What has changed?

No more paperwork: You no longer need to fill out the physical arrival card before heading to passport control.

Electronic processing: Immigration officers now scan your passport and enter your details directly into the system.

Faster queues: This change significantly reduces waiting times at the terminal, getting you to your hotel much sooner.

What do you still need?

While the arrival cards are gone, the entry requirements remain the same:

• Visa on arrival: You still need to purchase your entry visa at the bank counter ($25) before joining the passport queue.
• Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of arrival.
• Hotel details: It is always smart to have your hotel name or voucher ready, as the officer might ask for your stay details verbally.

This is a fantastic step toward making Egypt a more tourist-friendly destination. We look forward to seeing you in the sunshine!

1. Granada Restaurant & Pub

Location: Old Sheraton Road, Hurghada
Cuisine: International, Seafood

Granada Restaurant & Pub is one of the most popular choices among locals and tourists. Known for its fresh seafood and diverse international menu, it offers world-class waiter service and dishes full of flavor. Diners can enjoy a fantastic sea view. During the day, the colorful waters of the Red Sea create a stunning backdrop, while at night, the lights of all Hurghada make for a magical dining experience. It’s better to make reservations, even though it’s not always required, to ensure you get the best table.

Best for: Dinner with friends, seafood lovers
Must-try dish: Grilled shrimp platter

2. Boska Restaurant & Café

Location: El Kawther (behind Sindbad Hotel, Mamsha)
Cuisine: International, Grill, Comfort Food

Boska Restaurant & Café is a popular casual spot in Hurghada, offering great food in a modern, cozy environment. Many customers say it has the best value for money, cheap, hearty, and full of flavors. The location is excellent, set just behind the Sindbad Hotel on the Mamsha, making it easy for both tourists and locals to stop by. The restaurant has both indoor seating and a pleasant garden area, plus a kids’ area, making it a comfortable choice for families. During the day, many people come to Boska just to enjoy coffee with friends in its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. If you prefer peace and quiet, keep in mind that during major football matches it gets quite loud, as Boska shows games on a big screen for customers who enjoy watching together with other football fans.

Best for: Families, casual meals, late-night dining, coffee meetups
Must-try dishes: Mixed grill, fajita dish, comfort-food favorites

3. El Halaka Fish Restaurant

Location: Hurghada, near El Mina Mosque
Cuisine: Seafood, Egyptian

El Halaka Fish Restaurant offers a clean environment with pleasant staff and is, in my opinion, the best seafood restaurant in Hurghada. Guests can enjoy fresh fish and authentic Egyptian seafood dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Here you won’t find alcohol, making it a perfect spot for families and visitors looking for a traditional and wholesome dining experience.

Best for: Seafood lovers, authentic local cuisine
Must-try dish: Grilled fish with herbs

4. Syake Sushi Hurghada

Location: Elhadaba Rd, Hurghada
Cuisine: Japanese, Sushi

Syake Sushi is one of the best restaurants in Hurghada for sushi lovers, offering an authentic and relaxing dining experience. The restaurant is artisanally decorated, giving it a warm, truly Asian-inspired atmosphere that immediately sets the tone. Guests love the food quality — especially the miso soup, which many describe as exceptionally delicious, and the amazing selection of fresh sushi, prepared with great attention to detail. The freshness and variety stand out, making it a favorite spot for both beginners and sushi experts. The staff are friendly and welcoming, adding to the overall pleasant experience and making visitors want to return.

