Safaga Port is your gateway to Egypt’s amazing sights, located just 53km from Hurghada and 220km from Luxor.
For other Egypt Cruise destinations check out our Egypt Cruise Ship Port Guide page.
Don’t expect fancy cruise facilities though – there’s no terminal, no ATMs, and barely any shade at this working industrial port.
You’ll need to grab a taxi or hop on a bus to reach those ancient ruins or hit the Red Sea beaches.
Taxis are up for negotiation (always haggle!), or you can catch hourly buses to Hurghada for about EĀ£10.
Buses to Luxor and Cairo run daily.
Good news – the port’s getting a major upgrade with a proper cruise terminal expected by 2026.
Map of Safaga Cruise Ship Port
Port History and Essential Information
Safaga isn’t just some modern cruise spot – it actually dates back to the 3rd century BCE when Pharaoh Ptolemy II Philadelphus named it Philotera after his sister who had passed away. Later on, Byzantine writers called it Philoterida in their texts.
The port got a fresh start in the early 1900s as Port Safaga, first shipping out phosphates before transforming into the cruise destination you see today. It sits about 53 km south of Hurghada and 220 km from Luxor. Thanks to its naturally deep harbor, Safaga handles both cargo ships and passenger vessels, making it your perfect jumping-off point for exploring Egypt’s Red Sea highlights.
Getting Around Safaga and Transportation Options
Wondering how to get around once your ship hits Safaga? No worries – taxis are all over the place for quick trips in town. Just be ready to haggle a bit depending on how far you’re going. If you’re watching your wallet, catch the buses that run every hour to Hurghada for a mere EĀ£10, or jump on one of those mini-buses cruising along Corniche Road.
Need to venture further out? You’ve got buses heading to Cairo daily (EĀ£65-EĀ£75, takes 7-8 hours) and Luxor too. Or grab a shared taxi from the station about 1.5km north of the bus terminal. Want to skip the hassle altogether? Shell out around $75 for a private ride to Luxor, or about $25 for a shuttle to Hurghada Airport.
Must-See Ancient Wonders and Excursions
Pulling into Safaga port puts you right on the doorstep of Egypt’s jaw-dropping ancient treasures. Hop on an excursion to Karnak Temple Complex where you’ll walk among 134 massive columns and check out the mysterious Sacred Lake, or make tracks to the Valley of the Kings to see where they tucked away King Tut.
Hatshepsut’s temple is worth every minute – it’s built in dramatic terraces with fascinating carvings showing her “divine birth” and even ancient surgical tools. For something a bit off the beaten path, the zodiac ceiling at Dendera Temple is mind-blowing, while history buffs will geek out over Abydos’ King List with its roll call of 76 pharaohs.
Luxor itself is packed with wow moments – from the massive entrance pylon to the sphinx-lined avenue. And those giant “singing” Colossi of Memnon? They’ve been standing guard for thousands of years, just waiting for your selfie.
Red Sea Activities and Therapeutic Tourism
Safaga isn’t just about those ancient sites – it’s got something completely different up its sleeve: healing waters that’ll do wonders for your body and soul.
The Red Sea here is crazy salty, packed with magnesium and potassium that make you float like a cork and leave your skin feeling amazing. Float on your back and meditate, or join one of the underwater exercise classes – they’re unlike anything you’ve tried before.
Want to get up close with marine life? Tag along with actual marine biologists who’ll show you the reef’s secrets, or go snorkeling at night when some organisms light up like tiny underwater stars. The air is fresh, the weather’s just right, and it’s the perfect backdrop for wellness retreats mixing yoga, breathing techniques, and treatments you can’t get anywhere else.
Check out the new wellness spots popping up along the coast – they’re doing some incredible detox treatments using minerals straight from the sea. Trust me, your body will thank you.
Port Facilities and Practical Visitor Tips
Safaga’s port isn’t your typical fancy cruise terminal – it’s basically an industrial port focused on phosphate shipping, not tourism.
Don’t expect the usual conveniences here. There’s no terminal building, no ATMs, and no tourist info desk at the Maritime Seaport. Worse yet, you’ll be standing around without shade or places to sit while waiting for your ride.
The port is about 2-3 km from town, so you’ll definitely need transportation. Your best bet is booking a tour or taxi ahead of time. Remember, you’re landing at what’s essentially a working cargo port with next to nothing for visitors.
See whatās on offer from the Port Said for a different Egypt Cruise destination.
Future Developments and Terminal Upgrades
While Safaga’s port isn’t exactly cruise-friendly right now, some major changes are coming that’ll turn this industrial spot into something much more welcoming.
Soon you’ll step off your ship into a huge new terminal – we’re talking 810,000 mĀ² of space with areas just for cruise passengers. AD Ports Group has grabbed a 30-year deal and is pumping $200 million into upgrades that should be ready by the end of 2026.
The whole expansion includes new facilities built with travelers like you in mind, so your first taste of Egypt’s Red Sea coast won’t involve navigating a cargo port anymore. About time, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Egyptian Visa Required for Cruise Passengers at Safaga?
Planning a cruise to Egypt? Yep, you’ll need a visa when docking at Safaga. The good news is your cruise line usually sorts this out for you, or you can get a free entry stamp when you arrive. No big deal!
How Reliable Is Internet/Cell Service at Safaga Port?
You can count on decent 4G coverage at Safaga port from both WE and Vodafone networks. Speeds typically hit around 25-30 Mbps for downloads, but things can slow down when cruise ships dump hundreds of passengers all trying to post vacation pics at once. If you don’t want to use your data, plenty of nearby cafes and shops offer free Wi-Fi if you grab a drink or snack.
Are There Any COVID-19 Testing Requirements Still in Place?
Nope! As of June 2022, Egypt dropped all COVID testing requirements. Just bring your passport and $25 for the visa fee, and you’re good to go. Though heads up – your cruise company might still have their own health rules they want you to follow.
What’s the Best Time to Visit to Avoid Extreme Heat?
The sweet spot is November through February when it’s a pleasant 18-25Ā°C – no melting required! Just know these cooler months are prime cruise season, so you won’t be the only one with this bright idea. Expect to share those perfect temps with plenty of other travelers.
Are Private Guides Available for Hire Directly at Port?
Looking to explore with someone who knows their stuff? You can absolutely grab a private guide right at Safaga Port when you get off the ship. Plenty of other travelers do the same thing when they want to keep their options open. Just keep in mind that during the busy season, guides get snatched up quick – so booking ahead online is your best bet if you’ve got your heart set on a particular tour.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Sharm El-Sheikh Cruise Ship Port.
