Safaga Port on Egypt’s Red Sea coast is a peaceful destination offering a mix of adventure, wellness, and culture. Famous for its coral reefs, marine life, and ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, it’s a hotspot for diving and water sports. The area’s black sand dunes and mineral springs draw medical tourists seeking healing. Visitors enjoy top resorts, serene beaches, and famous dive sites like Panorama Reef and the Salem Express wreck. Safaga also provides easy access to Egypt’s ancient treasures in Luxor and Cairo, making it perfect for both relaxation and exploration.
Safaga Port is the perfect getaway for travelers who wish to have the ultimate adventure in a short period. This article's main goal is to offer every traveler all the information and facts about Safaga. This article was written by a group of very professional and skilled team of tour guides, tour operators, and travel consultants who know how to enjoy the best time in Safaga port.
The beauty of Safaga knows no bounds, able to showcase the genuine beauty of the Red Sea, home to the biggest collection of rare sea creatures and coral reefs. A true tropical vacation can be located between the boundaries of Safaga Port, which holds every means of entertainment, either on water or overland. This magical port has everything a traveler desires, so use your time carefully and experience the sweet taste of a complete vacation.
Safaga is a city on the coast of the Red Sea in Egypt, just 53 Km south of Hurghada. It is a small marine port that is considered to be the shortest way to cross from Egypt to Saudi Arabia, which is sometimes used during the Pilgrimage season. It is also considered to be the most important therapeutic tourist attraction in the country and the true paradise for any windsurfer or diver.
The weather in Safaga is typical of a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters, plus a golden twist of tropical flair. Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:
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Read MoreSafaga was originally founded between 282 and 268 BC by Satyrus in the Greco-Roman period, where it was called Philotera during the reign of Ptolemy II. With time, Safaga has always been a famous merchant port and a true hub for countless aquatic activities. In the modern age, it is a major hub for tourism despite being small, as it is an important scuba diving center and the 1993 Red Sea World Windsurfing Championships.
It is famous for containing black dunes and mineral springs, which are used for medical purposes like mental and physical recovery and rejuvenation from rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. It is renowned for being one of the most vital homes of several special medical researchers and a center for medical tourism.
Safaga’s pure air, high saltiness, and clean beaches make it a perfect place for several incredible entertaining activities that make your travel experience worthy of remembering. Everyone will have access to scuba dive and snorkel in the heavenly crystal waters of Panorama reefs, the middle reef, and more locations that hold the most magical, vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, which include colorful fish, dolphins, and even the occasional shark.
The incredible mixture of strong winds and awesome waves makes for the most epic kite surfing and windsurfing activities, which can be located in the Lotus Bay of Safaga Bay. The hot mineral springs, spas, and wellness retreats could be the place where everyone can treat their body and soul with our amazing mud baths, massages, and hydrotherapy.
From Safaga, everyone can spend every single moment on epic memories, which include wreck diving training, fishing competition, and many fun water sports and aquatic activities through Safaga's enchanting beaches. There are a lot of amazing activities to do in Safaga, like a super safari to the honorable Bedouin villages.
Discover the entertaining and amazing activities to do in Safaga
Read MoreSafaga offers a blend of tranquil beaches, wellness retreats, thrilling dive spots, and unique Red Sea experiences, making it a top destination for tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure. While Safaga is a charming coastal town on the Red Sea, which is smaller and less commercialized compared to other Red Sea resorts like Hurghada, it still offers a range of accommodation options that cater to different types of travelers, from luxury seekers to those on a budget. Some famous hotels in Safaga include:
Tourism in Safaga is primarily centered around its natural beauty, water activities, and its unique mineral-rich waters. Safaga offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. It’s ideal for those looking to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more tranquil vacation. Key aspects of tourism in Safaga include:
Diving and Snorkeling in Safaga is one of the Red Sea’s top water sports destinations. The clear waters, coral reefs, and rich marine life make it a hotspot for divers. Some famous dive sites like Tobia Arbaa and Panorama Reef are accessible from Safaga. Snorkelers also enjoy the vibrant underwater scenes near the shores.
