The Red Sea is one of the best places on the planet for kitesurfing. Wind, warm water, minimal rain. But there are several kite spots along the Egyptian coast and each has its specifics. Since we’ve lived and kited here since 2004, we know them all firsthand. Here’s an honest comparison.
El Gouna
Where we call home.
Main Advantages
Shallow lagoon – 2–3 km wide, depth from knee to chest, sandy bottom. For instruction, there’s no better place on the Red Sea. When you fall, you stand up. No swimming, no stress. But advanced riders have plenty of room too – the lagoon is huge.
Northern position – Our spot is at the northern tip of El Gouna. This means unlimited space for upwind riding. No obstacles, no shallows, no end anywhere. You can ride a kilometer upwind and still have room.
Infrastructure – El Gouna is a resort town. Hotels, restaurants, bars, hospital, pharmacy, supermarket. Everything in one place. You don’t need a car. A non-kiting partner won’t be bored.
Safety – El Gouna is a gated community with its own security. Crime is virtually nonexistent. You can leave belongings on the beach without worry.
Restaurant on the beach – Food right at the spot. Lunch between sessions, beer after kitesurfing, sundowner overlooking the lagoon. Open until the last guest leaves.
Disadvantages
Less wind in winter – November–February is weaker for wind. Not that it doesn’t blow, but it’s not as consistent as March–June.
Prices – El Gouna is more expensive than Hurghada or Safaga. Hotels, food, taxis – everything costs more. You pay for comfort.
Distance – Hurghada airport is 30 minutes by car. Not a problem, but Hurghada is closer to itself.
Safaga
Cheaper, but without amenities.
Main Advantages
Wind – Safaga has morning thermal wind that can kick in earlier than in El Gouna. Overall, however, wind reliability is comparable, and on days when it blows everywhere, the difference is minimal. El Gouna’s advantage is the lagoon — even with the same wind, learning and riding is better in shallow water.
Prices – Significantly cheaper than El Gouna. Accommodation, food, everything.
Atmosphere – Less organized, more “raw.” If you don’t need comfort and amenities, you might see this as a plus.
Disadvantages
Deep water – The main spot is in deep water. For beginners, this is significantly harder – after a fall, you have to swim, relaunch the kite from the water, and deal with the board. All of that takes time and energy.
Infrastructure – Safaga is a town, not a resort. Hotels are more modest, fewer restaurants, nightlife practically nonexistent. If you’re coming purely for kiting, that’s fine. If you want a complete holiday, you’ll miss it.
Spot access – Some spots require transport. It’s not “walk out of the hotel and you’re on the water.”
Soma Bay
Beautiful, but remote.
Main Advantages
Gorgeous setting – Soma Bay is visually attractive. Clear water, nice beaches, luxury resorts. An aesthetically pleasing spot, even without the amenities and infrastructure of El Gouna.
Flat water spot – The Soma Bay lagoon offers flat water for freestyle and freeride. Conditions for advanced riders are solid, though the lagoon is smaller than El Gouna’s.
Quality resorts – Luxury hotels with good service. Suitable for couples where one kites and the other wants spa and pool.
Disadvantages
Distance – Soma Bay is about 45 minutes from Hurghada airport. And outside the resort, there’s nothing. No shops, no restaurants, no nightlife. You’re isolated in the resort.
Limited spot – The lagoon is smaller than El Gouna’s. During peak season, it can get overcrowded.
Price – Soma Bay resorts are among the most expensive on the Red Sea.
Hurghada
Big city by the sea.
Main Advantages
Airport – You’re there in 10 minutes from the terminal. Shortest transfer of all spots.
Prices – Hurghada offers cheap accommodation and food. But without its own kite spot, you’ll be commuting elsewhere anyway.
Nightlife – Bars, clubs, restaurants. If you want partying after kiting, Hurghada has it.
Disadvantages
Spot – Hurghada doesn’t have an ideal kite spot right in the city. Most kiters go to El Gouna, Safaga, or the islands. That means daily commuting.
City – Hurghada is a busy Egyptian city. Hagglers, traffic, noise. Authentic for some, tiring for others.
Water quality – In the immediate vicinity of the city, worse than El Gouna or Soma Bay.
Dahab
A different world.
Main Advantages
Atmosphere – Dahab has a different vibe. Backpacker culture, simple beach bars. Interesting for some, but kite conditions and infrastructure are significantly weaker than El Gouna.
Diving and snorkeling – Good diving conditions in the Sinai. If you want to combine kitesurfing with diving, it’s also possible in El Gouna — with significantly better kite conditions.
Prices – Very cheap accommodation and food.
Disadvantages
No lagoon – The spot in Dahab is open water with deeper water. Significantly harder for beginners. No shallow lagoon with sandy bottom.
Distance – Dahab is on the Sinai Peninsula. Fly to Sharm el-Sheikh + an hour by car. Logistically more complex.
Wind – Less consistent than spots on the Egyptian mainland. More dependent on thermal wind.
Security situation – The Sinai has historically had a more complex security situation. No problem for most tourists, but worth mentioning.
Overview Comparison
| El Gouna | Safaga | Soma Bay | Hurghada | Dahab | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner lessons | 5/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Wind (consistency) | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Infrastructure | 5/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Price | 3/5 | 5/5 | 2/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| For families | 5/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| For advanced | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Atmosphere/experience | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Who We Recommend What
Beginners: El Gouna. Without debate. The shallow lagoon for instruction has no rival on the Red Sea.
Advanced riders on a budget: El Gouna. Even with higher accommodation costs, the overall value is the best thanks to the facilities, equipment, and lagoon. Safaga is cheaper but without amenities and with deep water.
Couples (kitesurfer + non-kitesurfer): El Gouna. A complete resort with restaurants, shops, and activities for non-kiting partners. Soma Bay is more isolated and expensive.
Budget trip: El Gouna with Airbnb or downtown apartment accommodation. Hurghada is cheaper for accommodation, but doesn’t have its own kite spot — you’d end up commuting to us anyway.
Alternative travelers: Dahab offers a different Egypt, but kite conditions are significantly weaker.
Families with kids: El Gouna. Safety, kids’ courses, playground, infrastructure.
Why We’re in El Gouna
We’ve been here since 2004 – and over that time, we’ve watched all these spots develop. We didn’t choose El Gouna by accident. The combination of the lagoon, reliable wind, infrastructure, and safety is unique. It’s the spot where people learn to kitesurf fastest, have the best facilities, and feel the most comfortable.
And that’s what matters to us.
Want to experience El Gouna for yourself? Check out the spot, read the references, or book your dates right away.