Giftun Island Hurghada

Giftun Island Hurghada – Paradise Island in the Red Sea

Giftun Island is the jewel of the Red Sea off Hurghada and an absolute must for every Egypt holidaymaker. As part of the Giftun National Park, this protected island offers pristine sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and a breathtaking underwater world. A boat trip to Giftun Island from Hurghada is one of the most popular day excursions in the entire region and promises an unforgettable day in tropical paradise. Whether snorkelling, swimming, or simply relaxing on the beach – Giftun Island Hurghada has something special for every visitor.

What Is Giftun Island?

The Giftun Islands consist of two main islands – Giftun Kebir (Big Giftun) and Giftun Soraya (Small Giftun) – located approximately 45 minutes by boat from Hurghada. They have been under nature protection since 1955 and together form the oldest marine national park in Egypt. The national park was established to protect the unique marine biodiversity of the area and has strict rules for the preservation of coral reefs and wildlife.

Big Giftun Island is the main destination for day trips and is home to the famous Orange Bay Beach, which is regularly ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Egypt. The fine white sand, turquoise water, and tropical atmosphere are reminiscent of the Maldives – just a short boat ride from Hurghada. The island is uninhabited and may only be visited during the day as part of organised excursions, which preserves its original character.

The Underwater World of Giftun Island

Snorkelling around Giftun Island is an unforgettable experience. The coral reefs begin right at the beach and extend in fascinating variety beneath the water surface. You will discover an amazing diversity of species: colourful parrotfish, majestic butterflyfish, playful clownfish in their anemones, elegant moray eels, and with a bit of luck even turtles or rays.

The most popular snorkelling spots around Giftun are Mahmya Beach, where the reef comes particularly close to the shore, and Small Giftun Wall, an impressive drop-off with hard and soft corals in every colour of the rainbow. On the north side of the island, there is another excellent snorkelling site with large table corals and schools of sergeant major fish.

For experienced divers, Giftun Island offers even more spectacular experiences. The dive sites around the islands rank among the best on the entire Red Sea. Deep walls, underwater caves, and coral gardens await exploration. The water clarity is particularly noteworthy – visibility of 20 to 30 metres is the norm here, making Giftun Island a paradise for underwater photographers.

Orange Bay – The Dream Beach on Giftun

Orange Bay is the main beach on Giftun Island and a true beach paradise. The powder-white sand stretches over several hundred metres and is lapped by crystal-clear, gently shelving water. On the beach, you will find sun loungers, parasols, and a small beach bar offering refreshments and light snacks. The infrastructure is deliberately kept minimalist to preserve the natural character of the island.

Orange Bay is excellent for families with children, as the water at the beach is very shallow and calm. There are no dangerous currents, and the sandy seabed makes swimming particularly pleasant. For snorkellers, beautiful coral formations with a variety of tropical fish are only a few strokes from the beach.

Schedule of a Giftun Island Trip

A typical day trip to Giftun Island with Ra Reisen begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, or Sahl Hasheesh. The transfer takes you to Hurghada's harbour, where you board a comfortable excursion boat.

The boat ride to Giftun Island takes approximately 45 minutes and passes through the beautiful marine landscape of the Red Sea. Along the way, you may already have the opportunity to spot dolphins in the wild – a frequent and exciting surprise on this route. A light breakfast with tea, coffee, and pastries is served on board.

The first stop is a snorkelling site at one of the magnificent coral reefs around the island. Snorkelling equipment is provided free of charge, and experienced guides show you the best spots. This snorkelling stop typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes.

The boat then continues to the beach on Giftun Island, where you have several hours to enjoy the beach, swim, snorkel, or simply relax in the sun. A generous lunch is served on board the boat – typically grilled fish, rice, salads, and fresh fruit. Soft drinks and water are included throughout the day.

In the afternoon, a second snorkelling stop at a different reef is often made before the return journey to Hurghada begins around 4 pm. After arriving at the harbour, you are transferred back to your hotel.

National Park Fees and Environmental Protection

As Giftun Island is part of a protected national park, a national park fee is charged, which is usually already included in the excursion price. This fee goes directly towards the protection and conservation of the marine ecosystem. Visitors are asked to observe certain rules: touching or breaking corals is strictly forbidden, as is feeding fish or taking shells and coral pieces.

