El Gouna was built directly on the coast of the Red Sea and is a small Mecca for kitesurfers. Great weather, constant wind and oriental flair.
Egypt is a popular destination when it comes to kitesurfing. Even though it has suffered somewhat in recent years due to the political situation, I wouldn’t let that deter you. Especially in El Gouna you can feel safe, because the place is a privat area and protected by its own security.
But even in Hurghada I did not feel unsafe. We were even there in the summer of 2013, where the military again took over the leadership of the country. It’s best not to go to Hurghada on Friday (the same as our Sunday).
From now on our KITE travel guides: Kitesurfing in Croatia, Kitesurfing in Greece,Mainland and Kitesurfing in Sardinia, are available in our store.
The arrival
If you want to go to El Gouna, you will land at Hurghada airport. The two places are about 30 minutes apart by cab. A good site to book flights or travel is Ckeck24.
Already on the plane you will receive an entry card from the airline, which you fill in with your name, birthday, origin, accommodation, flight number and reason for stay. In addition to this card, you will also need a visa at passport control, after you exit the Plane.
With some tour operators this visa is already included and you can get it at one of the tour operator booths at the airport. If this is not the case, or if you have not booked a Package holiday, then do not go to the tour operators. Go directly to the right to the counters of the bank.
There you will get the visa without a service charge (about 22-25 euros) and you can also change money right away. You can also find a good description here. After that, go through passport control and to your transfer or find a cab.
Important when looking for a cab that you clarify the price before and have it suitable to the best. It should cost about 10 – 15 euros to El Gouna.
My tip: Just think about what it’s worth beforehand and see that you make up that price. This way you should always negotiate prices in Egypt, then usually both come out well.
The Kitestations in El Gouna
In El Gouna, or better everywhere in Egypt, you are only allowed to go kiting in the water at a kite station , because it is supervised. Therefore, there are several in El Gouna, which do not always make the decision easy.
In principle, they offer the same. A chillarea, showers, kitestorage, washing facilities for the equipment, equipment rental, kite courses, food, so you have the agony of choice.
Here it depends on what you want. A station directly at the hotel, or a lot of space, a large standing area, or or or. I would look for recommendations first, then look at the pictures on the websites, compare prices. And at last read the review on the spot on Googlemaps. After that I decide what suits me more.
I have listed here the kite stations of El Gouna from north to south. Feel free to leave a comment telling us which station is your favorite, or where you don’t want to go anymore.
North Mangroovy Beach
Kitestation Kitepower El Gouna
Kitestation Makani Beach Club
Kitestation Elements Watersport
Mangroovy Beach
Kitestation Kiteboarding Club – KBC
Kitestation Red Sea Zone
Zeytouna Beach
Kitestation Kite Family
Möwenpick
Kitestation Kite People
Club Paradisio
Kitestation Osmosis Kiteboarding
You can find my kitespot description here
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Abu Soma Riders Kitesurf School |
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Amwaj Blue Beach Resort, Soma Bay, Ägypten
2012
4-6 Kitelehrer
IKO Kitelehrer, IKO Kiteschule
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The hotels
There are many hotels and accommodations in El Gouna from 3 to 5 stars, with only breakfast or all inclusive, directly on the beach or in the city, or or or. The choice is often difficult, especially if you don’t know El Gouna yet. Therefore, I would like to introduce you to the 6 hotels in El Gouna that I think are the best for kitesurfers.
There are two hotels that have their own kite beach, this offers a small advantage. But also from the other hotels you can reach every kitespot in El Gouna super, with the local cabs, the Tuk Tuks. You can find them everywhere and they will take you anywhere in El Gouna, always at the same price. (As of 2017: 10LE = 1 person, 20LE = 2-3 persons, exchange rate 18-19 LE = 1 Euro).
There are many other hotels in El Gouna. Here I would like to introduce you to my 6 kite hotels for different budgets.
- Turtle’s Inn***
- Captain’s Inn***
- Mosaique****
- Fanadir****
- LABRANDA Club Paradisio****
- Mövenpick Resort & Spa*****
*** stars
1. Hotel Turtle’s Inn*
Three star hotel in El Gouna, Egypt, ideal for kitesurfers.
| Catering | Breakfast, half board |
|---|---|
| Location | Abu Tig Marina |
| Kitespots | By Tuk Tuk (about 5 to 10 minutes) |
| own kitestation | No |
| WI-FI | El Gouna Wi-Fi hotspots free of charge |
|---|---|
| Bathing beach | 500 meters, free sunbeds |
| Equipment | billiards, small pool, air conditioning, safe |
| Children suitable | No |
The small hotel has 27 rooms and is located a bit further back at Abu Tig Marina. It’s not ostentatious, but there’s everything you need. If you are not looking for the big luxury and also like to be on the spot, then you are exactly right here.
The rooms are rather small, but have everything you need and they are clean. In the inner courtyard of the hotel there is a small pool, with little space outside. Unfortunately, the sun does not really reach through the high house walls around. But for a little refreshment the pool is enough and you are anyway the whole day at the respective kite beach.
