Hurghada Island Trip • Giftun • Red Sea
Hurghada Island Trip and Snorkeling
Try Dive and Giftun Beach Included. 35 Euro.
The Hurghada island trip is a full-day Red Sea boat excursion that combines three experiences in one price. Firstly, you snorkel over a living coral reef. Next, you try scuba diving for the first time under the supervision of a professional instructor. Finally, you relax at one of the famous Giftun beach destinations such as Orange Bay or Paradise. Furthermore, snorkeling and Try Dive equipment, lunch, drinks and hotel transfers within Hurghada are all included.
In short
Hurghada Island Trip: The Short Answer
The Hurghada island trip with Red Sea Diving costs 35 euro per person for a full-day boat excursion with 3 activity stops. The day combines snorkeling over a Red Sea reef, a supervised introductory Try Dive and a Giftun beach visit, and the price includes snorkeling and scuba equipment, a professional instructor, lunch, drinks and hotel transfers within Hurghada. Meanwhile, hotel pickup is at approximately 07:30 to 08:00, and the boat returns between about 15:00 and 16:00. Depending on the booked program, the beach can be Orange Bay, Paradise, Hula Hula, Eden, Nemo or another Giftun destination.
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Where | Giftun area, Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt |
| Price | 35 euro per person, all inclusive |
| Activity stops | 3: snorkeling, Try Dive, beach |
| Hotel pickup | Approx. 07:30 to 08:00 |
| Return | Approx. 15:00 to 16:00 |
| Certification needed | None for an eligible Try Dive |
| Included | Boat, equipment, instructor, lunch, drinks, transfer |
| Possible beaches | Orange Bay, Paradise, Hula Hula, Eden, Nemo |
Know before you book
Giftun Islands or Giftun Beaches?
This distinction matters, because many Hurghada excursions use the word island for both actual islands and organized beach destinations. Specifically, the Giftun area contains two real islands surrounded by coral reefs, whereas several famous names that visitors know are beach destinations within that same area. Consequently, understanding the difference makes it much easier to choose the right boat trip.
Actual island
Big Giftun, also called Giftun Kebir
Big Giftun is the larger of Hurghada’s two principal islands, surrounded by clear water, coral reefs and sandy coastal areas. Notably, several famous beach experiences are associated with Big Giftun, so Orange Bay is not a separate island. Instead, Big Giftun is the island, and the beach names are specific places within it.
Actual island
Small Giftun, traditionally Giftun Soraya
Meanwhile, Small Giftun lies farther offshore and is particularly known for the reefs and underwater scenery around it. Consequently, the area is popular with snorkelers as well as divers, because of its coral formations, clear water and Red Sea marine life.
Small GiftunThe famous names
The Giftun Beach Destinations
Several names that tourists commonly call islands are better understood as organized beach experiences within the Giftun area. Accordingly, depending on the booked program, your trip may visit one of the destinations below.
Most famous
Orange Bay
Firstly, Orange Bay is one of the most recognized beach destinations in the Giftun area, famous for turquoise shallow water, a sandy beach, relaxation areas and photography. Although it is marketed as Orange Bay Island, it is better described as a beach destination associated with Big Giftun.
Classic
Paradise
Likewise, Paradise offers clear water, a sandy beach and time for swimming and relaxation, and a Paradise program can be combined with snorkeling stops during the day. Again, it is frequently marketed as Paradise Island, although it is a Giftun beach destination.
More choices
Hula Hula, Eden and Nemo
Additionally, Hula Hula, Eden and Nemo are further Giftun beach experiences that combine the boat journey with beach time, swimming and snorkeling opportunities. However, programs and facilities differ between them, so the selected destination should be confirmed when booking.
Premium style
Mahmya
Mahmya is an established Giftun beach destination known for clear water and organized facilities. Nevertheless, Mahmya may operate with a different program and price from our standard 35 euro excursion, so guests specifically requesting it should confirm availability first.
Separate area
Magawish
In contrast, Magawish is an island area separate from the main Giftun beach names. Therefore trips to Magawish can operate as a different Hurghada island program, and availability depends on the scheduled excursion.
Good to know
Which beach will we visit?
The 35 euro trip visits one selected beach, not all of them in one day. Instead, the exact destination is confirmed according to the booked program, so always mention your preferred beach when you book.