Best for: Sushi lovers, couples
Must-try dish: Sushi platter

5. The Greek Bar & Restaurant

Location: Marina Boulevard, Hurghada (on the Marina waterfront)
Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean / International

The Greek Bar & Restaurant stands out as one of the best restaurants in Hurghada for those who love Mediterranean flavors. Many travelers praise it for serving a genuine gyro — so tasty and full of authentic Greek flavor. Their tzatziki is described as “literally to die for,” creamy, fresh, and perfectly seasoned. Guests also love the drinks here: the cocktails are perfectly made, refreshing, and ideal for a relaxed marina evening. The atmosphere is another strong highlight — with good music, friendly people, and a warm Greek-style vibe that feels welcoming from the moment you walk in. Despite being a popular spot, service is impressively efficient. Several reviewers mentioned that the staff served a group of 10 people very quickly, keeping the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Best for: Marina dinners, groups, couples, Mediterranean food lovers
Must-try dishes: Authentic gyro, tzatziki, Greek starters, fresh cocktails

6. Starfish Seafood Restaurant

Location: Sheraton Road, Hurghada (Downtown) & Cora, 10 minutes from Senzo Mall
Cuisine: Seafood

If you’re hunting for fresh seafood, Starfish Seafood Restaurant is a must-visit. With more than 1,000 reviews on TripAdvisor, it is probably one of the most visited restaurants in Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Cairo. Guests can choose the fresh fish they want, which is then prepared to order. Starfish has two locations: one in downtown Hurghada and another at Cora, just 10 minutes from Senzo Mall. For added convenience, you can order food from your home and enjoy it anywhere.

Best for: Seafood lovers, families
Must-try dish: Red Sea shrimp platter

7. Nubian Egyptian Restaurant & Café

Location: El-Shohada, Hurghada
Cuisine: Egyptian, Traditional

Nubian Egyptian Restaurant & Café is a great choice for travelers who want to experience authentic Egyptian cuisine in a friendly, relaxed setting. Customers consistently praise it for offering good traditional food and service, making it one of the most reliable spots for a real local meal. Visitors especially recommend the falafel, crispy, spicy, and just delicious, a perfect introduction to Egyptian street-style flavors. Many also highlight the kofta and koshary, calling them “lovely,” hearty, and full of homemade taste. The portions are generous, and the prices are more than fair, giving amazing value for money. Dinner here often feels like a warm cultural experience. After the meal, guests are commonly offered tea and even a hookah, adding a comfortable, authentic touch that many appreciate.

Best for: Travelers who want real Egyptian flavors, casual dinners, budget-friendly meals
Must-try dishes: Falafel, kofta, koshary

8. El Esraa Grill

Location: Serry St., Sakala
Cuisine: Egyptian / Grill / Local style

El Esraa is a local favorite for those looking for authentic, honest Egyptian grilled meals at fair prices. Tourists highlight that with generous portions, including dips, salad, local bread, soup, and a hearty main (like grilled chicken, meat, or mixed grill), the meal for a group of three can cost less than 13 EUR. Guests also appreciate the friendly staff and fast service. Many locals and tourists alike recommend it when they crave tasty, filling food without spending much.

Best for: Budget-conscious travellers, locals, anyone seeking simple, hearty Egyptian food
Must-try dishes: Mixed grill, lamb ribs

9. Che Guevara Restaurant

Location: Marina Hurghada
Cuisine: Steakhouse, International

Che Guevara Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Hurghada for steak lovers. Travelers point out that the steak quality is outstanding. You will eat tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked to the point steak. Reviews highlight that the restaurant clearly uses first-class ingredients and pays great attention to detail, which you can taste in every bite. It’s also famous among visitors for serving the best camel steak in Hurghada, a must-try for those who want something unique. Besides excellent meat dishes, Che Guevara is also vegetarian-friendly and offers gluten-free options, making it suitable for mixed groups and families with different dietary needs.

Best for: Steak lovers, special dinners, groups, travelers wanting high-quality meat dishes
Must-try dishes: Fillet steak, camel steak

10. White Elephant Thai Restaurant

Location: New Marina / Mamsha area, Hurghada
Cuisine: Thai / Asian (with some Indian-fusion options)

Customers love White Elephant Thai Restaurant for its bold flavors, generous portions, and beautiful presentation. The service is fast, the staff is warm and attentive, and the atmosphere feels calm and welcoming. Guests also appreciate the wide range of vegetarian-friendly dishes, vegan options, and gluten-free choices, making it easy for every type of diner to enjoy a great meal. With consistent quality and excellent value, it remains one of Hurghada’s top dining spots.