You can get breakfast and possible dinner at the Marina Steakhouse, right inside the Captain’s Inn, about three minutes, walk away. In the immediate vicinity there are many restaurants and bars that all want to be discovered.
Recommendation
Since Turtle’s Inn* and Captain’s Inn* are in almost the same location and quite similar, I’ve summarized my recommendation for both below.
2. Hotel Captain’s inn*
Three star hotel in El Gouna, Egypt, ideal for kitesurfers.
| Catering | Breakfast, half board |
|---|---|
| Location | Abu Tig Marina |
| Kitespots | By tuk tuk (about 5 to 10 minutes) |
| own kitestation | No |
| WI-FI | El Gouna Wi-Fi hotspots free of charge |
|---|---|
| Bathing beach | 200 meters, free sunbeds |
| Equipment | billiards, air conditioning, safe, pool of Ali Pasha (about 300 meters) |
| Children suitable | No |
The small hotel has 49 rooms and is located directly at the Abu Tig Marina. This hotel is also not so pompous and so similar to the Turtle’s Inn*, is only larger. The rooms are also rather small, but clean. In Egypt, you don’t stay in the room that long anyway. The hotel also has everything you need and is very central.
The Captain’s Inn* has its own restaurant, the Marina Steakhouse. Here you will also get your breakfast and eventual dinner. There is a nice buffet with fruits, yogurt, bread, eggs, local food, tea, coffee etc. The breakfast you can also book as external for 75 LE (STAND: March 2017) and is highly recommended.
Right next to the restaurant is the Bartender, a cozy bar where it can be noisy for a while. This can be heard especially on weekends, depending on the location also in the rooms.
Recommendation
Both hotels rather belong together. I recommend the Turtle’s Inn* and the Captain’s Inn* for singles or couples who also like to be out in the evening, or who don’t mind it being noisy. Therefor you live very central at the Abu Tig Marina and are quickly at the kite spots or in downtown.
For families/children it is rather not suitable, since it can become loud in the evening and there is also so no special leisure offer.
Both are ideal if you want a good breakfast and prefer to be flexible at dinner.
**** Stars
3. Hotel Mosaique*
Four star hotel in El Gouna, Egypt, ideal for kitesurfers
| Catering | Breakfast, half board |
|---|---|
| Location | New Marina |
| Kitespots | By Tuk Tuk (about 5 to 10 minutes) |
| own kite station | No, shuttle service |
| WI-FI | El Gouna Wi-Fi hotspots free of charge |
|---|---|
| Bathing beach | 800 meters, free sunbeds |
| Equipment | table tennis, a pool, air conditioning, safe |
| Children suitable | Yes |
The oriental-style hotel has 69 rooms and is located directly at the New Marina, which is one sea inlet further than the Abu Tig Marina and therefore also centrally located. It is a nice hotel with a pool area in the middle of the complex and has its own restaurant and bar.
The rooms are very nice and spacious and clean, the food is also good. It has a nice launge with bar, where you can also sit nicely. Again, you can just book breakfast and take advantage of the variety of restaurants in El Gouna or Hurghada.
The Mosaique* calls itself “The Kite Surf Hotel”. For example, there is a free half-hour shuttle service to the Element Watersport kite station in the north of El Gouna. (8:30 – 10:30 there, 16:00 – 18:00 (winter) 20:00 (summer) back STAND: 2017) However, this also stops at the other kitestation, depending on which guests are where.
Actually, the service is only for the guests of the Mosaique* and Fanadir*but it is not controlled, so you could also come from the Turtle’s Inn* and Captain’s Inn (about 8 min). But I think it is almost easier and nicer to go by tuk tuk.
Recommendation
Since the Mosaique* and the Fanadir* are next to each other and are sister hotels, I have summarized my recommendation for both below..
4. Hotel Fanadir*
Four star hotel in El Gouna, Egypt, ideal for kitesurfers
| Catering | Breakfast, half board |
|---|---|
| Location | New Marina |
| Kitespots | By tuk tuk (about 5 to 10 minutes) |
| own kite station | No, shuttle service |
| WI-FI | El Gouna Wi-Fi hotspots free of charge |
|---|---|
| Bathing beach | 800 meters, free sunbeds |
| Equipment | table tennis, a pool, air conditioning, safe |
| Children suitable | Not desired |
The adult hotel has 54 rooms and is located next to the Mosaique Hotel at the New Marina. It is virtually the counterpart for childless travelers and guests are allowed only from 16 years. It also has a pool. Since the Mosaique and the Fanadir are right next to each other, the shuttle service to the kite spots is also available here. (See Mosaique)
Also in Fanadir* you can book breakfast or half board, but both are taken in the restaurant of Mosaique*. It is also possible to book only breakfast and have dinner at one of the many restaurants in El Gouna or even Hurghada.
Recommendation
The Mosaique* and the Fanadir* are sister hotels. They are for anyone who wants a little more comfort and doesn’t want to be right in the party hustle and bustle.
