🐠 Full-Day Snorkeling · Red Sea · Giftun Island · Daily Departures
Snorkeling Trip in Hurghada – Discover Giftun Island
📅 Updated: May 2026 | ⏱️ Full-Day Tour · ~8 hrs | 💶 From €25 / person | ⭐ 4.9/5 | 🚢 Daily Departures
A snorkeling trip in Hurghada to Giftun Island is the single most popular and rewarding excursion available along Egypt’s Red Sea coast — and for very good reason. The protected waters of Giftun Island National Park are home to some of the healthiest coral reefs in the entire Red Sea, teeming with parrotfish, lionfish, moray eels, sea turtles, and entire schools of tropical fish that will leave even experienced snorkelers genuinely breathless.
Giftun Island — located within Egypt’s protected marine national park approximately 7 km east of Hurghada Marina — is Egypt’s most iconic snorkeling destination. Crystal-clear water with 15–25 metres visibility, pristine white sand beaches at Orange Bay, coral gardens alive with colour, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels entirely removed from the resort hotels. This 2026 guide covers the full hour-by-hour itinerary, what’s included, pricing, the complete marine life guide, best snorkeling spots, and everything you need to know before booking.
💡 Why Giftun Island is different: Unlike many Red Sea snorkeling stops, Giftun Island sits inside a protected national park — the Giftun Islands Protected Area — which means the coral here is actively conserved. You’ll snorkel above living, colourful reefs rather than bleached formations. Underwater visibility regularly exceeds 20 metres, and green sea turtles are resident in the protected waters year-round.
What Is Giftun Island? The Red Sea’s Crown Jewel
Giftun Island — more precisely the Giftun Islands Archipelago — comprises two main islands, Big Giftun (Giftun Kebir) and Small Giftun (Giftun Saghir), located approximately 7 km off the coast of Hurghada in the northern Red Sea. Since 1986, the entire archipelago and its surrounding waters have been designated a protected marine national park under Egyptian environmental law — the Giftun Islands Protected Area.
The result of nearly four decades of protection is extraordinary: a marine ecosystem shielded from overfishing, commercial development, and anchor damage. The coral gardens surrounding both islands are among the most diverse and visually spectacular in the Red Sea — soft corals, brain corals, table corals, and fan corals rising from the sandy seabed in a riot of colour that becomes genuinely surreal the moment you put your head underwater.
| Detail |
Information |
| Location |
7 km off Hurghada marina, Northern Red Sea, Egypt |
| Protected Status |
Giftun Islands Protected Area (National Park since 1986) |
| Boat journey from Hurghada |
~45 min by standard boat / ~25 min by speedboat |
| Water visibility |
15–25 metres (exceptional clarity year-round) |
| Water temperature |
22–30°C depending on season |
| Best snorkeling depth |
0–5 m (beginners) · 5–15 m (intermediate) |
| Famous beaches |
Orange Bay Beach, White Beach |
| Coral coverage |
Over 30 hard and soft coral species |
🌍 Did You Know?
Approximately 20% of Giftun Island’s fish species are found nowhere else on earth. The Red Sea’s unique combination of salinity, temperature, and isolation over millions of years created a level of marine endemism that makes every dive and snorkeling session genuinely unlike anything you’ll experience in the Mediterranean, Canaries, or even most of Southeast Asia.
Top 10 Highlights of Your Giftun Island Snorkeling Trip
Your snorkeling trip from Hurghada to Giftun Island packs an extraordinary range of experiences into a single day — from underwater coral gardens to pristine white-sand beaches and a sunset cruise back to the marina.
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1. Coral Garden Snorkeling
Two to three dedicated snorkeling stops in protected waters. Visibility regularly exceeds 20 metres. Reef walls drop away in layered corridors of colour that stretch as far as you can see.
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2. Orange Bay White Sand Beach
One of the most photographed beaches in Egypt — a crescent of powder-white sand with turquoise water in every shade. Sunbeds and shade palapas included. Perfect for paddling after snorkeling.
