You came to Hurghada for the sunshine, but the moment you see that Red Sea turquoise from the marina, you realise the real magic is offshore. A giftun island day is the kind of memory Europeans take home and talk about all winter: an easy boat ride, warm water, coral gardens, and a beach break that feels like a postcard—without complicated planning. Want the smoothest version of this day? Book your trip now and we’ll secure your pickup, boat, and the best timing.
What is Giftun Island and why everyone talks about it
Giftun is the name travellers use for the islands just off Hurghada that host the most popular “island day” experiences—often sold as Orange Bay, Mahmya, or Paradise Island visits. Many tours describe it as part of Giftun National Park / Marine Park, which is why you may see separate park or environmental fees mentioned depending on the programme.
For European travellers who want “maximum wow with minimum hassle,” Giftun works because:
- It’s a full, satisfying day trip without losing two days to travel
- Snorkelling here is beginner-friendly on many itineraries (guides + life jackets are typically available)
- You get both: reef time and beach time in the same day
Choosing your beach
Not all Giftun days feel the same. The best choice depends on your vibe—laid-back beach club, classic “Paradise Island” style, or a more curated beach experience.
Orange Bay (Giftun): the “Instagram beach day” feel
Orange Bay trips are widely marketed as a beach-and-snorkel combo with time onshore, plus sea stops along the way. Tour listings commonly include guided snorkelling, beach time, and lunch on board or at the island venue depending on the option.
Ideal if you want:
- A relaxed beach hangout after your snorkel stops
- Easy photo spots and a lively atmosphere
- A full-day plan that feels social (great for couples and friend groups)
Mahmya Beach (Giftun Island): calmer, curated, comfort-first
Mahmya is often positioned as a more refined beach experience—think “beach club day” energy with an emphasis on comfort. If you’re travelling from Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, or Scandinavia and you prefer a quieter pace, this style can feel more “premium beach day” than “busy excursion.”
What guests usually like about this type of day:
- More emphasis on beach comfort and service
- A calmer rhythm: snorkel, beach, lunch, repeat
- Great for families who want less chaos and more chill
Paradise Island Hurghada: classic Giftun beach break
Paradise Island is frequently described as a part of Giftun Island, offering a white-sand-style beach break plus swimming and snorkelling in clear water.
Choose this if you want:
- The “classic Hurghada island trip” everyone recognises
- A straightforward full-day structure that’s easy to understand
- A balanced mix of swimming, reef time, and beach lounging
A realistic day itinerary (what it feels like, hour by hour)
Imagine this: you’re picked up from your hotel while Hurghada is still stretching awake. The van windows are cool, the streets are quiet, and by the time you reach the marina you’re already smiling because the sea is that bright, impossible blue.
Then the day usually flows like this:
- Hotel pickup and marina check-in
- A smooth sail out with music, sea breeze, and quick safety notes
- One snorkel stop to warm up—mask on, face in, and suddenly there are flashes of coral and fish below you
- A second snorkel stop where you’re more confident, floating longer, spotting more
- Lunch on the boat on many programmes (or arranged on the island depending on the option)
- Beach time on Orange Bay / Mahmya / Paradise Island
- Return cruise back to Hurghada, sun-tired in the best way
Many visitors say arriving early helps you enjoy the beach before it gets busy, especially during peak season.
What’s usually included (and what to check before you pay)
Different operators package things differently, so confirm inclusions before booking—especially if you’re comparing prices from the UK, France, Italy, Poland, or Spain.
Common inclusions:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (often available for Hurghada areas; some listings specify zones)
- Boat cruise + snorkelling stops
- Snorkelling guide and basic support
- Lunch (frequently on board for full-day snorkelling tours)
Common “extras” that may be separate:
- Marine park / environmental fees (sometimes collected in cash on the day)
- Professional photos/videos
- Watersports add-ons
- Transfers from farther areas (Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, etc.) depending on the programme
What to bring (this saves your day)
You don’t need much, but the right small items make a big difference:
- Towel + swimwear (wear swimwear under your clothes for an easier start)
- Reef-safe suncream if you have it, plus sunglasses and a hat
- A light long-sleeve top for sun protection on the boat
- Cash for small fees/extras (park fees, photos, drinks)
- Phone in a waterproof pouch
- Motion sickness tablets if you know boats affect you
Simple snorkelling tips for beginners
If this is your first time snorkelling, Giftun can still be a great pick—many tours are designed for mixed levels. You’ll enjoy it more if you remember:
- Breathe slowly; the mask feels weird for two minutes, then you forget it
- Don’t stand on coral—float and follow your guide
- Use a life jacket if you’re not a strong swimmer; it’s normal and it helps you relax
- If you wear glasses, ask about mask options or bring contact lenses (if you use them)
Why book your Giftun day with Hurghada Royal Tours
Last week, a couple from Manchester told us they didn’t want a “crowded, confusing boat day.” They wanted clear pickup time, a friendly guide, and enough beach time to actually relax—not rush. So we set them up with a plan that matched their pace, and by sunset they messaged: “This was the best day of our holiday.”
That’s how we operate at Hurghada Royal Tours—simple, organised, and focused on your experience. Reserve through our website: Hurghada Royal Tours
Here’s what you can expect when you book with us:
- Clear communication in English and straightforward trip details
- Help choosing between Orange Bay (Giftun), Paradise Island Hurghada, and the best-fit option for your group
- A smooth plan from hotel pickup to return—so your day feels like a holiday, not logistics
FAQs about Giftun Island:
How do you get to Giftun Island from Hurghada?
Most people go by boat from Hurghada marina, usually as part of a full-day tour with hotel pickup.
Is Giftun Island the same as Paradise Island in Hurghada?
Paradise Island is commonly described as a beach area/experience on Giftun Island, while “Giftun” refers to the island/national park area more broadly.
Do I need an entry fee for Giftun Island (marine park fee)?
Some tours mention a marine park or environmental fee collected separately. It depends on the programme, so check what’s included before you go.
Is Giftun Island good for snorkelling and beginners?
Yes—many tours include guided snorkelling stops, and beginners can use life jackets and stay close to the guide.
A well-planned giftun island day trip is the easiest way to turn your Hurghada holiday into a true Red Sea story—snorkelling, sunshine, and a beach break you’ll remember long after you’re back in Europe.
Book now and we’ll help you choose the best Giftun experience for your dates:
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