Hurghada islands and beaches guide
| Name | What is it? | Main experience |
|---|---|---|
| Big Giftun, Giftun Kebir | Actual island | Main Giftun island and surrounding beaches |
| Small Giftun, Giftun Soraya | Actual island | Reefs, snorkeling and diving |
| Orange Bay | Giftun beach destination | Turquoise water and beach |
| Paradise | Giftun beach destination | Beach, swimming and relaxation |
| Hula Hula | Giftun beach destination | Beach experience |
| Eden | Giftun beach destination | Beach and Red Sea excursion |
| Nemo | Giftun beach destination | Beach experience |
| Mahmya | Giftun beach destination | Organized premium-style beach |
| Magawish | Separate island area | Island, swimming and snorkeling |
One day, three experiences
3 Activity Stops on the Hurghada Island Trip
The standard excursion includes three activity stops, although the order and locations depend on weather, sea conditions and the day’s program. Above all, you do not have to choose between snorkeling, scuba diving and the beach, because the day combines all three.
Stop 1
Snorkeling on the reef
Firstly, explore a selected Red Sea coral reef from the surface. A mask, a snorkel, fins, as well as flotation equipment when required, are all provided, and you receive instructions about the area and safety before entering the water.
Stop 2
Your first Try Dive
Next, experience introductory scuba diving under the direct supervision of a professional instructor. No certification is needed for an eligible Try Dive, although participation remains subject to applicable age, medical and safety requirements.
Stop 3
The Giftun beach
Finally, the boat continues to the selected beach destination for swimming, relaxing, photography and simply enjoying the Red Sea scenery. Naturally, the exact beach time depends on the destination and the daily program.
The day
Hurghada Island Trip Program
A typical day runs from morning pickup to a mid-afternoon return. Nevertheless, times can vary according to weather, wind, sea conditions, the selected destination and marina procedures.
Hotel pickup
Firstly, we pick you up from your hotel in Hurghada, and the exact time is confirmed before the trip according to your hotel location.
Boat departure
Next, meet the crew and activity team, receive a short boat and safety briefing, and set off toward the Giftun area.
First snorkeling stop
The first activity normally takes place at a selected snorkeling location, so prepare your mask, snorkel and fins.
Snorkeling or Try Dive
Meanwhile, the boat continues to another suitable spot for more snorkeling, as well as the supervised Try Dive, depending on the day’s operation.
Lunch onboard
Of course, lunch is included, and drinking water, soft drinks, tea and coffee are available during the trip.
Giftun beach stop
Afterwards, enjoy time at the selected beach destination, whether that is Orange Bay, Paradise, Hula Hula, Eden or Nemo.
Return to Hurghada
The boat then returns to the marina after completing the day’s activities.
Hotel transfer
Finally, our transfer takes you straight back to your hotel in Hurghada.
On the water
Snorkeling on the Hurghada Island Trip
The waters around Hurghada and the Giftun Islands contain coral reefs and a wide variety of Red Sea marine life. Consequently, snorkeling lets non-divers experience this underwater world directly from the surface, with no experience required.
What you might see
- Butterflyfish, as well as angelfish
- Parrotfish, as well as surgeonfish
- Anthias, as well as clownfish
- Moray eels, as well as blue-spotted stingrays
- Schools of colorful reef fish
- Different Red Sea coral formations
However, all wildlife is wild, and marine-life encounters can never be guaranteed.
Snorkeling equipment included
- Mask, as well as snorkel
- Fins
- Appropriate flotation equipment when required
In addition, guests receive instructions about the snorkeling area and the safety procedures before entering the water.
Under the water
Try Dive: Your First Breath Underwater
One special feature of this excursion is that an introductory Try Dive is included in the 35 euro price. Above all, you do not need to be a certified diver, because a professional instructor introduces you to the equipment and stays with you throughout the experience.
Before the water
What your instructor explains
- How the scuba equipment works
- How to breathe underwater
- Basic underwater signals, as well as equalization
- How to move underwater
- Essential safety procedures
No extra charge
Try Dive equipment included
- BCD, as well as regulator
- Scuba tank, as well as weights
- Mask, as well as fins
- Appropriate exposure protection when required
Naturally, the dive is conducted under professional supervision, and participation is subject to applicable age, medical and safety requirements.
The price
What the 35 Euro Hurghada Island Trip Includes
Broadly, everything you need for the day is already in the price, so there are no equipment charges and no surprises onboard.
Included for 35 euro
- Hotel pickup, as well as return transfer within Hurghada
- Full-day Red Sea boat with professional crew
- 3 activity stops
- Snorkeling, as well as snorkeling equipment
- Introductory Try Dive with a professional instructor
- Scuba equipment for the Try Dive
- Island or beach visit
- Lunch, water, soft drinks, tea and coffee
What should you bring?
- Swimwear, as well as a towel
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, as well as a hat
- Comfortable clothes
- A camera, ideally waterproof
- Passport or a copy if required
Meanwhile, all snorkeling and Try Dive equipment is already provided, so your bag stays light.
Who can join?
