Island · Hurghada, Red Sea
Giftun Islands
Islands off Hurghada, in a national park, with white-sand beaches and coral reefs visited on snorkel and dive boat excursions.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Giftun Islands
The Giftun Islands lie about 10 km off Hurghada’s coast, protected as a marine park. Big and Little Giftun have pale sand, shallow turquoise water and coral reefs around them.
Boats leave Hurghada marina in the morning and make two or three stops to snorkel at the reefs, with corals and colorful fish, before landing on a beach of Big Giftun, such as Mahmya beach.
Visits to the park are regulated, and on the island beaches operators set up bathing areas and shaded spots.
Boats vary in size and style; many include lunch on board, snorkel equipment and a guide. Trips usually depart between early and mid-morning.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
The whole day, including outbound, stops and return.
Best time
In the morning, when the sea is calmer; trips return in the mid-afternoon.
How to get there
By boat from Hurghada marina, in about 40 minutes to an hour.
Tip
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and do not stand on or touch the reefs.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Giftun Islands
How to go to the Giftun Islands?
By boat, on tours that depart from Hurghada marina in the morning.
What to do on the Giftun Islands?
Snorkel and dive on the reefs and bathe on Big Giftun’s white-sand beaches.
Are the Giftun Islands a national park?
They are, and visits are regulated.


