Kitesurf in Egypt : all you need to know
Egypt is a readily accessible kitesurfing paradise.
The best season extends from April to October.
The spots are located along the Red Sea coast.
High Season
Required level
Best suited for
Budget
Spots
Other activities
Why kitesurfing in Egypt is a good choice ?
Aside from the Canaries, Egypt is one of the only destinations capable of offering Europeans warmth, sun, and wind all year round, only 4.5 hours away by flight.
The tourist development of the west coast of the Red Sea began in the 80s in Hurghada, which remains today the largest and most lively city in the region. Divers came first, then windsurfers, and finally, the ideal conditions made this region the premier place for learning and training for kitesurfers.
Egypt is a great kitesurfing destination for those who want to significantly improve on flat waters, soak up the sun, and who don’t have a lot of time. It is easily accessible and affordable from Europe (5-hour flight).
One should not expect a major culture shock or an incredible cultural immersion as the spots are very touristy and the structures are not very authentic (often large hotels). But it allows for a good kitesurfing vacation, in the sun and not too far away.
Best period and spots to kite in Egypt
In Egypt, there are two main areas for kiting:
- the west coast of the Red Sea, where the most famous and well-known spots are Safaga, El Gouna and Soma Bay (in the vicinity of Hurghada, international airport) Each spot is different, but they all have the characteristic of offering flat water surfaces. (see spot description)
- In the Sinai Peninsula, for a great kiting adventure in Egypt. This region is much more grassroots, you won’t find all the resorts that make the Red Sea artificial. The spots in this region are exceptional, and are really worth a visit. The most famous one is Dahab, with a lagoon of a beautiful blue.
Zaafarana is another spot, much further north of the country, located 2 hours from Cairo, to get off the beaten track, if you thought the Sinai was not exotic enough for you.
Best kite season: April to October.
On the kitesurfing spots in the Red Sea, there is a regular north wind, resulting from several climatic phenomena. This northward flow is then accelerated by the mountain ranges of Sinai, and the heat of the desert further strengthens this wind through the phenomenon of thermal depression that we love so much!
It is this sweet mix of phenomena that creates an ideal environment for kiting in the Red Sea.
Discover the kite spots in Egypt
Safaga
Soma Bay
El Gouna
Zaafarana
Find a kite school, accomodation, or kitetrip organiser in Egypt
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What we love most
Drawbacks
- easily accessible
- Flat Paradise
- Hot Water
- Cheap
- Politically unstable
- Not very authentic (big hotels)
Our best advices to travelers
How to get there ?
Travel time: Approximately 4h30 for direct flights. 6h or more for flights with layovers
Direct flight: yes
Time difference: UTC+2
Airlines: Egyptair – Air France – Alitalia – SWISS – Royal Jordanian – Turkish Airlines
Main airports: Cairo (CAI) – Hurghada (HRG)
Flight price: 250/600€
Formalities
- Mandatory vaccines: Yellow fever vaccine required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country
- Visa requirements: E-visa required for both American and British nationals. Cost varies depending on type and duration of visa
- Electrical adapter: Type C and F electrical sockets, so an adapter may be needed
- Official language: Arabic
- Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Additional tips
Egyptair operates direct flights to Cairo (CAI). However, there are no direct flights to Hurghada (HRG).
You also have the option to take a cruise in the Red Sea to enjoy the landscapes and the water conditions suitable for kiteboarding. It could be a good option.
Please note that tap water is not always drinkable.
The political situation in Egypt is quite unstable at the moment, so it is best to inquire before traveling!
If you feel frustrated about going to Egypt without doing some sightseeing, an option could be to take a flight to Cairo and keep a few days to discover the city and its pyramids. The transportation between Cairo and Hurghada takes about 3 hours.
What are the best non kitesurfing activities ?
Outside of kitesurfing, on the Egyptian kite spots (Red Sea and Sinai), there is not much to do besides water activities.
However, the underwater landscapes in the Red Sea are beautiful, and it is worth going on at least one diving or snorkeling trip to see the richness of the marine life in this region.
Otherwise, the rest of Egypt is obviously a treasure for those looking to discover the history surrounding this country.