Best for: Fans of Thai/Asian cuisine, couples, small groups, vegetarians, special diet diners
Must-try dishes: Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai, Thai curries, fish cakes, vegetable satay

Hope you liked our guide to the best restaurants in Hurghada

The restaurants mentioned above are not listed in order of quality, but rather represent the best in our opinion across the city. Each offers something unique: great flavors, warm service, and options that suit every type of traveler. From authentic local flavors to international favorites, and with plenty of options for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets, these restaurants offer some of the best dining experiences Hurghada has to offer.

Home to one of Earth’s most extraordinary ecosystems

Do you know that the Red Sea is home to more than 1,200 species of fish? Many of them are found nowhere else on Earth. Its coral reefs can survive warmer temperatures than reefs in other parts of the world, which is why scientists often call them “super corals.” If you’ve ever swam above a Red Sea reef, then you know that it feels like watching a living picture. Bright orange anthias, elegant butterflyfish, and curious parrotfish all moving in harmony. This beauty is what makes Hurghada famous… and also what makes it fragile.

Main environmental challenges in Hurghada

1. Hurghada environmental guide about coral reefs damage

Corals are living organisms and are much more fragile than they appear. Even a small break in a coral branch can take years to heal. The biggest threats are:

• touching corals while snorkeling
• anchors dropping directly onto reefs
• sunscreen chemicals
• too many visitors in small areas

Professional guides explain the rules before every boat or snorkeling trip. They show how to enjoy the reefs safely. Even on your own, you should follow these rules. Touching or standing on coral can harm the reef and also break local law. Staying informed helps protect both nature and your tour.

2. Pollution on land and sea

Pollution is one of Hurghada’s biggest environmental challenges, both on land and in the water. Plastic waste, cigarette butts, food wrappers, and oil leaks from boats are common problems. Floating plastic bags and bottles often drift into the sea, sometimes mistaken for jellyfish by sea turtles or fish, which can swallow them by mistake. Much of this pollution comes from human activity. The big Hurghada’s problem is that there aren’t enough trash bins, which makes it easy for people to leave waste on the ground.

3. Over-tourism at popular spots

Hurghada’s stunning reefs attract thousands of visitors every day, especially around popular areas like Giftun Islands. While these sites are breathtaking, the heavy boat traffic, crowded snorkel spots, and careless fin kicks can put serious pressure on the delicate marine ecosystem. Coral can be easily broken, fish habitats disturbed, and the overall health of the reef compromised. For anyone reading this Hurghada environmental guide, it’s important to understand that responsible tourism makes a difference. Choosing eco-friendly tours and following guides’ instructions can help protect these underwater treasures for years to come.

4.  Beach erosion

Building too close to the shoreline disrupts the natural movement of sand and water, causing beaches to shrink and reshaping the coastline over time. In areas like El Gouna, rapid construction has already damaged nearly 50% of the nearby coral reefs, showing how development can directly affect marine ecosystems. It’s a reminder that sustainable planning is essential. Preserving natural beaches not only protects coral reefs and marine life but also ensures that future visitors can continue to enjoy Hurghada’s pristine coastline.

5. Desalination impact: Hurghada environmental guide

Hurghada relies on desalinated water to meet the needs of its growing population and resorts. However, the leftover salt brine discharged back into the Red Sea can increase local salinity, affecting nearby coral reefs and marine life if not carefully managed. This section of the Hurghada environmental guide shows why sustainable water practices are essential. Tourists can also make a difference by supporting eco-friendly hotels and operators who follow proper desalination procedures, helping to protect the delicate reef zones and ensuring that Hurghada’s underwater beauty remains for generations to enjoy.

Who is protecting Hurghada’s environment?

