hurghada or taba?

[mark simpson]

looking to book 2 week holiday for July, cannot decide between the 2 resorts as I've been to sharm and fancied a change.

can anyone give any recommendations on dive site, operators and things to see and do when not diving?

Hurghada is nearer to Luxor which is rather tempting, but Taba is near to Jordan but not sure on how easy it easy crossing borders.

[Lorraine Munden]

Can't speak of Hurghada not been. Have been to Taba just for a boat trip to Coral City but not stayed there. I think just two Hotels Hilton (which has now been rebuilt) and Nelsons Village. We dived with Aqua Sport.

Taba Heights has more Hotels 4 - 5* on beach we stayed at Hyatt Regency - see previous threads. 1 4* about 25 mins walk from beach. Dive Centre Red Sea Waterworld good for 'on the water' sports as well as diving. There is transport to/from all Hotels to Waterworld. Speaking this time as a non diver there wasn't much to do water sports are out because of a shoulder injury.

Crossing the borders from Egypt to Jordan not quite sure how you want to do this? E-mail if you want further info on this.

looking to book 2 week holiday for July, cannot decide between the 2 resorts as I've been to sharm and fancied a change.

can anyone give any recommendations on dive site, operators and things to see and do when not diving?

Hurghada is nearer to Luxor which is rather tempting, but Taba is near to Jordan but not sure on how easy it easy crossing borders.

[alison boler]

Hi
I think it is a choice that comes down to two things:
1. Style of Holiday: Hurghada is an established resort that has been around for 30 years+. It isn't the most planned resort therefore, it's sprawling, has some ugly bits, some lively bits, some 5 star bits. It is close enough to Luxor and the Nile sites to make a day trip a reasonable prospect.

Taba has only existed as a resort area for a few years. All the hotels are super modern. There is little in the way of a resort centre, and nothing really that types it as being Egypt rather than any other international holiday destination. Having said that the hotels are fabulous, nice landscaping, beautiful surroundings. If you like European resorts and want an easy intro to Egypt this is more it than Hurghada. On the other hand, in Taba you can easily see St Catherine's monastery and some of the most beautiful desert in the Sinai. There are also options to go into Israel - a short (almost) walk across the border, but with stringent security. Not sure about crossing into Jordan. Check with the FCO.

2. Diving: There is no doubt that you have access to better quality diving in Hurghada than you do in Taba, especially if you are an experienced diver. If you are a beginner, then there is little to choose. If you are an adventurous diver, then you will have a full range of options out of Hurghada. If you stay in Taba, and you want something a bit out of the ordinary, you will find yourself heading south for an extended day trip to Dahab.

Don't know if this helps. If you like Sharm because of its "international" flavour and you are happy with "very pleasant" diving then choose Taba. If you are looking for something a little bit more Egyptian with the option of more adventurous diving then choose Hurghada.

Just my take - hope it helps.

Allie

[wendy71]

I have been to both Taba and Hurghada and prefer Taba as it is quieter, especially on the diving front as there will only be one dive boat! You can cross the border into Israel/Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The landscape is beautiful, the people are friendly and the dive centre is great. We stayed at the Hyatt and it was fab!!

Enjoy your holiday!

Wendy