Things to Do in El Gouna

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 town’s infrastructure, and leave without engaging with the wider region. Whether that appeals depends entirely on what you’re 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. Windsurfing is also available on the same water.

If you’re an advanced kiter looking for open sea wave conditions, Dahab on the Gulf of Aqaba is the better destination. El Gouna’s 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 it’s 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, it’s perfectly adequate. Snorkeling trips from the marina cover similar ground.

Cycling the Lagoon Network

El Gouna’s 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. It’s a genuinely pleasant way to explore the architecture and waterfront — the town is compact enough that cycling covers everything without becoming a workout.

Abu Tig Marina

The social centre of El Gouna. The marina front has restaurants serving Egyptian and international food (Italian and French kitchens are well-represented alongside local options), bars, and boutique shops arranged around moored private yachts. 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. It’s Egypt’s most significant film festival and the cultural highlight of El Gouna’s 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, it’s 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. It’s a viable option for golfers looking for a day’s play in reasonable conditions.

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 30–40 minutes. The Giftun Islands snorkeling and diving trips depart from Hurghada and represent better value than El Gouna’s own day boat options.

For context on the wider area, see our guides to El Gouna and Hurghada.