Safaga is located about 50 kilometres south of Hurghada (airport) right on the Red Sea. When you travel down the coastal road, you will find yourself in the middle of a desert landscape. Safaga itself is a typical small Egyptian township. Several hotels lie outside the town centre on the beautiful natural seashore.
Spacious sandy beaches extend around the deep-sea port of Safaga, and there is no doubt about the fact that the Skyriders kitesurfing centre occupies the best position in Safaga, on the long, extremely beautiful beach of the Shams, which is completely exposed to the wind.
The turquoise waters of Kite Bay commence upwind of the bathing zone; here kitesurfers will find a 350m x 150m waist-deep kitesurf area, the first part of which is protected by a spit. In the morning the wind is side off shore from the left and turns in the afternoon to side shore. At high tide, Kite Bay is ideally suited to body-drag and water-start instruction and of course for one's first few metres on the kitesurf board.
Kite Bay II Kitesurfers who have successfully completed their first few water launches can head for the stretch of beach upwind of Kite Bay at low tide (Kite Bay II). There you will find a very long beach which is just perfect for going upwind.
Soma Bay Those of you who are kitesurfers can also join an excursion four times a week. Our boat takes you to nearby Soma Bay, guaranteeing a marvellous kitesurfing experience!! To round off this excursion, a 5 kilometre long downwind trip with the kite back to the Shams Hotel is possible.
As with most of the resorts we feature in Egypt the wind is very reliable year around but is at its best in the summer months between May and September.
That said Safaga is also an excellent winter destination as the climate is not as fiercely hot but the wind still blows a steady bft 4-5 most of the time.
There is no doubt about the fact that Safaga is probably the best spot for beginners: a wind-protected shallow area permits instruction even on windy days. Kitesurfers, too, have their own section, with touch-the-bottom water and plenty of space.
The main other activity in Safaga, other than Windsurfing and Kitesurfing, is Scuba Diving. Whether you are looking to do a complete beginner course or just a days boat diving, this is all easily arranged at your hotel.
Safaga offers a prime location from which to explore the many ancient pharonic sites of Luxor just 3 hours away. Planet specialise in tailor made tours whether it is juts a 1 day trip to Luxor or a full tailor made tour of all the main sites of Egypt. Please just ask one of our experinced travel consultant when making our enquiry.
Safaga is the ultimate all-round spot and suitable for everyone, from beginners to absolute experts!
There are a few bars and restaurants scattered around the resort but the nightlife is quite low key. For a big night out you can take the 35 minute taxi ride into Hurghada Town where there are many bars and a few clubs.
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 Hurghada. 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 traveling from the UK but we recommend to check with your GP for the latest advice.
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