Hurghada is easy for families because the resorts are built around calm water, but the excursions need a little thought. The right trip depends on age, swimming confidence and how long your children can sit still. For under-fives, think in hours rather than days. For ten-year-olds, a full boat day works well.
On shared trips, children under 2 travel free, ages 2 to 11 pay half the adult price, and from 12 the adult price applies. On private trips the price per person falls as the party grows, so a family of five often gets a better rate than a couple.
Toddlers and young children
The semi-submarine is the gentlest option. The pick-up is timed to the sailing you choose, and you are on the boat about 40 minutes later. You sit in a glass-walled cabin below the waterline while the boat follows the reef wall, and an optional 30-minute snorkelling stop follows for those who want it. The whole trip takes about three hours, up to 40 guests share it, and a soft drink and water are included.
Primary-school age
Paradise Island is the best full day for this age. The sail is only about an hour, the beach has sunbeds, parasols and shallow water, and lunch is on board at 14:00. Children who can swim can use a mask and snorkel on the first reef stop, and the others play on the sand. The day is 08:00 to 16:00, so it is a long day for a five-year-old.
The horse or camel ride suits children aged 6 and over. The stable matches the animal to the rider, fits a helmet and gives a briefing, and a stable guide leads the group for one hour through the desert to the shoreline. Tea is served at the stable afterwards.
Older children and teenagers
Dolphin House works well for older children who swim confidently, because the snorkelling is in open water with the guide. The boat is out for eight hours and sails about 90 minutes each way. Teenagers often prefer this to the beach day, since there is more to do and a chance of dolphins. Sightings are common, but never guaranteed.
Practical points for parents
Plan for the sun first. The Red Sea sun is strong even in winter, and children burn quickly on a boat. Bring a rash vest, a hat and reef-safe sunscreen, put it on before the pick-up and again at lunch, and keep a water bottle to hand. Pack a dry change of clothes and a towel, because towels are not provided on the boat trips.
Then plan for the pick-up. Most trips collect from the hotel in the morning, and the boat days start at 08:00. Find out the exact time the evening before and have breakfast ready. For a child who struggles with early starts, the 11:30 or 14:00 semi-submarine sailings make a much easier day. Tell us the ages in your party when you book so the crew can plan.
When a trip is not right yet
Some trips are better left for later. The horse or camel ride has a minimum age of 6, the quad bike safari also starts at age 6, and the intro dive day starts at age 10. Long coach days such as Luxor and Cairo are tiring for children, with four hours or more on the road each way. If you are unsure whether a trip suits your child, ask our team before booking.
Food is simple on the boat days. Lunch is served on board with soft drinks and water, and fussy eaters should bring a snack. Tell us about allergies when you book, so the crew can plan. On the Paradise Island day, drinks and snacks bought on the island are paid for on the spot, so carry some cash.
Think about naps and bedtime too. A pick-up at 08:00 and a return at about 16:00 suits most school-age children, but a toddler may be asleep before dinner. Build in a quiet afternoon the day after a full boat day, and do not stack a second early start on top. The pool is the reward for everyone.
Timing the school holidays
- Easter and May half-term: warm, windy and busy, so book boat days early in the week.
- Summer holidays: very hot on land, with the warmest sea, so favour boats and the morning or evening for anything outdoors.
- October half-term: usually the most comfortable mix of warm sea and mild air.
- Christmas and February half-term: cooler water, so choose the semi-submarine over a long snorkelling day.
Boat trips can be stopped for wind, and then we move or refund them, so leave one spare day in your week. You can cancel free of charge three or more days ahead. Open the trip pages for the current price and the minimum ages.
Plan with us
What works in Hurghada for which ages?
Which Hurghada trips suit toddlers, primary-age children and teenagers, plus school-holiday timing, child prices and the limits of each excursion.