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3. Sea Turtle Encounters
Green sea turtles are resident around Giftun Island and regularly seen at shallow coral stations. They are unafraid of snorkelers and often swim alongside you for minutes at a time.
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4. Wild Dolphin Sightings
Wild spinner dolphins frequently follow the boats in open water between Hurghada and Giftun Island. The captain slows if dolphins approach — a magical, unplanned experience on most morning departures.
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5. Traditional Wooden Boat
Travel on a traditional Egyptian wooden sailing boat — spacious, sun-decked, shaded, equipped with life jackets, snorkeling equipment, and a crew that knows these waters intimately.
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6. Fresh Lunch on Board
A full freshly prepared lunch served on deck — rice, grilled vegetables, fresh salad, bread, and seasonal dishes. Eaten at anchor beside the reef with open Red Sea in every direction.
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7. Full Snorkel Equipment
Mask, snorkel, and fins included and cleaned between guests. A qualified snorkeling guide accompanies all beginners in the water. Life vests available. No prior experience needed.
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8. Underwater Photography
Shallow reef sections (1–4 m) around Giftun are ideal for underwater smartphone photography. Light penetration is exceptional and your guide can show the best positions for fish and coral shots.
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9. Free Swimming Time
Between snorkeling stops, open time to swim, sunbathe on deck, or simply float in the warm Red Sea. The captain positions the boat so you can swim directly from the boat into clear water beside the reef.
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10. Return Sunset Cruise
The return journey in late afternoon often coincides with spectacular Red Sea sunsets — the sky turns deep orange behind the Egyptian coastline. A naturally beautiful end to an extraordinary day.
Full Day Itinerary — Hour by Hour
Here is the complete, detailed itinerary for your Giftun Island snorkeling trip from Hurghada. All timings are approximate and may shift slightly based on weather, tides, and your departure point.
08:00 – 09:00 AM — Hotel Pickup
Private Transfer from Your Hotel to Hurghada Marina
Air-conditioned vehicle collects you from your hotel lobby in Hurghada, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, or Soma Bay. The drive to Hurghada marina takes between 10 and 35 minutes depending on your hotel’s location. Pickup times confirmed 24 hours before your trip. Bottled water provided in the vehicle.
09:00 – 09:30 AM — Marina Briefing
Welcome, Safety Briefing & Board Your Boat
Welcome by your Hurghada Excursion crew. Safety briefing, snorkeling equipment fitting (mask, fins, snorkel), and orientation on the day’s route. Life jackets distributed. Your guide explains the marine park rules — no touching coral, no feeding fish, no littering. Tea, coffee, and soft drinks available on board as the boat leaves the marina.
09:30 – 10:15 AM — Open Sea Journey
Scenic Boat Ride to Giftun Island — Watch for Wild Dolphins
The open-water crossing from Hurghada marina to Giftun Island takes approximately 45 minutes. Spinner dolphins are frequently spotted on this stretch — the crew will slow the engine if dolphins approach the bow. Time on deck to dry off, take photographs, and enjoy the open Red Sea as Giftun Island’s limestone cliffs emerge ahead.
10:15 – 11:45 AM — First Snorkeling Stop
🐠 First Coral Garden — Main Reef of Giftun Island
The first and most spectacular snorkeling stop — the main reef system on the northern side of Big Giftun Island. Depths range from 1 to 6 metres, accessible to all ability levels. Enormous table corals, branching fire corals, and brain coral formations stretch as far as you can see. Parrotfish, butterflyfish, wrasse, and damselfish are constant companions. Your guide accompanies all beginners in the water. Time in the water: approximately 60–75 minutes.
11:45 AM – 01:00 PM — Beach Time
🏖️ Orange Bay Beach — White Sand, Turquoise Water
The boat anchors beside Orange Bay — the most famous beach in the Giftun archipelago. A crescent of white coral sand with crystal-clear water in every shade of turquoise. Sunbeds and parasols at no extra cost. Water is warm (26–28°C in summer) and calm. Children can walk 30 metres from the shore and still only be waist-deep.
