For kitesurfing holidays, El Tur is one of the prime spots in Egypt and its isolation is its charm. Only 50 minutes from Sharm Airport, it has long been known as a very windy spot but only recently has a centre and hotel been established. El Tur is in fact the capital of the Sinai, and has barely been touched by tourism.
There is a moderate climate all year round and as well as having excellent conditions there are unlikely to be more than 20 windsurfers on the water. Catch it before the crowds come. You may well have a small audience as you gybe close to the mosque, as windsurfers are very much a novelty.
THE MAIN BAY To the outside, where the Gulf of Suez wraps round into the bay, rolling swell offers big launch pads for jumping or some swell riding.
THE SWELL To the outside, where the Gulf of Suez wraps round into the bay, rolling swell offers big launch pads for jumping or some swell riding.
THE WAVE SPOT For those with a little more experience, 3 kilometres up the Gulf of Suez a full wave beach is located. This has side-on to onshore winds depending where you sail, and gives proper breaking waves of up to 2m. The spot is great for major jumping and proper wave riding. The waves are generated by a gap in the reef about 1km off the shore allowing the waves to form and roll into the beach over a gently shelving sandy bottomed bay. Kite nation is able to provide guided trips to the wave spot, or you can take a local taxi.
As with the rest of Egypt, although it is a year around destination the best wind is in the summer when it is regularly bft 5 and above. The wind in El Tur is also super clean giving you the extra confidence to really push it…
El Tur's great attraction is the wide range of conditions all within a very short distance of each other. You can either side super flat water fully powered up or hit the wave spot for some full on wave sailing.
Due the very strong wind in El Tur and waves this is really for intermediate to advanced riders only and is especially good for those wanting to learn to wave sail.
The large beach has a volley ball court and football pitch. The nearby oasis at the base of the mountains has Moses Bath, a thermal spring. This is an ideal place to watch the sun setting over the mountains on the Egyptian mainland.
St Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai are also within easy distance and the drive through the mountains to them is spectacular. Ras Mohammed is also nearby. Divers may wish to take a day off the water and explore some of the reefs or the wreck of the Thistlegorm on a trip from Sharm.
El Tur is also a excellent Windsurf spot. El Tur Windsurfing Centre is on site and offer a full range of courses and rental options.
El Tur is very quiet and you shouldn't come here for the nightlife! Evening entertainment is organised by the windsurf centre and includes barbecues, surf video evenings and occasional trips into the metropolis of Sharm.
UK / EU passport holders should have a full 10 year passport valid until at least 6 months after date of return. Other passport holders please check with Egyptian Embassy (020 7235 9777).
You will require a full Egypt visa for entry into El Tur. The easiest way to get it is on arrival at Sharm el Sheikh Airport where it will cost £12. It can also be obtained in advance from the Egyptian Embassy at a cost of £15 - £20.
There are no compulsory inoculations if travelling from the UK although Hep A and Typhoid are recommended. Please check with your GP or local travel health clinic for the latest advice.