Ra Reisen actively supports nature conservation and informs all guests about the rules of conduct in the national park before the trip. We ensure that our excursions are sustainable and that the unique nature of Giftun Island is preserved for future generations. Every visitor can contribute by not leaving any rubbish on the beach and only observing the underwater world without touching it.

Prices for the Giftun Island Trip

A day trip to Giftun Island with Ra Reisen costs from 30 euros per person. The price includes hotel pickup and return transfer, the boat trip to Giftun Island and back, snorkelling equipment, lunch on board, soft drinks and water throughout the day, the national park fee, and supervision by an English or German-speaking travel companion. Children between 4 and 11 years receive a 50 per cent discount, and children under 4 participate free of charge.

For guests who desire a more exclusive experience, we also offer VIP excursions to Giftun Island. These include a smaller boat with fewer guests, an extended buffet with seafood, additional snorkelling stops, and preferred beach spots. The VIP excursion is available from 55 euros per person.

Practical Tips for Your Giftun Island Trip

To make the most of your day on Giftun Island, you should pack the following items: sunscreen with a high SPF (at least SPF 50), as the sun reflects particularly intensely off the water, a sun hat or cap, a waterproof phone case or underwater camera for photos of the coral reefs, a towel, and comfortable shoes for the boat.

If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking travel medication about 30 minutes before the boat ride. The sea around Giftun is usually calm, but the boat may rock slightly in light swell. Another tip: wear a T-shirt or rash guard while snorkelling to avoid sunburn on your back – this is one of the most common complaints after a day on the water.

The best time for a Giftun Island trip is from March to November, with the months of May to October offering the best snorkelling conditions – warm water, good visibility, and calm seas. In winter (December to February), it can be slightly cooler and windier on the water, but the island is beautiful all year round.

Why Visit Giftun Island with Ra Reisen?

Ra Reisen organises your Giftun Island trip with attention to detail and high quality standards. Our boats are modern, safe, and comfortable. Our crew is experienced and ensures your safety and wellbeing throughout the day. We provide English and German-speaking guidance so you feel completely at ease and have all your questions answered.

With Ra Reisen, you experience Giftun Island without stress and with maximum enjoyment. We take care of all organisational details – from hotel pickup to lunch to snorkelling equipment. You do not have to worry about anything except enjoying your day in paradise. Book your Giftun Island trip now and experience the best the Red Sea has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions About Giftun Island

How Do You Get to Giftun Island?

Giftun Island can only be reached by boat. Ra Reisen offers comfortable boat trips from Hurghada harbour, which take approximately 45 to 60 minutes depending on weather conditions and the type of boat. During the crossing, you can enjoy the view of the turquoise waters of the Red Sea and can often also observe dolphins accompanying the boat. Our excursions include hotel transfer to the harbour and back, so you do not need to worry about anything.

Is There a Limit on the Number of Visitors to Giftun?

Yes, as Giftun Island is part of a national park, there is a daily cap on the number of visitors. This measure serves to protect the sensitive ecosystems, particularly the coral reefs and nesting sites of rare seabirds. We therefore recommend booking your excursion with Ra Reisen early to ensure you secure a place. Especially during the high season between June and September, available places are quickly taken.

What Does the National Park Entrance Fee Cost?

A national park fee is charged for visiting Giftun Island, which is generally already included in the excursion price from Ra Reisen. This fee goes directly towards the protection and preservation of the marine national park and its unique flora and fauna. During booking, we will transparently inform you about all included services and any additional costs.

Can You Stay Overnight on Giftun Island?

No, overnight stays on Giftun Island are not permitted. As a protected nature reserve, strict regulations apply, which include a ban on camping and overnight stays. All visitors must leave the island before nightfall. Our day excursions are planned so that you have enough time to fully enjoy the beautiful beaches, snorkelling spots, and the unique nature of the island before heading back to Hurghada in the afternoon.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Giftun?

Giftun Island can be visited throughout the year, with each season offering its own advantages. The summer months from May to September are characterised by warm water and calm sea conditions, providing ideal conditions for swimming and snorkelling. The winter months from October to April are somewhat cooler but offer pleasant temperatures for beach walks and the opportunity to observe migratory birds resting on the island. Underwater visibility is excellent throughout the entire year.