Both El Gouna and the Strait of Gubal are known for their excellent diving opportunities. Located in the northern section of the Red Sea, this region offers a fantastic alternative to both Hurghada and busy Sharm el-Sheikh.
The town of El Gouna, along the eastern shore of Northern Egypt is actually not a town in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a privately owned and operated vacation resort. Here you will find more than 18 hotels, two beaches, a hospital and a wide variety of tourist attractions. El Gouna is known as the most eco-friendly town in all of Egypt, and it continually works to be a memorable experience for all visitors.
The Strait of Gubal (also known as the Gubal Strait) is two and a half hours by boat from El Gouna. This Strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Suez and is traditionally a dangerous zone for ships. There are more shipwrecks here than in an other area of the Red Sea. However, it is an important shipping lane and the only way ships from the Red Sea can access the Suez Canal. Because of its accessibility from El Gouna and Sharm el-Sheikh as well as its variety of wreck sites, the Strait of Gubal has become a major diving attraction in the Red Sea.
Whether you decide to stay in El Gouna, dive the Strait of Gubal on a day trip or board a liveaboard for the North Red Sea, you are sure to enjoy a memorable vacation in this relaxing and adventurous part of Egypt.
Other attractions
El Gouna is a resort town with a wide range of tourist attractions. Other than diving, guests can also enjoy watersports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, waterskiing, parasailing and snorkeling. Two gorgeous white sand beaches are perfect for relaxing the days away. For history-lovers the Church of St. Mary and the Archangels offers an interesting insight into the area’s significant religious history. Other attractions include an archaeological museum, a small aquarium, a go-kart track, a paintball arena, tennis courts, two golf courses, horse stables and a football stadium. If you are in El Gouna during football season, don’t miss the chance to catch an Egyptian Premier League match.
Getting there
El Gouna is just 15 miles (25km) north of Hurghada International Airport which welcomes flights from European and African destinations daily. For those arriving via Cairo, a seven hour bus journey is necessary to reach this resort area.
Once in Hurghada, resort transfers, taxis and local buses allow visitors to move around.
The Strait of Gubal can be accessed by daily boat trip from El Gouna. However, divers may wish to travel to the area by liveaboard from either Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh in order to maximize the number of dives in the region.
Note - Travel to any destination may be adversely affected by conditions including (but not limited) to security, entry and exit requirements, health conditions, local laws and culture, natural disasters and climate. Regardless of your destination, check your local travel advisory board or department for travel advice about that location when planning your trip and again shortly before you leave.
