What to Do in Hurghada When the Sea Is Rough or Trips Are Cancelled

Do boat trips get cancelled in Hurghada, and who decides?

Yes. What to do in Hurghada when the sea is rough starts with who decides. The Red Sea Ports Authority can close a port, and on any day the captain decides whether the boat goes and where. Our trip pages say safety comes first and the captain makes the call on the day.

Sea trips are the activities that depend on the water: island and snorkeling trips, the glass boat and semi-submarine and private boats. On our pages, wind can change a boat's route or reef, and we confirm details after booking. Land trips follow different rules, covered below.

How do Egyptian authorities close ports for weather?

The Red Sea Ports Authority suspends navigation at a port when conditions are unsafe, and boats cannot leave until it reopens. According to Egypt Independent, Hurghada Port was closed on Friday 31 January 2025 because of high 3-4 metre waves and strong 23-26 mph winds. That is a port-level decision, not a tour operator's choice.

Wind is not the only trigger. Ahram Online reported on 18 May 2014 that Safaga and Hurghada ports were closed because of dust storms, and that diving and sailing were suspended in El Gouna. Both pages are news reports, read on 5 October 2026.

Neither report gives a fixed wave or wind limit for closure, and Egypt Independent does not state how long the January 2025 closure lasted. We therefore quote no official threshold. Treat any figure that claims to be the exact limit as unverified.

How rough is too rough?

There is no single number for "too rough", but the Beaufort scale gives a shared language. The Beaufort scale is a way to describe wind force from sea conditions, Force 0 to 12. The wind in the 31 January 2025 closure, 23-26 mph, equals about 20-23 knots, which is Force 5 to 6.

The conversion uses the Met Office factor of 1.15 mph per knot. The table below uses the US National Weather Service wording.

For context, Windfinder lists an average of 12 knots and gusts to 22 knots at Hurghada Airport, from the north-north-west, using observations from 2000 to 2026. An average day sits in Force 4, and the gust figure reaches the lower edge of Force 6.

The Met Office adds that the sea lags behind the wind: waves keep building after the wind rises.

What happens to your booking when the sea is rough?

If we, the port authority or the operator cancel a trip because of weather or unsafe sea conditions, you can choose a free new date, a full refund, or a credit for another trip. If the trip goes ahead on a changed route or reef, that is not a cancellation. The full terms are on the booking policy page. Wind can change a boat's route or reef, the captain decides on the day, and we confirm details after booking.

Ask what happens if the port is closed, what happens if the trip runs on a changed route, and how we tell you on the day. Use the contact page or WhatsApp.

Which land activities work when the sea is rough?

Five of our land trips do not need a boat: the Grand Aquarium, the Hurghada Museum, Jungle Water Park, the Mountain Safari and horse riding. Prices below come from our trip pages, and "on request" means we quote after you send the date and group details.

Our aquarium page calls it a smart choice for a hot or windy day, and our water park page lists it as a windy-day alternative to boat trips. See the horse riding guide for routes.

What can you do in each situation?

The right plan depends on whether the port is closed, the boat is running on a changed route, or the day is simply breezy. Use this table as a starting point and ask us to confirm the details for your date.

Which months are windiest in Hurghada?

Wind blows from the north and north-west all year. The Kitespot rates May to October as the high wind season, with typical peak-season wind of 15-25 knots, and March, April and November as mid-season. These are kite-spot figures, so for boat planning read May to October as the months when strong wind is most reliable.

The same source says wind is less consistent from November to April, but still gives at least 3-4 kiteable days a week. Our hub copy suggests booking sea trips early in your stay, which leaves spare days if one is moved. For the month-by-month picture see when to visit Hurghada.

What if the trip runs but the sea is rough?

Seasickness is the main risk on a trip that does run. The NHS advises sitting in the middle of a boat, looking at the horizon, getting fresh air, drinking water and avoiding heavy meals and alcohol. A pharmacist can recommend tablets or patches, and the NHS says patches are for adults and children over 10.

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advises asking the crew for a thorough safety briefing before departure, and notes that safety standards of Red Sea boats vary. Listen to the briefing, wear the life jacket when the captain asks, and tell the crew early if you feel unwell.

With young children, a land day is often easier. Our family guide and the guide for kids and non-swimmers cover the sea options. Compare costs in what to book in Hurghada.

How does Divers Trips handle weather changes?

We state three things from our trip pages: wind can change a boat's route or reef, the captain decides on the day because safety comes first, and we confirm details after booking. If we cancel a trip for weather or unsafe sea conditions, you can choose a free new date, a full refund, or a credit for another trip; the full terms are on the booking policy page.

Sea trips such as the snorkeling trip at €45 per person and the glass boat from €30 per person depend on the sea. Pick a land trip when you want a plan that does not rely on it. Browse all excursions or message us through the booking page.