Therapeutic Tourism in Safaga is famous for its black sand dunes and mineral-rich waters, which are said to have therapeutic properties. People visit for health treatments, especially those suffering from skin diseases and arthritis. The natural surroundings and wellness resorts cater to tourists looking for health and relaxation.
Watersports, aside from diving, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, are popular, thanks to the steady winds and open waters. Safaga’s consistent winds make it a top spot for watersport lovers.
Safaga's Proximity to Ancient Sites serves as a good base for those wanting to combine their beach holiday with cultural tourism. Tours to Luxor, plus the archaeological gems of Thebes, both ancient cities rich in history, are available as day trips from Safaga.
Discover all the things you can do to enjoy your time in Egypt
Read MoreSafaga is known for its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, where everyone can enjoy the ultimate sensations of relaxation and relief while discovering the hypnotic allure of the Red Sea and the international port of Safaga. Some of the best beaches in Safaga are:
Safaga Beach is the main beach in town that offers stunning views of the Red Sea and is great for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports. It’s also an access point for dive trips to nearby reefs.
Soma Bay Beach is located just outside of Safaga. Soma Bay offers pristine white sand beaches and luxurious resorts. It’s one of the best places for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to the reliable winds. It’s also great for snorkeling and diving.
Shams Beach is part of the Shams Safaga Resort and offers easy access to the water with many activities like snorkeling, windsurfing, and diving. The calm and clear waters make it a popular spot for families and water sports lovers.
Coral Sun Beach is located south of Safaga and is known for its quiet, relaxed vibe. The waters here are perfect for snorkeling, and there are several coral reefs just off the shore.
Tobia Island is one of the most magnificent sites in the area, famous for containing secluded sites with pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
Lotus Bay Beach is a blessed and popular beach with a laid-back atmosphere and a variety of amenities.
Diving is one of the main sensations in Safaga, thanks to its clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine life. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, Safaga offers some of the best diving spots in the Red Sea, which include:
Panorama Reef is one of Safaga’s most famous dive sites, featuring steep coral walls, caves, and large fish schools. You’ll often spot sharks, rays, and barracudas here. The reef is known for its dramatic drop-offs and is suitable for advanced divers.
Tobia Arbaa is known as the “Seven Pinnacles.” This dive site features a series of pinnacles rising from the seabed, surrounded by soft corals and colorful fish. It’s a great spot for both beginner and intermediate divers.
Abu Kafan is a marvelous dive site, meaning "The Deep One," and is known for its impressive vertical wall dropping into the deep blue. It’s popular among more experienced divers due to its depth and the frequent sightings of large pelagic species, such as sharks.
Salem Express Wreck is a historic and haunting dive site. The Salem Express is a ferry that tragically sank in 1991. The wreck lies in relatively shallow water, making it accessible to divers of varying skill levels. It’s one of the more somber wreck dives in the Red Sea, as it serves as a resting place for many who perished in the disaster.
Sha'ab Sheer is a dive site that offers a bit of everything, from caves and tunnels to coral gardens and drop-offs. It’s an excellent spot for exploring marine life, including turtles, moray eels, and reef fish. It's also known for night dives, where divers can witness different species like octopus and nocturnal fish.
There is also the chance to chance to head to the city of Cairo which is just 425 Km away, five and a half hours away from where everyone can explore all the ancient pharaonic, Islamic and Coptic attractions like the great Giza pyramids complex, the Hanging Church, Cairo citadel, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, and many more.
The immortal city of Luxor is just 254 km away just a three hours drive where all the incredible attractions of Luxor will be showcased like the great Karnak temples complex, the marvelous Hatshepsut temple, the valley of the kings, and many more plus it offers a magical Nile river cruise to Aswan where all the marvelous ancient constructions can be explored easily while enjoying absolute tranquility and comfort.
Many cruise ships stop in Safaga Port, so if you are in Safaga and prefer to witness some of the most famous attractions in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, then you can check our Safaga Shore Excursions below and live the trip you deserve. Or if you plan to visit Egypt or especially Safaga Port, then check our Egypt tour packages and choose your ideal vacation.