HEPCA works tirelessly to protect the Red Sea. They introduced: the mooring buoy system (to stop anchors damaging reefs), beach and desert cleanups, and educational programs. Many of the beautiful reefs tourists enjoy today are safer because of HEPCA’s long-term efforts. Many dive and snorkel operators now follow “reef-friendly rules”:

* no anchoring
* no feeding fish
* no touching corals
* giving short eco-briefings before every trip

Today’s fishermen in Hurghada know the sea like the back of their hand. They carefully avoid catching young fish and follow seasonal patterns to keep marine life healthy. On top of that, the government has created protected marine areas, including the famous Giftun Islands. These zones limit overcrowding and give coral reefs a safe space to recover and thrive. For visitors, this means you can enjoy snorkeling and diving in spots where nature is carefully preserved, helping to keep the Red Sea vibrant and full of life.

How tourists can help right now according to Hurghada environmental guide

Visitors have a bigger impact than they think. Here are easy ways to be a “reef hero”:

• Do NOT stand on or touch corals
• Use reef-safe sunscreen
• Choose eco-friendly boats and centers
• Avoid single-use plastics (bags, cups, straws)
• Don’t feed fish, it disrupts their natural behavior
• Take only pictures, leave only bubbles.

Even small actions make a difference.

The future of Hurghada’s nature

Hurghada’s beauty isn’t just a tourism attraction; it’s a treasure worth protecting. With the combined effort of conservation groups, responsible tourism, and growing awareness, the Red Sea still has a bright future. Our coral reefs, beaches, and marine life can continue to amaze visitors for decades to come… as long as we care for them today.

Why do fish have strong memory?

Memory is key to survival. It helps animals find food, avoid danger, and recognize familiar places or other creatures. Fish live in wide, open waters filled with predators. With weak memory, they wouldn’t last a day.
Think about it logically:
How could fish species that have existed for over 500 million years continue to thrive, migrate, and reproduce without a robust memory system?

Scientific experiments reveal fish memory power

Here are several fascinating examples that clearly show fish have a surprisingly strong memory. Scientists have discovered many ways in which fish remember, learn, and adapt — proving they’re much smarter than most people think.

Spatial Memory Experiment

In a well-known study, researchers trained fish to identify where food was placed inside a tank at specific times of the day. Even after a two-week break, the fish gathered at the same place and time expecting food, showing that their memory lasted for weeks — not seconds.

The lever-pressing experiment

Another experiment introduced a lever that released food only at certain times. The fish learned to press it only when feeding time arrived, showing their ability to associate time, action, and reward — a sign of advanced cognitive function.

Fish that learn from mistakes sure hasn’t weak memory

A 2017 study on Guppy fish found that these fish can improve their performance in maze tests through repeated training. After four days, they completed the maze much faster than on day one — evidence of learning through memory similar to mammals.

Complex behavior: tool use and deception

Some fish species have been observed using tools to obtain food. For example, wrasses, especially the orange-dotted Tuskfish, have been observed using rocks as tools. It was dropping rocks on sea urchins to break their shells. Others, like Sailor fish, display protective strategies by attaching their eggs to plant leaves, allowing them to move them quickly if the nest is attacked. These behaviors demonstrate that fish are not mindless creatures but intelligent beings capable of planning and adapting.

Counting and numerical recognition for sure aren’t sign of a weak memory

Researchers showed fish cards with different numbers of dots. In over 1,200 tests, the fish chose the correct card 91% of the time. This shows they can compare numbers and remember patterns — skills once believed to belong only to higher animals.

Do manta rays remember their routes?

Manta rays may travel more than 2,000 km across the ocean — and they don’t do it by chance. These gentle giants remember their migration routes, food spots, and cleaning stations year after year. Scientists believe manta rays use both memory and environmental cues to navigate. It’s like they carry an invisible map in their minds, guiding them safely through the vast blue world.

Memory in aquaculture applications

Scientists have applied fish memory to sustainable aquaculture. By training fish to respond to feeding sounds, farmers can later release them into the sea and recall them during harvest using the same sound cue. This clever method proves that fish don’t have a weak memory at all — in fact, they can remember and react after weeks or even months. It also helps reduce feeding costs and supports environmentally friendly farming, all thanks to the strong and reliable memory of fish.