Honestly, almost everyone. The trip suits couples, families, groups of friends, solo travelers, first-time snorkelers, first-time divers, beach lovers and certified divers travelling with non-divers. In other words, you do not need to be a diver to enjoy this day, although Try Dive participation remains subject to the applicable safety, age and medical requirements.
Safety first
Safety on the Boat
Above all, safety is an important part of the day’s program, and the activities are organized according to weather, sea conditions and participant ability. Consequently, a stop can be adjusted whenever the conditions are unsuitable, however inconvenient that occasionally is.
Onboard safety equipment
- Life jackets
- Emergency oxygen, as well as first aid equipment
- Marine communication equipment, as well as general emergency equipment
Organized supervision
Specifically, the snorkeling areas are briefed before entering the water, the Try Dive is always conducted one-on-one with professional supervision, and the crew watches the water throughout every stop. In addition, our diving safety page explains how we approach safety on every trip.
Why us
Why Choose This Hurghada Island Trip?
Plenty of boats leave Hurghada every morning. Therefore, here is what makes this particular day worth booking.
More than a beach trip
Above all, you do not have to choose between snorkeling, scuba diving and the beach, because this excursion combines all three experiences in a single day.
Everything is included
Consequently, the 35 euro price already covers the boat, all snorkeling and Try Dive equipment, lunch, drinks and the hotel transfers within Hurghada.
Safety-focused operation
In addition, life jackets, emergency oxygen, first aid equipment and marine communications are onboard, and every activity is briefed before the water.
Plan the rest of the trip
More Red Sea Days from Hurghada
One island day is rarely enough. Consequently, the pages below help you plan the rest of your Red Sea holiday, whether you stay on the surface or go deeper.
Daily diving Hurghada
Firstly, certified divers can join our daily diving in Hurghada trips, with two guided dives a day around the same Giftun reefs.
Diving courses
Meanwhile, if the Try Dive wins you over, our diving courses take you from beginner to certified diver right here in Hurghada.
Hurghada dive sites
Additionally, our Hurghada dive sites overview and the Small Giftun page describe the reefs you will snorkel over.
Liveaboard guide
Above all, divers dreaming bigger should read the Red Sea liveaboard guide before planning a full week at sea.
Safety and about us
Because experience matters on the water, read our diving safety page and our About Us page.
Red Sea FAQ
Finally, our general Red Sea diving FAQ answers the wider questions about visiting Egypt’s Red Sea.
Learn more before you go
Beyond our own program, these independent sources are worth a look while you plan your island day.
FAQ
Hurghada Island Trip: Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Hurghada island trip?
The standard full-day Hurghada island, snorkeling and Try Dive excursion costs 35 euro per person. Moreover, hotel transfers within Hurghada, lunch, drinks and all activity equipment are already included in that price.
What is included in the 35 euro price?
The price includes hotel transfers within Hurghada, the full-day boat trip, 3 activity stops, snorkeling with equipment, a supervised Try Dive with scuba equipment, a professional instructor, the island or beach visit, as well as lunch and drinks.
What time does the trip start and finish?
Hotel pickup normally takes place at approximately 07:30 to 08:00, and the boat departs at around 08:00. Afterwards the boat returns to Hurghada at approximately 15:00 to 16:00, followed by the hotel transfer.
Islands and beaches
Which Giftun beach will we visit?
Depending on the booked program, possible destinations include Orange Bay, Paradise, Hula Hula, Eden, Nemo or another available Giftun beach. Therefore the selected beach should always be confirmed when booking.
Are Orange Bay and Paradise separate islands?
They are commonly marketed as island excursions. However, they are better described as beach destinations within the Giftun area rather than separate major islands.
What are the main Giftun islands?
The two principal islands are Big Giftun, also known as Giftun Kebir, and Small Giftun, traditionally known as Giftun Soraya. Meanwhile the famous beach names are destinations within that wider Giftun area.
Is Mahmya part of the standard trip?
Mahmya is a beach destination associated with the Giftun area. However, Mahmya, as well as Magawish, can operate with a different program and price, so please confirm availability before booking.
Activities and equipment
Is a Try Dive included and do I need a certificate?
Yes. A supervised introductory Try Dive is included, and no certification is required for an eligible participant. Nevertheless, participation remains subject to applicable age, medical and safety requirements.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. A mask, a snorkel, fins and appropriate flotation equipment when required are all provided, so you only need to bring swimwear, a towel and sun protection.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch, drinking water, soft drinks, tea and coffee are included in the standard package, as well as hotel pickup and return transfer within Hurghada.
Book Your Hurghada Island Trip
Simply send us your name, preferred date, number of participants, your hotel in Hurghada, and your preferred beach destination if you have one. Afterwards our team will confirm the program, the pickup time and availability before you commit to anything.
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