Travellers around the world visit Egypt to explore its ancient pyramids, temples, and golden desert landscapes. Additionally, there are water bodies in Egypt that are equally fascinating. Whether it’s about the legendary Nile River or the beautiful Red Sea, Egypt has several important bodies of water that have a deep connection with its history and civilization, and they also attract travellers around the world.
If you are wondering what the major bodies of water in Egypt are, this guide explores the most important rivers, seas, lakes, and waterways worth knowing about.
What Are the Major Bodies of Water in Egypt?
The main water bodies in Egypt are the Nile River, the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, Lake Nasser, Lake Qarun, Lake Manzala, Lake Burullus, Lake Bardawil and the Wadi El Rayan Lakes. Egypt’s other water bodies include the Suez Canal and other smaller coastal lagoons.
Here is a closer look at each.
1. Nile River – The Lifeline of Egypt
Nile, among the world’s largest rivers, and is considered the most significant to Egypt and one of the most known rivers on the earth. The river runs from south to north, having a length of about 1,532 km within Egypt. Over thousands of years, people have used the Nile’s water to transport people and goods, irrigate crops, fish, and for use in their daily lives.
The Nile is now also one of the best tourist attractions in Egypt. A Nile cruise in Egypt between Luxor and Aswan offers many scenic river sights as well as visits to prominent attractions including the Karnak Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
2. Mediterranean Sea – Egypt’s Northern Waterway
To the north of Egypt is the Mediterranean Sea, which offers picturesque coastline, some excellent fishing, as well as access to international waters. The Egyptian city of Alexandria, located on the Mediterranean Sea, is one of the city’s most well-known coastal destinations. This ancient city has beaches, historical sites, seafood eateries and beautiful coastlines.
3. Red Sea – A Haven for Marine Life
Located to the east of Egypt, the Red Sea is easily one of the most visited natural sites in the country. Known to the world for its stunning reefs, tropical fish, and the incredible variety of marine life.
The destinations of the Red Sea Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam and El Gouna are the main tourist areas of the Red Sea. They attract tourists who are coming for snorkelling, diving, bathing and beach holidays.
4. Lake Nasser – One of the Largest Artificial Lakes on Earth
Lake Nasser is a large, artificially created water reservoir in southern Egypt formed after the building of the Aswan High Dam. It extends southward from Aswan and into Sudan. The lake is not only about its main attraction, but also for its connection to old Nubian history. Take a trip to the astonishing Abu Simbel temples or just enjoy a new kind of Egyptian sailing expedition with Lake Nasser cruises.
5. Lake Qarun – A Historic Natural Lake
Qaroun Lake, in the Fayoum Governorate, on the site of Lake Moeris Qaroun Lake is one of the most famous natural lakes in Egypt.
The lake, known for its archaeological sites, its fishing, desert environment, and beautiful birdlife, grows more saline as the lake becomes more saline, creating interesting little ecological destinations.
6. Lake Manzala – A large lake in the Nile Delta
Lake Manzala is situated in the northeastern part of Egypt, between the Nile Delta and the Mediterranean coast. It is the largest of the Nile Delta lakes and is a significant fishing area. Lake is home to a variety of fish and the migrating birds, therefore, it is of ecological importance.
7. Lake Burullus – A Protected Natural Treasure
Lake Burullus is one of the world’s most well-known coast lagoons, and is located in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. A hub for a wide variety of fish, aquatic plants, and migratory birds, it is connected to the Mediterranean. It is also an officially protected natural zone.
8. Lake Bardawil – a salty coastal lagoon
Lake Bardawil is situated in the north of the Sinai Peninsula. Located behind a shallow sandbank that separates it from the Mediterranean Sea, this shallow saltwater lake is of special significance for fishing and nature.
Due to the preservation of its coast, it is an attraction for nature lovers.
9. Wadi El Rayan Lakes – Natural Wonder in Fayoum
The Wadi El Rayan Protected Area in Fayoum is known for its two connected lakes and the beautiful waterfalls. Flamingos fill the sky between the shores of this series of lakes set among desert terrain. Enthusiasts can go birding and shot with a camera, then indulge in outdoor recreation. This is one of the destinations that travelers flock to when craving escape from Egypt’s cities.
10. Suez Canal and Great Bitter Lake
The Suez Canal is a major man-made shipping route. It links the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea and was an essential waterway for international trade.
The Great Bitter Lake and the Small Bitter Lake are component of the canal system. The Great Bitter Lake and the Small Bitter Lake are natural lakes and are a feature of global maritime transportation.
Why Are Bodies of Water Important to Egypt?
Egypt’s waterways are essential for several reasons:
- Farming: The Nile supplies water for irrigation.
- Transportation: The Nile and Suez Canal.
- Tourism: Its seas, lakes and rivers attract visitors from around the world.
- Fishing – Lakes and coastal waters sustain fishing communities and economies.
- Biodiversity: Fish, birds and other creatures depend on wetlands and coastal lagoons.
Experience Egypt’s Most Famous Waterway with a Nile Cruise
The Nile River is the most unforgettable of the most prominent waterways in Egypt.
A Luxor and Aswan Nile cruise offers a relaxing journey amid the beautiful scenery of the Nile River, along with the chance to explore some incredible Egyptian sights. You will be able to see temples along the way and stay in luxury onboard. We have a range of standard, deluxe and luxury Nile cruises and traditional Dahabiya Nile Cruises. You can choose to cruise for 3 nights, 4 nights or longer – we’ve got a cruise to match your style of travel and your budget. Come aboard the Nile Cruisen and see our cruise deals to begin planning your trip to Egypt.
This article was created by the team at Nile Cruisen, one of the best tour operators in Egypt for Nile cruises and tailor-made Egypt tours.
With years of experience sailing between Luxor and Aswan, our team knows the Nile better than anyone.
We share trusted travel advice, from the best time to visit and what to pack to simple tips for avoiding crowds.
Our goal is to help you enjoy the timeless beauty of Egypt with comfort, confidence, and an unforgettable travel experience.
- Nile Cruisen Team
- Nile Cruisen Team
- Nile Cruisen Team
- Nile Cruisen Team
