You typed egypt island because you’re chasing that very specific holiday feeling: powdery sand, shallow turquoise water, and a boat day that looks like a postcard—without flying to the Maldives. In Hurghada, that “tropical” look is real, and it’s surprisingly close: the Giftun area delivers the famous lagoon colours, beach-club islands, and snorkelling stops that Europeans (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Scandinavia) rave about. If you want the smoothest pickup, timing, and a clearly planned day, book now.
What “Egypt Island” usually means in Hurghada
Egypt has islands in different places (Red Sea and Nile), but when travellers search Egypt tropical islands (search intent), they’re almost always talking about the Red Sea—especially the island-style day trips from Hurghada.
The star of this scene is Giftun. HEPCA (Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association) calls Giftun “the jewel in Hurghada’s diving crown,” noting that many local dive sites sit off its shores and describing its exceptional coral and marine diversity—plus its importance as a nesting ground for green turtles.
So when you see Egypt island tours in Hurghada, think:
- Boat cruise from the marina
- Snorkelling stops at reef sites
- Beach time at a named beach club on Giftun (Orange Bay, Mahmya, Paradise-style)
Best Islands near Hurghada for a true “tropical” day
Giftun Island Egypt and the famous beach areas
Giftun is the “main island” people mean when they say Hurghada islands. It’s popular because it combines reef life and beach vibes in one easy day—and the reefs matter. HEPCA highlights Giftun’s huge role in local diving and its rich biodiversity.
Orange Bay (Giftun): shallow turquoise water and iconic photos
It is a natural bay on the ecologically protected island of Giftun, surrounded by coral reefs and marine life. It also notes the shallow crystal-clear turquoise sea stretches for almost 1.5 km (max depth 5 m) and that it’s about forty minutes by boat from Hurghada’s new marina.
This is why Orange Bay feels so “European holiday-perfect”:
- You can float in shallow water without stress
- The colour is bright even on normal days
- It’s close enough to do comfortably as a day trip
Mahmya (Giftun): eco-style comfort and clear scheduling
Mahmya is an eco-tourism haven, and their programs page states it’s a private beach located on Big Giftun Island, with published departure/return schedules (for example, day schedule departing 8:30 a.m. and returning 4:00 p.m.).
Choose Mahmya if you want:
- A more curated, comfort-first beach setup
- A structured day with clear timing
- A calm vibe that suits couples and families
Paradise-style Giftun beach days: simple, lively, classic
Many travellers love the “classic island day” vibe—snorkel first, then beach time, then cruise back. The key is choosing an operator who gives you real beach time (not a rushed stop) and communicates inclusions clearly.
What happens on a typical Red Sea islands Egypt day
A good island day isn’t complicated—it’s just well timed.
Your day usually flows like this:
- You leave the hotel early enough to catch calmer sea conditions
- The boat cruises out while the coastline fades behind you
- First snorkelling stop: “warm-up” swim and reef viewing
- Second stop: you stay in longer, take photos, relax into it
- Island time: Orange Bay / Mahmya / Giftun beach club vibes
- Slow return: sun-tired, happy, and ready for a shower and dinner
A practical tip: if your trip starts or ends near Hurghada Marina, it’s a nice place to stroll afterward—It is a pleasant, car-free place to walk, especially in the evening.
Snorkelling and reef etiquette (how to enjoy it without harming it)
Giftun isn’t “just pretty”—it’s ecologically important. HEPCA notes the island’s enormous coral and marine diversity and its role as a green turtle nesting ground.
So the best guests follow simple habits:
- Float—don’t stand on coral
- Keep fins away from reef tops
- Don’t feed fish
- Let wildlife keep distance (no chasing)
These tiny choices protect the exact underwater beauty you came for.
Do Egypt island tours include snorkelling and fees?
Sometimes yes, sometimes partially—this depends on the exact package.
Before you pay, check:
- Snorkelling equipment: included or available (some trips include, others charge)
- Lunch/soft drinks: included on many full-day boats, but not all
- Any “marine park / island” fees: sometimes listed separately depending on operator and beach club
If you want the most relaxed day, choose the offer with the clearest written inclusions—less guessing on the boat.
Can you do a private egypt island day trip?
Yes—private yacht/boat days are ideal if you want:
- No crowds
- Custom timing (late start, longer beach time)
- A route designed around your group (kids, non-swimmers, couples)
It’s also cost-effective when shared between friends or two families—because you’re paying per boat, not per seat.
Why book with Hurghada Royal Tours
A couple from Munich told us they wanted an egypt island day that looked like the photos—but without the stress of negotiating on the street, changing meeting points, or discovering “extras” mid-trip. We planned their day like a smooth story: snorkel first while visibility was best, then Orange Bay at the perfect light, then an easy cruise back.
Book directly here: Hurghada Royal Tours
What we do differently:
- We match you to the right Islands near Hurghada option (Orange Bay vs Mahmya vs a private boat day)
- We confirm timing clearly (pickup, boarding, island duration) and keep it simple
- We help you choose the vibe you want
- more snorkelling time
- more beach time
- more privacy and comfort
FAQs about Egypt Island
What islands can you visit in Egypt from Hurghada?
Most island-style trips focus on Giftun and its beach areas (like Orange Bay and Mahmya).
Are there “tropical” style islands in Egypt (Red Sea)?
Yes—Orange Bay’s official description highlights shallow crystal-clear turquoise water and white sandy beaches on Giftun.
Do Egypt island trips include snorkeling and marine park fees?
Many include snorkelling stops; fees and equipment inclusions vary by package, so check your booking details carefully.
Can you do a private island day trip in Egypt?
Yes—private boat/yacht days are available and are great for custom timing and avoiding crowds.
If you want the most “wow-per-hour” experience in Hurghada, an egypt island day is the one: reef snorkelling, Giftun beach vibes, and that famous shallow turquoise water—perfect for European holiday photos and real relaxation.
Book now and we’ll organise your ideal island day with smooth pickup, clear inclusions, and the best timing:
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