Four plans, day by day, each one honest about who it is not for. Every one leaves days empty on purpose.
Why these have empty days in them
Almost every Red Sea itinerary online is written by somebody selling the excursions in it, which is why they all contain the same five day trips in the same order and why none of them has a day with nothing in it. A plan that fills every day is not a plan, it is a sales sheet. These leave days empty, say who should use a different one, and state their catch.
Seven nights
Seven nights, no certification needed, one inland day and two days with nothing planned. The plan for someone who has never been and does not yet know what they will like.
Suits: A first visit, a couple or a pair of friends, anyone who wants to see the reef and a bit of Egypt without committing the week to either.
Not for: Divers. If you already dive or intend to learn, the diving-led plan uses the same week far better.
Ten nights
Learn to dive in the first half, use it in the second, and keep the last day dry. Built around the eighteen-hour no-fly gap that most published plans ignore.
Suits: Anyone learning to dive here, or a certified diver who wants volume rather than a holiday with some diving in it.
Not for: A mixed group where only one person dives. Ten days is a long time to be on a boat you are not on.
Seven nights
Seven nights built around the two things that actually decide a family week here: the heat, and how far you are from the room.
Suits: Families with children roughly four to twelve, in a resort bay or a hotel with its own beach.
Not for: Anyone hoping to dive properly. Minimum ages and depth limits make this a snorkelling week with a try-dive in it at best.
Fourteen nights, two bases
A fortnight that actually moves: a week in the north for the wrecks and the town, a week in the south for the reef and the quiet. One transfer in the middle.
Suits: A second or third visit, divers and snorkellers, anyone who has done a week here and found it too short.
Not for: A first trip, and anyone who wants to unpack once. The middle transfer is four hours and it is a real cost.
Last reviewed 26 July 2026. Something out of date? Tell us