01:00 – 02:00 PM — Lunch on Board
🍽️ Fresh Lunch Served on Deck at Anchor
The crew serves a freshly prepared lunch while anchored beside the beach — rice, grilled vegetables, fresh salad, Egyptian bread, and seasonal dishes. Soft drinks, water, and fresh fruit included. Vegetarian options always available; mention dietary requirements at booking. Lunch in the Red Sea sunshine with the reef visible below the hull is one of those travel moments that stays with you.
02:00 – 03:30 PM — Second Snorkeling Stop
🐢 Second Coral Stop — Sea Turtle Habitat
The afternoon snorkeling session takes place at a second reef station — typically the southern side of Small Giftun Island, known to guides as a sea turtle resting and feeding area. Green sea turtles are regularly encountered here, grazing on seagrass in 2–4 metres of water. The afternoon light penetrating the water creates extraordinary underwater colour at this time of day.
03:30 – 04:00 PM — Optional Third Stop
🦈 Optional: Outer Reef Drop-Off (Weather Permitting)
On days with calm sea conditions, the captain may navigate to the outer reef drop-off where white-tip reef sharks are occasionally sighted in deeper water (8–12 metres). This stop is optional and suitable for confident swimmers only. White-tip reef sharks are harmless and extremely shy — sightings are an exceptional bonus rather than a guarantee.
04:00 – 05:30 PM — Return & Hotel Drop-Off
🌅 Sunset Return to Hurghada · Direct Hotel Transfer
The return crossing to Hurghada marina takes approximately 45 minutes. Late afternoon light on the Red Sea turns the water deep gold and the sky shifts through orange and pink as the sun descends. Final refreshments served on deck. Your air-conditioned vehicle then transfers you directly back to your hotel — door to door, arriving by approximately 17:30–18:00.
Best Snorkeling Spots Around Giftun Island
Not all of Giftun Island’s reef is equal — certain spots offer dramatically better coral cover, fish density, and visibility than others. Our local guides select the best stops based on sea conditions, current direction, and the experience level of the group.
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Giftun North Reef — Best Overall
The signature snorkeling spot for most Giftun day trips. A long reef wall at 1–6 metres depth with extraordinary coral diversity and high fish density. Suitable for all levels. Usually your first stop of the day.
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Small Giftun South — Turtle Garden
The protected southern bay of Small Giftun Island, famous for its resident green sea turtle population. Shallow sandy bottom (2–4 m) with seagrass meadows. Ideal for children and nervous swimmers.
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Orange Bay Reef — Beginners’ Paradise
The reef fringing Orange Bay beach. Ultra-shallow — beginners can stand and observe coral at waist depth. Fish density is exceptional close to shore. The most family-friendly snorkel spot on the island.
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Outer Giftun Drop-Off — Advanced
The ocean-facing drop-off on the western edge of Big Giftun, where the reef wall descends from 4 to 30+ metres. Occasional white-tip reef shark sightings. Weather-dependent — confident swimmers only.
🤿 Guide’s Tip: Always enter the water with your fins already on and stay close to the reef edge rather than swimming above open water — fish concentrate at the coral boundary. Slow, shallow breathing prevents you startling fish. The longer you stay still, the more the reef reveals itself around you.
Marine Life Guide — What You’ll See Underwater at Giftun Island
The protected waters of Giftun Island host one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the Red Sea — over 200 fish species and 30+ coral types. Here is what to look for on your snorkeling stops:
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Parrotfish
Most common on the reef. Bright blue-green. You’ll actually hear them crunching coral — the sound is audible underwater.
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Butterflyfish
Yellow and white, always in pairs along the coral wall. Egypt’s iconic reef fish — virtually every photo of the Red Sea includes them.
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Clownfish (Nemo)
Living in sea anemones in the shallow reef. Bright orange-and-white. Will not swim away — come within 30 cm for the perfect photo.
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Pufferfish
Spotted near sandy patches. Gentle and slow-moving. Inflate when threatened — admire, never touch or chase.
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Lionfish
Hover near coral overhangs in pairs. Spectacularly beautiful. Venomous spines — admire from 1 metre distance only.
