The Giftun Islands are known to be one of the most popular tourist spots around Hurghada. They consist of two islands: Giftun El Saghir (Small Giftun) and Giftun El Kebir (Big Giftun), which are home to some of the most popular islands around Hurghada, including Paradise Island, Orange Bay, Hula Hula Island, Eden Island and others.

Giftun Island, Hurhgada

If you’ve ever visited Hurghada, then chances are you’ve been to one of these islands on a boat trip, since all of the boat trips in Hurghada technically land on a piece of Giftun Island.

What Are the Different Tours Available?

There are many available tours to Giftun Island that fall under different categories and price ranges. You can find luxury boat trips to the island that include an open buffet lunch, luxury island seating and unlimited drinks, while other cheaper trips may include an economy on-board meal and drinks.

Mahmya Island, Hurghada

There are many different brands that revolve around the island, each with different programmes and running times, usually including more activities during the day, such as snorkelling stops, water activities like a floating sofa, or banana boat, or even diving stops.

Guests enjoying water sports on a floating sofa

Each programme could be focused on something different. Some island programmes to Giftun include multiple snorkelling stops, others are focused on water activities, while others let you enjoy the whole day on the island in a luxurious setting, such as Mahmya.

What Are the Prices?

Prices can range from 20 euros to a whopping 100 euros per person. Usually, children under 12 pay half the price, with infants of five years or younger being admitted for free.

What’s the Day Like?

Depending on the tour you go for, the programme usually starts with a hotel transfer to Hurghada Marina, where most of the boats are docked. Then you are transferred by boat to Giftun Island to either spend the day there or spend a couple of hours before going for a snorkelling stop around the island.

On snorkelling tours, you can get the snorkelling gear for free, usually included in the booking price. They give you a snorkel and fins that you can use all day long.

Snorkelling stop during a Hurghada boat trip

Around the island, there are many beautiful reef sites where the boats dock, usually in groups, and you get to experience some of the best moments of your life watching the colourful fish of the Red Sea.

Once the snorkelling stop is finished, you are then returned to the marina to take another transfer back to your hotel.

When Is the Best Time to Go to Giftun Island?

Hurghada is hot during the summer and warm during the winter months. However, it can be tricky to get on one of these tours during the colder months (December to February), since it gets very windy on some days. Most tour operators run during the winter months without an issue, so it’s best to check with your provider before booking.

Swimming, however, is another story, since the water can be cold during these months. It is still very possible to swim if you can handle the cold water.

During the peak season (July to October), the temperature is usually hot and the water is amazing. It is the one thing that helps you survive the heat, and going on a boat trip to one of the islands is an amazing choice. In fact, we recommend going multiple times to different parts of the island if you can, since you get to experience the best waters all year.

What to Wear and Pack?

We always recommend packing light on any of the boat trips. Only take the necessary items, like sun cream or a towel, and wear light clothes, especially in the summer months. It is also advisable to wear flip-flops, and don’t forget your mobile phone or camera to take some amazing pictures with friends or the family.