Fish can recognize faces, so no weak memory!

Studies have shown that archerfish can remember and recognize human faces — even after seeing dozens of them. Or, other interesting real-life story with a diver who once removed a fishing hook from a shark’s mouth. After that, the same shark started visiting her regularly — and even brought other sharks that also had hooks stuck in their mouths, as if asking for help. This shows that fish can recognize people, remember positive experiences, and even communicate them to others.

The myth about weak fish memory is entirely false

Scientific research proves that fish can remember things for weeks or even months. They learn from experience and show surprising intelligence. So next time someone says, “He has a fish memory!” — you can confidently correct them. And when you go snorkeling with Hurghada Today, take a closer look. The fish you meet might remember you longer than you think.

References
Oxford University research on Guppy fish behavior (2017).

Spatial memory studies in Animal Cognition journal.

Australian Marine Science Centre studies on fish learning.

How do whales and dolphins breathe?

Unlike fish, which extract oxygen from water using gills, whales and dolphins are marine mammals that breathe atmospheric oxygen through their lungs. They have a special opening on top of their heads called a blowhole, which functions like a nose. This allows them to inhale air and exhale carbon dioxide. During dives, the blowhole remains tightly closed by powerful muscles to prevent water from entering the respiratory system. When whales surface, they open the blowhole and release a strong burst of air and vapor before taking a deep breath and diving again. You’ve probably seen this famous fountain-like spout in photos before.

How long can they stay underwater?

Dolphins can typically hold their breath for 8–15 minutes, while large whales can stay submerged for up to 60 minutes. The record-holder, however, is the Cuvier’s beaked whale, which can dive for more than two hours and fifteen minutes in a single breath! This ability comes from their high concentrations of hemoglobin and myoglobin — two proteins that store oxygen in the blood and muscles — and their ability to slow their heart rate during deep dives to conserve oxygen.

If they breathe air, why do they die on land?

Whales and dolphins do not die immediately from suffocation when they are out of the water, because they breathe air through their blowholes, and technically, they can still inhale and exhale in open air. However, they do eventually die if they remain beached, but not primarily because they can’t breathe. The real causes include:

1. Crushing weight and internal pressure is deadly for whales and dolphins

A blue whale can weigh over 150 tons (150,000 kilograms). While in water, buoyancy supports its massive body weight. But once ashore, gravity exerts full pressure on its organs — especially the lungs and heart — causing them to collapse or stop functioning. Their skeletons are not designed to support such weight outside the water, leading to fatal internal injuries.

2. Overheating and thermal stress

Whales and dolphins have a thick layer of fat called blubber, which can be up to 30 centimeters thick and serves as insulation against cold ocean waters. However, this same insulation becomes dangerous on land, where there’s no water to cool their bodies. Their internal temperature rises rapidly, leading to thermal stress, tissue damage, and dehydration.

3. Dehydration and skin damage

Their skin is adapted to stay constantly moist. Once exposed to air, it begins to dry, crack, and lose moisture rapidly. This is why rescuers are often seen spraying water or covering whales with wet cloths — to keep them hydrated until they can return to the ocean.

4. Limited mobility and physical exhaustion

Whales and dolphins have streamlined bodies designed for efficient movement in water. On land, this adaptation becomes a hindrance; they cannot move or support themselves, causing muscle fatigue, compression injuries, and eventually death from exhaustion.

5. Starvation and energy depletion

These giants have enormous energy demands. A blue whale, for instance, consumes around 40 million krill per day — roughly 2–10% of its body weight. When stranded, they lose access to food and quickly run out of energy, leading to starvation.

Why do whales beach themselves in the first place?

Whale and dolphin strandings have been documented for centuries — with around 2,000 incidents recorded worldwide each year. Yet, the exact cause remains one of the great mysteries of marine biology. Some of the main theories include:

1. Illness or old age: Sick or elderly whales may deliberately isolate themselves and drift toward shore to die peacefully.