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Safaga is a city port located in Egypt in the governorate of the Red Sea.
The distance between Safaga and the Pyramids of Giza is 452 km and the road distance is 532 km.
Safaga port is the key to enter the city of a hundred doors Luxor found on the banks of the River Nile, famous as the site of Karnak Temple, Hatshepsut's Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and the Valley of the Queens.
The distance between Safaga and Luxor is 174 km. The road distance is 232.9 km which would take about a 3 hours drive.
The distance between Safaga and Hurghada is 58 KM which takes about 40 minutes drive.
Every traveler will get included in the Giza Pyramids complex, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo Citadel, the Egyptian Museums, Karnak temples complex, Hatshepsut Temple, Valley of the Kings, Philae temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Abu Simbel Temples, and more plus the tropical city resorts of the red sea in Hurghada
With Safaga Shore Excursion, every traveler will get to try out some fun water sports like diving, surfing, snorkeling, super safari, and more plus head to the legendary historical cities of Cairo, Luxor, and Hurghada.
Safaga can be seen as a magical piece of heaven loaded with water sports, relaxation, natural healing, and the chance to explore Egypt’s Red Sea coast. The town is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, making it a top destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.
Safaga’s black sand dunes and mineral-rich waters are believed to have therapeutic properties, attracting travelers seeking wellness experiences. It’s also less crowded than nearby Hurghada, offering a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. Tourists can enjoy a blend of sunbathing, windsurfing, and exploring ancient quarries and monasteries.
There are several ways to reach Safaga, depending on where you’re coming from. You can easily book with a travel agency that will handle all kinds of transfers and transportation across this magical port.
The nearest major airport is Hurghada International Airport (HRG), located about 60 km (37 miles) away from Safaga. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Safaga, which takes around an hour. \
Safaga is well-connected by road, as everyone can take a bus from major cities like Cairo or Hurghada, or you can rent a car and drive along the Red Sea coast, enjoying scenic views. Safaga has a port that receives ferries from every corner of the world, making it accessible by sea as well.
Safaga is generally considered safe for all tourists. Safaga is a peaceful town, and most visitors find it to be welcoming and hospitable. The local authorities take security seriously, especially in tourist areas. The Red Sea resorts, in general, have a reputation for being safe and well-protected. All Travelers should keep in mind to exercise the usual caution, such as staying within well-populated areas and avoiding isolated locations at night.
It is possible to visit the Pyramids of Giza from Safaga, but it requires some planning and time management due to the distance. The Pyramids are located near Cairo, which is 560 km (350 miles) away from Safaga.
Everyone can book from our variety of Safaga Shore excursions that lead from Safaga to the Pyramids of Giza. The fastest option is to take a domestic flight from Hurghada to Cairo (about 1 hour) and then drive to Giza, where the Pyramids are located.
No, Safaga does not have its airport. The nearest airport is Hurghada International Airport, located about 60 km (37 miles) away from Safaga. This airport is the main entry point for international travelers visiting Safaga and the surrounding Red Sea resorts. From Hurghada, you can easily take a taxi or bus to reach Safaga within an hour.
The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt.
If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Read more about Egypt travel visa.
Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.
The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.
You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
We have been creating the finest vacations for more than 20 years around the most majestic destinations in Egypt. Our staff consists of the best operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort to make you have the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time consultants to fit your every possible need during your vacation. It doesn't go without saying that your safety and comfort are our main priority and all of our resources will be directed to provide the finest atmosphere until you return home.
You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt. Read more about is it safe to travel to Egypt.
Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.
The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.
There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve. Read more about festivals & publich holidays in Egypt.
Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.
Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.
The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. If you are in Cairo ride a white taxi to move faster or you could board the fastest way of transportation in Egypt metro if the roads are in rush hour.
The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
It is the home of everything a traveler might be looking for from amazing historical sites dating to more than 4000 years to enchanting city resorts & beaches. You will live the vacation you deserve as Egypt has everything you could possibly imagine.