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Green Sea Turtle
Resident at Small Giftun Island. Graze on seagrass at 1–3 metres. Often totally unbothered by snorkelers passing nearby.
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Moray Eel
Green or spotted eels living inside coral holes — just the head visible, mouth opening and closing. Harmless unless provoked.
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Blue-Spotted Ray
Rest on sandy bottoms between coral heads. Electric blue spots on a flat grey body. Effortlessly graceful — the sight of one gliding away is unforgettable.
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Octopus
Hide in coral crevices. Your guide can spot them — almost impossible for an untrained eye. They change colour in real time before your eyes.
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Spinner Dolphin
Open water between Hurghada and Giftun. Playful, acrobatic — often ride the bow wave of the boat. Sightings not guaranteed but common on morning departures.
2026 Pricing — Included & Not Included
From
€25
per adult · Children 4–11: €15 · Children under 4: Free
✓ Hotel Transfer · ✓ Snorkel Equipment · ✓ Lunch · ✓ Licensed Guide
Private charter from €200 for the full boat
✅ Included
✓ Round-trip hotel transfer (Hurghada, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay)
✓ Full day on the boat (8:00 AM – 5:30 PM)
✓ Licensed English-speaking snorkeling guide in the water
✓ Full snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel) — cleaned and fitted per guest
✓ Life vests for non-swimmers and children
✓ 2–3 dedicated snorkeling stops around Giftun Island
✓ Beach time at Orange Bay (sunbeds and parasols included)
✓ Fresh lunch on board (rice, salad, grilled vegetables, bread, fruit)
✓ Unlimited soft drinks and water throughout the day
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
❌ Not Included
✕ Tips for guide and crew (optional — €3–€5 per person is appreciated)
✕ Underwater camera rental (bring your own waterproof phone case)
✕ Reef-safe sunscreen (bring your own — chemical sunscreen banned in the national park)
✕ Scuba diving upgrade (~€35 extra for certified divers)
✕ Alcoholic beverages
Group Boat vs Private Charter — Full Comparison
| Feature |
Group Boat Trip |
Private Charter |
| Price per adult |
From €25 |
From €200 (full boat) |
| Group size |
Typically 15–25 guests |
✓ Your group only |
| Itinerary flexibility |
Fixed route |
✓ Fully customisable |
| Guide attention |
Shared with group |
✓ Exclusively yours |
| Hotel pickup |
✓ Included |
✓ Included |
| Lunch |
✓ Included |
✓ Included & customisable |
| Best for |
Solo travellers, couples, budget families |
Groups of 6+, special occasions |
💡 Tip
For groups of 6 or more, a private charter often works out cheaper per person than the group boat — and gives you complete control over stops, pace, and timing. Contact us for a private charter quote for your group size.
Best Time of Year for Snorkeling in Hurghada & Giftun Island
Hurghada is one of the world’s most reliable snorkeling destinations — the Red Sea is warm, calm, and clear year-round. However, conditions do vary by season and certain months offer distinctly better experiences.
| Season |
Water Temp |
Air Temp |
Visibility |
Verdict |
| Oct – Nov |
26–28°C |
25–32°C |
20–25m |
Excellent |
| Dec – Feb |
22–24°C |
15–25°C |
20–30m |
Best Visibility |
| Mar – May |
24–27°C |
22–32°C |
15–22m |
Very Good |
| Jun – Sep |
28–30°C |
35–42°C |
15–20m |
Good — hot on deck |
What to Pack — Snorkeling Trip Checklist
🧴 Reef-Safe Sunscreen — Mandatory. Chemical sunscreens are banned inside the Giftun Islands National Park — they damage coral. Use mineral-based (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) SPF 50 only. Apply 30 minutes before entering the water. Available in Hurghada pharmacies and supermarkets.
📱 Waterproof phone case. The shallow, clear reefs of Giftun Island are perfectly lit for smartphone photography at 1–3 metres depth. A simple waterproof pouch (€3–€5) transforms your phone into an underwater camera. It’s the most-used item on any snorkeling trip.
