Hurghada: Private Sightseeing Tour in El Gouna with Transfer

If you’re visiting Hurghada and longing to see a different side of Egypt’s Red Sea coast, the private sightseeing tour to El Gouna offers a compelling mix of scenic views, cultural insights, and relaxed exploration. While not the longest or most exhaustive tour, it’s designed for those who want a taste of local life, stunning lagoon scenery, and panoramic city vistas, all at a very accessible price.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the lagoon cruise in a traditional Felucca, which gives you an authentic Egyptian boat experience. Second, the opportunity to explore El Gouna’s marina, bustling with shops, cafes, and local vendors. Third, the visit to El Gouna Tower, where panoramic views provide a perfect photo op and a sense of scale for the town’s unique layout.

However, a possible consideration is the short duration of the overall experience—around five hours—meaning it’s better suited for those wanting a quick, well-rounded overview rather than an in-depth exploration. This tour tends to attract travelers who appreciate value, flexibility, and authentic local sights without the need for extensive travel or multiple days’ commitment. It’s ideal for visitors staying in Hurghada who want a manageable yet memorable half-day adventure.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just $19.99 per person, it offers good value, especially considering the private guide and multiple stops.
• Authentic Experiences: Sailing on a traditional Felucca and shopping at local markets give you genuine insights into Egyptian coastal culture.
• Scenic Views: The lagoon trip and top of El Gouna Tower provide picture-perfect vistas of the city and its surroundings.
• Flexible Tour Options: Pickup is available, and the tour can be tailored to your schedule, with optional extra charges for certain hotel locations.
• Short Duration: Best suited for travelers with limited time who want a quick, rundown.
• Helpful Reviews: Some guests appreciated the personalized guide service, while others noted the tour’s brevity and limited sightseeing.

Starting Point and Transfer

The tour kicks off with a convenient pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point in Hurghada around 1:00 PM. The transfer to El Gouna takes approximately 40 minutes in an air-conditioned private vehicle, which ensures comfort following any morning activities or travel fatigue. This setup means you get to relax and start the sightseeing without added stress.

The Lagoon Trip in El Gouna

Once you arrive, the tour begins with a highlight—a one-hour lagoon cruise on a Felucca, the iconic Egyptian sailing boat. Unlike motorized boats, Feluccas are typically powered by the wind, offering a more traditional experience. The review from a guest named Sandra mentions, “I had a fantastic lagoon trip,” and appreciated the personalized guide Hisham, who explained local sights well.

Travelers can expect to glide through El Gouna’s calm waters, soaking in views of the colorful town, luxury hotels, and golf courses from a perspective most visitors don’t get. The experience isn’t just about the scenery—it’s about feeling like a local, with the gentle breeze and the quiet hum of the boat providing a peaceful escape from the busy streets.

City Panorama and Marina Walk

After the water trip, the tour proceeds to a panoramic view of El Gouna. This vantage point offers sweeping shots of the town’s unique layout, nestled along the Red Sea with a backdrop of desert mountains. It’s a great spot for photos and to appreciate how El Gouna was designed with aesthetics and leisure in mind.

Next, you’ll visit the Downtown area and Abu-Tig Marina. The marina is vibrant—full of market stalls, cafes, and shops—where you can haggle with local vendors for souvenirs or enjoy a quick coffee. One reviewer, Janine, remarked that the view from the Tower was impressive, emphasizing how the marina and golf courses look from above.

El Gouna Tower: Top Views and Photo Opportunities

The highlight for many is the El Gouna Tower, the tallest building in the area. From its top, visitors get a bird’s-eye view of the golf courses, hotels, and the sprawling town. This part of the tour is an excellent chance for photos and to appreciate the town’s overall planning, which balances luxury resorts with natural beauty.

Guests can expect to see the lush greens of golf courses and the white facades of hotels, all set against a backdrop of desert and sea. As one guest mentioned, “The views from the Tower were very impressive,” making it clear that this is a memorable photo stop.

Return to Hurghada

The tour wraps up with a short 30-minute ride back to Hurghada, arriving in the late afternoon. It’s an ideal timing for those with evening plans or wanting to relax after a busy day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s price includes private guiding, pickup, transfer in a comfortable air-conditioned car, the lagoon boat trip, one bottle of water, and all taxes. You also have the flexibility of a fully private experience, which means no mingling with large groups, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Extras like hotel pickup from Makadi, Sahel Hashish, Safaga, or Soma Bay come with an additional fee—$20 or $30—so if you’re staying outside Hurghada, plan accordingly.

Not included are personal expenses, extra activities not listed, tipping, or additional snacks and meals.

The Review Snapshot

Guests’ reviews reflect a generally positive experience with a few caveats:

• Positive experiences with personalized guides and scenic lagoon cruises.
• Some mention short tour duration and limited sightseeing options, with one guest feeling only public places and streets were seen.
• The flexibility of private guides and the opportunity to learn about local culture were appreciated, especially by German-speaking travelers.

Is This Tour Worth It?

At $19.99, the price tag offers good value, especially considering the personalized guide, the scenic boat trip, and the panoramic views. For travelers who want a relaxed, authentic taste of El Gouna without the hassle of planning multiple excursions, this tour hits the right notes.

However, it’s important to understand that it’s more of a taster rather than a comprehensive exploration**—some guests found it somewhat brief or limited in scope. If you’re seeking in-depth historical sites or extensive sightseeing, this might not be the best fit. But for a quick, scenic, and culturally immersive half-day, it’s a solid choice.

This tour is perfect for travelers in Hurghada who want a value-packed, flexible, introduction to El Gouna’s highlights. It suits those looking for authentic boat rides, panoramic views, and market shopping without committing an entire day or dealing with large groups. It’s especially good for first-time visitors who want a quick but meaningful snapshot of what makes El Gouna special.

If you’re staying nearby and want a private, relaxed tour with knowledgeable guides, this experience will serve you well. It’s also suitable for those with limited time but still eager to enjoy some of Egypt’s coastal charm.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the tour’s relaxed pace makes it accessible for families, couples, and solo travelers.

How long does the lagoon cruise last?
The Felucca lagoon trip lasts approximately one hour, offering ample time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Are there opportunities for shopping during the tour?
Yes, the visit to Abu-Tig Marina includes time to browse market stalls, haggle with vendors, and pick up souvenirs.

Can I customize the pick-up location?
Pickup is offered, but additional charges apply if you’re staying outside Hurghada, such as in Makadi or Soma Bay.

What should I bring?
Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable clothing. Since the tour involves walking and boat rides, wear suitable shoes and consider a camera for photos.

Is this tour private or group-based?
It’s a private experience, so only your group will participate, allowing for personalized attention and flexibility.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a risk-free option.

This private tour to El Gouna offers a pleasant mix of scenic boat rides, panoramic views, and cultural experiences at a very attractive price point. It’s best suited for travelers wanting a quick, relaxed introduction to this vibrant coastal town, especially those who appreciate authentic moments and personalized guides. While it won’t satisfy those seeking extensive sightseeing or historical sites, it provides a well-rounded snapshot perfect for a half-day adventure.

Whether you’re after memorable photos, local market vibes, or just a peaceful escape on a traditional boat, this tour can be a delightful addition to your Hurghada itinerary. Just keep in mind the short duration when planning your day, and you’ll come away with some great memories and plenty of photos.