2. Geological disturbances: Underwater earthquakes or volcanic activity can disrupt their navigation systems.

3. Human interference and sonar noise: Naval sonar systems emit powerful sound waves that can disorient whales, causing them to flee in the wrong direction — often toward shallow waters. A famous example occurred in 2000 in the Bahamas, when 17 whales beached shortly after a U.S. Navy sonar test.

 What should be done when a whale is stranded?

When rescuers discover a stranded whale or dolphin, every second counts. They immediately begin keeping the animal’s skin moist, using buckets of seawater or wet cloths. Wet towels or blankets are gently placed over its body to prevent the skin from overheating or drying out. Next, rescuers adjust the animal’s position, easing the weight off its chest and fins to help it breathe more easily. Throughout the process, they have to stay calm and quiet — sudden noises can cause panic. Meanwhile, marine rescue authorities should be contacted to organize professional equipment and a safe return to the sea.

Now is clearer why whales and dolphins can’t live outside of water

Although whales and dolphins are air-breathing mammals, their bodies are precisely engineered for life in the ocean. Once on land, they face a deadly chain of effects — from internal pressure and overheating to dehydration and organ failure — that ultimately leads to their death within hours. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial not only for science but also for improving marine rescue and conservation efforts.

Respiration as a vital process

Oxygen keeps life alive. It fuels every cell, giving living things the power to move, grow, and stay alive. Humans get oxygen through their lungs, pulling it from the air with each breath. The lungs send it into the blood, which carries it to every part of the body. In return, carbon dioxide leaves as waste. But for creatures under the sea, things work differently. There’s no air to breathe, only water. Over millions of years, marine life developed amazing ways to take in the oxygen hidden within it.

How do fish breathe underwater?

Fish don’t have lungs like we do. Instead, they breathe through special organs called gills. These gills handle the vital job of swapping gases — taking in oxygen and letting out carbon dioxide. Each gill is made of thin, delicate filaments filled with tiny blood vessels. That’s what gives them their bright red color. Most fish have four pairs of gills, but some, like sharks, can have as many as seven. When a fish opens its mouth, water flows in and washes over the gills. The blood inside the filaments collects the oxygen dissolved in the water and releases carbon dioxide in return. Then, the used water slips out through the gill openings — just like water draining through a strainer.

The challenges of breathing underwater

Although fish appear well adapted, underwater respiration is actually a demanding process. Water contains only about 8 milligrams of oxygen per liter, while air contains nearly 210 milligrams per liter — over 25 times more. Furthermore, oxygen levels drop significantly in deeper waters, meaning fish must rely on highly efficient oxygen-extraction systems to survive in such conditions.

Dual breathing in certain species

Not all fish depend solely on gills. More than 450 fish species can breathe air directly using dual respiratory systems, which combine gills, lungs, or even skin surfaces.

Examples include:

• The Mudskipper: Native to Southeast Asia, it can live up to six consecutive days outside the water, breathing directly through the air.
• The Catfish: Known in Egypt as Qarmout, this fish can survive on land as long as its skin remains moist.

Marine mammals — a unique case

Whales and dolphins are not fish, but marine mammals that breathe air through lungs. They have a special opening on top of the head called a blowhole, which closes tightly while diving and opens when they reach the surface to inhale air. Whales can store large amounts of oxygen in their bodies, allowing them to stay submerged for up to 60 minutes, while dolphins can usually hold their breath for 8–10 minutes.

Now you understand how marine life breathe underwater

Respiration in marine life is one of the most remarkable examples of biological adaptation. While fish use gills to extract oxygen from water, marine mammals rely on lungs to breathe air, illustrating the extraordinary diversity and intelligence of life beneath the waves. Understanding these mechanisms deepens our appreciation of marine biology and contributes to global conservation efforts aimed at protecting the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems. If you’re inspired to explore this hidden world yourself, Hurghada Today offers unforgettable sea trips where you can witness the beauty of marine life up close.