Getting here
Our catamarans are moored in Abu Tig Marina, which is located within the stunning resort town of El Gouna, on the Red Sea just south of the Gulf of Suez.
The nearest airport is Hurghada International, which at 22km, is only a 30 minute drive away. The airport is approximately 4-5 hours flying time from most major European capitals and only a 45 minute flight from Cairo International Airport.
We would advise our members and guests to take a look at our "extending your stay" page before booking any flights as many of the great wonders to be seen in Egypt are in the Cairo area. If you are thinking of visiting or would like to take the opportunity to visit the Great Pyramids, for example, you may prefer to do your touring prior to heading south to us for your cruise.
From North America
Egypt Air fly direct from New York to Cairo, as does at least one US carrier. Many other American and European airlines fly to Cairo via a European hub city. We recommend a web search from your preferred departure city to Cairo. We also recommend that you take a look at some of the UK carriers, particularly if you want to fly direct to Hurghada, as you may find it much more cost effective to fly to London first and then onwards to us.
From UK
The following airlines fly from the UK to Cairo:
The following airlines fly from the UK to Hurghada:
There are also regular flights between Cairo-Hurghada/Hurghada-Cairo with Egypt Air Express.
Upon Arrival at Cairo Airport
There are 4 terminals at Cairo, most international flights arrive into terminals 1 and 2. Most internal flights arrive and depart from terminal 4, however, Egypt Air and Egypt Air Express often use terminal 3. It makes no real difference which terminal you arrive at, just make sure you know, before you depart, which terminal you need to get to for a connecting flight, and allow plenty of time to get there, especially if your baggage is not checked all the way through to your final destination. We recommend a minimum of 2 hours between connecting flights for visa purchase, passport control, baggage re-claim and transit between terminals. There are plenty of luggage trolleys which are free to use and lots of porters around but they will all want paying.
Airport shuttle busses operate between the terminals for transit with stops right outside. Most airport workers and drivers speak english so if you are not sure, don't be afraid to ask, and don't for get to tip!! If you prefer to take a taxi there are plenty to choose from with a typical transit cost of 25LE (US$5.00) Don't forget to agree the price before you get into the cab.
Of course, if you are staying in Cairo for a few days, taking advantage of one of our "extend your stay" tours, you don't need to worry about any of this. Our driver will meet you in the arrivals hall, look out for your name on one of the many boards. If you are staying in Cairo and have arranged your own accommodation, most major hotels will send a car to collect you providing you have pre-booked it. You may want to email your hotel to check, or you can just hop in a cab, there are plenty of "cab-bookers" in the arrivals hall, but as with all cabs in Egypt, agree your price first and allow extra for tips!
Getting to TradeWinds
On arrival at Hurghada Airport, proceed with your luggage (trolleys are free here too) to the arrivals hall. If you have pre-booked a pick-up with us your driver will be waiting for you in the hall. Look out for your name on one of the boards. Your driver will then bring you directly to the yacht or take you to your chosen hotel if you are staying at the marina or El Gouna prior to your cruise. The cost for this is 125LE (US$25.00) plus tips!! If you are running late for any reason, do your best to let us know because the car still has to be paid for on a no-show.
If you are taking a taxi from the airport then look out for a "taxi-booker" in the arrivals hall. Tell him you want to go to Abu Tig Marina in El Gouna, he will see you to your cab and instruct the driver. The cost will be approximately 150LE (US$30.00) plus tip, ask your driver to drop you at the HSBC, the yacht is right in front of the bank. If you are arriving by car from another location then head for El Gouna main entrance, then head for Abu Tig marina and the HSBC bank.
Upon arrival at TradeWinds
Boarding is at 5pm but we will take you through check-in and take care of your luggage what ever time you arrive. Formalities done and bags stowed you are free to explore the many bars and restaurants, boutiques and shops, beeches and swimming pools. Hop a Tok Tok and tour down town El Gouna, what ever takes your fancy and we will see you at 5.
Contacting the base
If you experience delays and you feel that you cannot get to the base in time then please call us on +20 0175 80 55 91 leaving your name(s) and a short description of the problem along with contact details for where you are.
Leaving
The cost of most tickets to Egypt will include the departure tax but please check with your airline prior to departure.
Need more information?
See our further information section for information on visas, currency, weather and more.
Please note that all pricing was correct at the time of publication.
