Hurghada Marina (El Mamsha) — The Complete Waterfront Guide
Hurghada's marina — known locally as El Mamsha (the promenade) — is the social heart of the city and the starting point for most sea-based adventures. Whether you are booking a boat trip, choosing a restaurant, watching the sunset, or just absorbing the atmosphere of a busy Red Sea port, the marina is the place to be.
Overview of Hurghada Marina
El Mamsha stretches for several kilometres along Hurghada's coastline. The most active section runs through the Sakala district — a long promenade lined with restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, juice bars, and boat trip operators. The marina itself hosts hundreds of boats: dive boats, tourist vessels, glass bottom boats, fishing boats, and increasingly — private yachts. The atmosphere is lively most evenings and busy during the day with boat trips departing and returning.
Boat Trip Booking at the Marina
The marina is the departure point for almost every sea-based activity in Hurghada. Walking along the marina, you will be approached by boat operators offering: three-island snorkelling trips (negotiate to £25–£40/person), Dolphin House trips, sunset cruises, glass bottom boats, fishing trips, and private charter offers. Negotiation is expected — quoted prices are typically 20–40% above what you can negotiate to. Compare a few operators before committing and check what is included (lunch, equipment, insurance).
Dining at the Marina
The marina promenade has Hurghada's best concentration of restaurants outside El Gouna. The choice spans Egyptian street food to international dining. Seafood restaurants displaying the day's catch on ice are popular — you choose your fish or prawns and they cook them to order. Pier 88 is the most prominent venue. Various cafés and juice bars offer cheaper snacking options while watching the boats.
Marina Shopping
Souvenir and gift shops line the promenade — prices are higher than Ad Dahar's markets but the quality is better presented and English is widely spoken. Reasonable purchases: Egyptian cotton scarves, silver jewellery, Red Sea stone decorations, and papyrus art. Avoid over-priced alabaster and 'genuine papyrus' that turns out to be banana leaf — if in doubt, test by soaking briefly in water (banana leaf disintegrates, real papyrus does not).
Marina New vs Old
There are actually two marina areas in Hurghada: the older established El Mamsha promenade and the newer marina complex further south. The new marina has more upscale restaurants and a cleaner aesthetic. The old El Mamsha promenade has more character and a wider range of boat operators. Most tourists experience the old El Mamsha promenade by default.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at Hurghada marina?+
Is Hurghada marina safe to walk at night?+
Love Hurghada? Own a Piece of It
Apartments from £15,000. Freehold, 0% interest payment plans, no stamp duty. Stop paying hotel prices every visit.
Visiting Hurghada more than once a year?
Buy your own apartment from £15,000 — cheaper than hotels and earns rental income when you are not there. 0% interest payment plans available.
Read the complete buying guide →