👙 Swimwear and rash guard. Standard swimwear is fine. A rash guard (long-sleeved UV swim top) is strongly recommended — it protects your back from sunburn, adds buoyancy, and keeps you comfortable in the water. Available in Hurghada for €8–€12.
🕶️ Sun protection on deck. Wide-brimmed hat, UV sunglasses, and a light cover-up for time between snorkeling stops. Protect the tops of your feet — the most commonly forgotten burn area on any boat trip.
💰 Small amount of cash (EGP). EGP 50–100 is sufficient for tips and any small extras. As of May 2026: £1 ≈ 65 EGP. Keep cash in a waterproof bag or leave it in your bag on the boat during snorkeling sessions.
Suitable for Families, Children & Non-Swimmers?
Yes — the Giftun Island snorkeling trip is one of the most family-friendly excursions in Hurghada and is specifically designed to be accessible to all ability levels, including complete non-swimmers and very young children.
✓ Children under 4 travel free. Children aged 4–11 pay a reduced rate of €15.
✓ Life vests provided for all non-swimmers and children — no swimming ability required.
✓ Our snorkeling guide accompanies non-swimmers and beginners in the water personally.
✓ Orange Bay reef section is knee-depth close to shore — children can observe fish without swimming.
✓ Children’s snorkeling masks in small sizes provided — mention your children’s ages at booking.
👨👩👧👦 Family Tip
If your children have never snorkeled before, spend 10 minutes in the hotel pool practising breathing through the snorkel before the trip. Children aged 6 and above are typically confident snorkelers within 15 minutes of entering the water at Giftun.
10 Expert Tips from Our Red Sea Snorkeling Guides
Tip 1 — Use reef-safe sunscreen only. Giftun Island is a national park. Chemical sunscreen is actively damaging the coral. Mineral sunscreen is equally effective and widely available in Hurghada pharmacies. Apply 30 minutes before entering the water.
Tip 2 — Don’t touch the coral. Even a single touch can kill coral polyps that took 20 years to grow. Keep your fins horizontal and away from the reef bottom. The best snorkelers hover without ever touching anything — it’s a skill that improves within minutes.
Tip 3 — Adjust your mask before entering. Fit your mask on the boat, press it gently to your face without the strap, and breathe in through your nose — it should seal and hold without you touching it. If it doesn’t, swap it for a different size before entering the water.
Tip 4 — Stay calm and breathe slowly. The more slowly you breathe, the less you disturb the water and the closer the fish come. Excited, splashing snorkelers see empty reef; patient, calm ones see turtles and moray eels appearing from nowhere.
Tip 5 — Ask your guide to show you the octopus holes. Octopuses live in specific crevices that local guides know by heart. They are almost impossible for an untrained eye to spot. Seeing an octopus change colour in real time is one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters in the Red Sea.
Tip 6 — Watch the sand between coral heads. The sandy channels between coral formations are where blue-spotted rays rest, where cuttlefish hover, and where sea cucumbers cluster. Most first-time snorkelers stare at the coral and miss the extraordinary life on the sand below.
Tip 7 — Protect your feet on deck. Snorkelers protect their shoulders but forget the tops of their feet — which sit in full sun while you dangle your legs off the boat. Reef shoes or water socks protect feet from both sun and coral abrasion at shallow entry points.
Tip 8 — Book the earliest available departure. Orange Bay beaches fill up by midday. Arriving before 11:30 AM means quieter beaches, better snorkeling spots, and the calmest sea conditions of the day. Morning departures also have higher dolphin sighting rates.
Tip 9 — Eat a light breakfast before the trip. Sea sickness is uncommon in the sheltered waters around Giftun Island, but the open-water crossing can have gentle swell. Toast, fruit, and yoghurt is better than a heavy breakfast before any boat trip. Bring anti-sickness tablets if you are prone to motion sensitivity.
Tip 10 — Remove your fins at the boat ladder before climbing. The easiest way to fall overboard is trying to climb a boat ladder with fins still on. Slip them off at the water surface, hand them to a crew member, then climb the ladder barefoot.
