5 days in Hurghada with @roamingwithmaria & @shot.byjose

If you love long beach days with a few options for adventure and watersports, Egypt has some amazing picks. Hurghada is on the Red Sea Riviera and is a haven for diving and snorkelling scenes. Plus, the coastline is known for some seriously nice hotels and resorts. So, see what we got up to in five days when we went out there… 

Day 1 – arrival and first impressions 

We landed late in the evening to find the airport almost empty – what a luxury! Thankfully, we had already sorted our visas through the First Choice website with Sherpa, which made our exit quick and easy. We took a taxi for a 30-minute drive to our hotel and tried to see what we could in the dark to get a sense of the place.  

When we arrived at Jaz Aquamarine, we were given a glass of juice at check-in, which was a lovely surprise and made us feel super special. The hotel looked lovely even at night, so we were very excited to see more in the daylight. After heading to our room, which looked cosy and inviting, we decided to grab dinner. Out of the seven restaurants at the resort, we picked 4 Corners. It was a nice meal to end our long travel day. Then, with our bellies full and feeling refreshed, we headed back to the room for a good night’s sleep, keen to start exploring the next day. 

Day 2 – dive into adventure and explore Hurghada  

We kicked off the morning bright and early. After enjoying a lovely breakfast, we waited for our ride that would take us to our much-anticipated Red Sea diving experience with First Choice Experiences. Hotel pick-up from our place in Hurghada was included and took us to the diving centre where our underwater adventure was set to unfold. We had booked a full day of diving to maximise our experience and were soon boarding a large dive boat, equipped with diving platforms and open ladders. As part of the experience, we paid an environmental fee of €5 per person, in cash and in the local currency, which contributes to preserving the beautiful underwater landscapes. The boat made two diving stops, and the views beneath the waves were stunning beyond words – truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  

Included in this memorable day was a delicious lunch and soft drinks, which we enjoyed on the boat, surrounded by the calming ocean. Then, after our incredible time in the water, we returned to the marina. In the afternoon, we visited the impressive Al Mina Mosque in Hurghada to catch its architecture and serene atmosphere. And afterwards, we took a leisurely stroll around Hurghada Marina and loved the vibrant surroundings and bustling energy of the area. 

 The evening back at the hotel was relaxed yet lively, as we wandered around the resort, sipping on cocktails and enjoying the live entertainment provided each night. This was the perfect ending to an exhilarating day that left us both fulfilled and ready for the adventures still to come.

Day 3 – island-hopping adventure  

We kicked off the day early again, excited to explore the local islands. Our journey took us to Giftun Island, Nemo Bay, Orange Bay, Magawish Island and Abu Minqar – all fantastic spots. Juzur Abu Minqar was a special treat, as it’s not included in many other tours. Orange Bay was stunning, with its sandy beaches and clear waters. It felt like paradise – a bit like the Maldives, but right here in Egypt. The scenery was perfect for relaxing, and we loved soaking up the tropical atmosphere. At Magawish Island, we enjoyed sipping cocktails on the beach. It was peaceful and felt like a true escape. The whole day was filled with great weather, friendly people and lots of smiles. We did some snorkelling, too, and saw beautiful reefs and shipwrecks. Spotting a baby dolphin was a fun surprise!  

Day 4 – relaxing at the hotel 

After a few days of adventure, day four was all about relaxing and enjoying the comforts of our hotel. We slept in and then had breakfast at one of the fabulous restaurants overlooking the pool, where our day started perfectly with fresh juice and delicious omelettes. 

We spent the morning unwinding at the spa, letting go of any lingering travel fatigue. Then, sunbathing and more cocktails by the pool were a treat, and the lush surroundings made the experience incredibly relaxing. The afternoon was filled with fun, as we alternated between splashing around in the hotel’s waterpark and lounging on the private beach. It was amazing to finish our day with a spectacular sunset from the hotel, adding a serene end to a leisurely day.  

For dinner, we dressed up and headed to Makai Tukai, one of the hotel’s amazing à la carte restaurants. The meal was truly exceptional, showcasing a passion for Asian cuisine with a fusion twist. The teppanyaki was particularly impressive, with the chef’s cooking demonstration and flavourful dishes leaving us in awe. Makai Tukai is ranked number four on Tripadvisor in Hurghada, and it certainly lived up to its reputation – wow! 

Day 5 – home time 

Our last day was dedicated to savouring every moment before heading home. We began with a lovely breakfast, then we spent some time at the hotel’s spa, indulging in a visit to the pool and sauna. It was the perfect way to unwind and reflect on the amazing experiences from our trip. 

We strolled along the beach and back at the hotel, we enjoyed cocktails at the pool bar and spent some relaxing time in the water. Refreshing smoothies and delicious ice cream were perfect treats on this sunny day – and helped us make the most of our All Inclusive package one last time. 

With our flight set for the evening, we had a few more hours before our taxi picked us up to take us to the airport. It was a peaceful and satisfying end to a memorable holiday! 

If @roamingwithmaria & @shot.byjose’s trip sounds like a bit of you, have a look at our Egypt holidays and you can find all their picks on our Insiders Hub.    

Keep an eye out for the ‘Insider pick’ tag when you’re browsing our best deals and in your holiday search results, too.   

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Author: @roamingwith maria & @shot.byjose
Last updated: 09/04/2025