on the Red Sea coast and is open to visitors, not only resort guests. Green fees run approximately EGP 2,000β2,800 per round as of 2026, including cart hire. Early morning tee times are recommended from April to October to avoid peak midday heat.
For broader Red Sea activity - particularly boat trips to Giftun Islands - Hurghada 25km south is more convenient. Taxis and shuttle services between El Gouna and Hurghada take 30β40 minutes and cost approximately EGP 150β250. The Giftun Islands snorkeling and diving trips depart from Marina Hurghada and represent better value than El Gounaβs own day boat options.
Getting to El Gouna
El Gouna is 25km north of Hurghada International Airport. A private transfer from the airport takes 30β35 minutes and costs approximately EGP 350β500 as of 2026. Shared shuttle services are cheaper but less direct. Most hotels within El Gouna operate an internal shuttle system between the residential zones, marinas, and beach areas - distances between zones are walkable but the shuttles save time in heat.
For context on the wider area, see our guides to El Gouna and Hurghada. You can also browse El Gouna tours, water sports, and boat trips to book activities in advance.