Real Reviews from Our Travellers
★★★★★
“The snorkeling at Giftun Island was the single best thing we did in two weeks in Egypt. The coral was incredible — colours I’ve never seen underwater before. We saw a sea turtle at about 2 metres and it just looked at us and kept swimming. The guide was brilliant.”
James & Claire W. — Manchester · April 2026
★★★★★
“Took our three children (ages 6, 9, 12) and it was perfect for all of them. The guide went in the water with our youngest from the start. Orange Bay beach was stunning. The lunch on the boat was genuinely delicious. A perfect day.”
Sarah M. — Bristol · March 2026
★★★★★
“I’ve snorkeled in the Maldives, Thailand, and Australia — Giftun Island is genuinely comparable at a fraction of the price. We saw dolphins on the way out, two sea turtles underwater, and a ray on the sand. Extraordinary value and an exceptional crew.”
David K. — Edinburgh · January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to swim to go snorkeling at Giftun Island?
No — you do not need to be able to swim. Life vests are provided for all non-swimmers and children. Our snorkeling guide enters the water with non-swimmers and provides hands-on support throughout. The reef at Orange Bay is accessible from knee-depth water so non-swimmers can see the marine life without entering deep water at all.
Will we see dolphins and sea turtles?
Spinner dolphin sightings are common on the open-water crossing and are reported on the majority of morning departures — though they cannot be guaranteed as these are wild animals. Green sea turtles are resident at Small Giftun Island and are regularly encountered at the afternoon snorkeling stop. Our guides know their feeding and resting areas.
How long is the boat ride from Hurghada to Giftun Island?
The crossing from Hurghada marina to Giftun Island takes approximately 45 minutes on a standard wooden boat. Sea conditions are generally calm in the protected Red Sea environment. If you are sensitive to motion, bring anti-sickness tablets as a precaution. The return crossing takes the same time and typically occurs in the beautiful late afternoon light.
Is snorkeling equipment provided or do I bring my own?
Full snorkeling equipment is provided — mask, snorkel, and fins in all sizes including children’s sizes. Equipment is rinsed and hygienically cleaned between guests. If you have your own prescription dive mask, you are welcome to bring it. Underwater cameras and waterproof phone cases are not provided — we recommend bringing your own waterproof pouch.
Is chemical sunscreen really banned at Giftun Island?
Yes — the Giftun Islands Protected Area prohibits chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octisalate, as these compounds are directly toxic to coral polyps. Egyptian national park authorities enforce this rule. Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are perfectly safe for both you and the reef. Mineral SPF 50 is available in Hurghada pharmacies.
Can I upgrade to scuba diving on this trip?
Certified divers can upgrade to a scuba dive at Giftun Island for approximately €35 extra per dive — please mention at booking that you hold a dive certification. Non-certified guests can arrange a beginner ‘discover scuba’ session — supervised shallow dives (max 5 metres) requiring no prior experience. Contact us for pricing and availability.
What happens if the weather is bad or the sea is rough?
The Red Sea is one of the calmest seas in the world and weather cancellations at Hurghada are rare — perhaps 5–10 days per year in winter months. If sea conditions are deemed unsafe by the captain, we will offer you a full refund or priority rebooking on the next available departure. We monitor conditions 24 hours in advance and will contact you the evening before your trip if we anticipate any issues.
Book Your Giftun Island Snorkeling Trip Today
From €25 per person · Hotel pickup included · Fresh lunch · 2–3 snorkeling stops · Licensed guide · Free cancellation 24 hours before.
🐠 Book Now — From €25
A snorkeling trip to Giftun Island from Hurghada is not just a pleasant afternoon on a boat — it is an encounter with one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet, protected by national law and accessible to anyone regardless of swimming ability or prior experience. Whether you are floating above a coral garden watching parrotfish graze, drifting alongside a sea turtle in silence, or standing on the white sand of Orange Bay with the turquoise Red Sea in every direction — this is a day that stays with you long after your tan fades.
Book your Giftun Island snorkeling trip today with Hurghada Excursion — daily departures, transparent pricing, and a local team dedicated to making your Red Sea experience unforgettable.
