Red Sea Day Trip — El Sokna
Crystal Waters & Private 5-Star Beach on the Red Sea
About this tour
Private transport to the Red Sea at El Sokna with full-day access to a 5-star private beach. Perfect for a relaxing break between sightseeing.
Where you're going
El Sokna, also written Ain Sokhna, is the nearest Red Sea coast to Cairo, on the western shore of the Gulf of Suez. Its name refers to hot springs in the area, and the coastline is backed by the Galala mountains. Resorts here line a strip of sandy beaches with clear water, and this trip includes a full day of access to a 5-star private beach. It is the simplest way to see the Red Sea without flying to Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, and it works well as a rest day in the middle of a busy itinerary of temples and museums.
How the day runs
Your private air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your hotel in Cairo or Giza in the morning. The drive east to El Sokna takes about two hours on a modern highway, depending on where you start and traffic leaving the city. Once there, the day is yours to swim, read, or lie in the shade. In the late afternoon your driver meets you for the return drive, arriving back at your hotel in the evening. The full trip lasts about ten hours. This is a transport-and-beach package rather than a guided tour, so there is no sightseeing schedule to keep.
Good to know
Meals, drinks and water sports are not included; you can buy food and drinks at the resort and pay there. Bring swimwear, a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen, as the sun on the water is strong. The sea is at its warmest from late spring to autumn; winter days are often mild and sunny, but the water feels noticeably cooler. Carry your passport, since highway checkpoints may ask for identification. If anyone in your group is not a confident swimmer, stay in shallow areas, as conditions vary with wind. Let us know your preferred departure time when booking.
Making the most of a beach day
Weekends in Egypt fall on Friday and Saturday, when many Cairo residents head to the coast, so weekdays are usually quieter at the beach and on the road. An early departure gives you the most time by the water and gets you back to Cairo before evening traffic builds. Because there is no guide or fixed schedule, you can decide on the day how long to stay, within the roughly ten-hour trip. Pack light: swimwear, a change of clothes, sun protection, a book and some cash or a card for lunch and drinks at the resort.
What's Included
- Private air-conditioned transport (both ways)
- Access to 5-star private beach
Not Included
- Meals & drinks
- Water sports
Pricing
- 1 Person: USD 120 total
- 2 Persons: USD 170 total
- 3+ Persons: USD 95 per person
Prices marked per person are per person; all others are the total for that group size.
Meals and activities available at own cost
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is El Sokna from Cairo?
The drive takes about two hours each way from central Cairo, depending on traffic and your hotel's location. It is the closest Red Sea beach to the capital, which makes a same-day return comfortable.
Are meals included?
No. Meals and drinks are not included and are paid directly at the resort. The price covers private air-conditioned transport in both directions and full-day access to the 5-star private beach.
How much does the trip cost?
It is $120 in total for one person and $170 in total for two. Groups of three or more pay $95 per person. Water sports, meals and drinks are extra.
Can I snorkel or do water sports?
Water sports are not included, but depending on the beach and season, activities may be available to book on-site at your own cost. Tell us what you would like to do when booking, and we will let you know what is likely to be available.
Other Day Tours
- Giza Pyramids, from USD 70
- Saqqara, Memphis & Dahshour, from USD 70
- Cairo City Tour, from USD 70
- Bike Tour to the Pyramids, from USD 30 per person