Mosaique* is suitable for families, but there is no special leisure offer. The Fanadir* is rather for couples or singles, who would like to have it also sometimes more quietly. You are not directly in the “noisy El Gouna”, but you can reach it quickly. (about 8 minutes walk Abu Tig Marina)
5. LABRANDA Club Paradisio*
Four star kite hotel in the south of El Gouna, Egypt
| Catering | All Inclusive |
|---|---|
| Location | south of El Gouna on the beach |
| Kitespots | Osmosis Kitestation |
| own kitestation | Yes |
| WI-FI | El Gouna Wi-Fi hotspots free of charge |
|---|---|
| Bathing beach | Own beach |
| Facilities | large sports offer, wellness, disco, bar |
| Children suitable | Yes |
Managed by a German company, the hotel has 239 rooms and is located almost at the southern end of El Gouna. Most of the rooms are rather bungalows with a nice terrace. These are located on a beautiful large area with pools, restaurants, bars and recreational activities for young and old.
Food is all inclusive, which can be convenient, but not everyone’s cup of tea. The Dine Around program adds some variety to the menu.
It has, with the Osmosis Kitestation, its own kite beach, with storage, courses and rental equipment and is therefore ideal for kitesurfers. Especially hydrofoilers get their money’s worth here, I have described this kitespot in detail here.
Recommendation
If you want a great deal, beautiful rooms and an all-inclusive package, Club Paradisio* is the place for you. The kitestation is extra and not included in the offer of the hotel.
It can also be used by external kitesurfers.
The hotel is also super recommended for families with children, so there is a larger leisure offer with mini club and animation. Adults can also indulge in spa pampering and try different sports besides kitesurfing.
***** Stars
6. Hotel Mövenpick Resort & Spa*
Four star hotel in El Gouna, Egypt, ideal for kitesurfers
| Catering | Breakfast, Half board, All inclusive |
|---|---|
| Location | south of El Gouna on the beach |
| Kitespots | Kite People |
| own kitestation | Yes |
| WI-FI | El Gouna Wi-Fi hotspots free of charge |
|---|---|
| Bathing beach | Own beach |
| Facilities | large sports offer, wellness, disco, bar |
| Children suitable | Yes |
This hotel has 420 rooms and is a five star hotel. It is located in the south of El Gouna, still north of the Hotel Club Paradisio.
The Mövenpick* consists of a beautiful, large complex, with great sports and leisure facilities and has 6 restaurants, with different cuisine styles, 2 pool bars, 1 beach bar and 1 lounge bar. It is almost like a small secluded place in the middle of El Gouna.
The Mövenpick* also has its own kite station, Kite People, and is therefore ideal for kiters who have high standards and love an all-round package, with a little luxury. As at all kite centers in El Gouna, there are courses, rental equipment and storage. The kitestation is extra and not included in the offer of the hotel.
Recommendation
This hotel is similar to Club Paradisio* only with a little more luxury and one star more.
Mövenpick* is ideal for families with children, because in this resort everyone gets their money’s worth.
Self-catering
If you are not into package tours and prefer to plan everything yourself, then I recommend booking an apartment in El Gouna. Here there is also a wide variety of equipment, layers and sizes. So you can arrive in a larger group or just enjoy the independent flair as a couple.
In El Gouna there are numerous restaurants and bars that will spoil you with culinary delights. In addition, there is also a supermarket at Abu Tig Marina and a larger one downtown. So you are ideally supplied. In the evening, depending on your stay, I also recommend a trip to Hurghada to get to know the real Egypt a bit.
You can also find suitable apartments on Airbnb.
Dine Around Program
If you are staying at one of the above hotels, then you can also take advantage of the Dine Around program. For this you can have lunch or dinner in other hotels or restaurants participating in the program, depending on what you have booked in your hotel. You can find more detailed information here.
My conclusion
Personally, I tend to the apartment, because I prefer to be independent and do not like to stay in package hotels, as an old camper :P. Still, I would take advantage of the Captain’s Inn breakfast buffet at least once.
If the stay is only for a week or two, then I would also go to Turtle’s Inn* / Captain’s Inn* or Mosaique* / Fanadir*. However, always only with the option of breakfast. There are just so many good restaurants in El Gouna and Hurghada.
Club Paradisio* is certainly nice too, but I would rather stay in an apartment here, but I can definitely recommend the kite station Osmosis, especially for kitefoiling.
The Mövenpick* is certainly also a great option, but everything here is too big and too touristy for me, but ideal for families.
But in the end it depends on what is important to you on vacation, so I’m happy if you visit one of my recommendations and maybe tell me about it in the comments too
Security
One more word about safety, because this issue is just scaring off many to fly to Egypt. Since 2011, the political situation in Egypt has been difficult. The Foreign Office also issues a partial travel warning. Don’t be so negative, I can simply recommend Egypt as a destination, especially as a kitesurfer.
I have not had any negative experiences as described above and I have been July 2011, Sept 2011, 6 months summer 2013, January 2017, March 2017 and would like to go to Egypt again this year.
Where is one safe these days, when attacks are already occurring in Germany? A fitting Bavarian saying: “Scheiß da nix, dann feid da nix”.
In this sense have a nice kite vacation. 🙂
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