Giftun Island, a blue paradise near Hurghada

Giftun Island is the most popular boat excursion in Hurghada, in the Red Sea. It is a full-day trip that includes snorkelling, swimming, and enjoying the sandy beaches, and crystal-clear water.

Actually, Giftun is a nationally protected nature park. It consists of two islands, Big Giftun and Small Giftun, and also many smaller islands and coral reefs.

The most famous beaches on Giftun Island are Orange Bay, Paradise Island, and Mahmya. This year, during our vacation, we visited it twice: first, we went to Orange Bay and the second time, we visited Paradise Island Beach.

In a word, it is a real paradise, with many shades of blue 🙂

 

How to get to Giftun Island

Giftun Island is located about 45 minutes from Hurghada’s coast by boat.

Many local agencies organize a day trip to Giftun Island. And it could be a group or private tour. We visited the island with Nur travel agency, and we went on a safari desert excursion as well. The price of boat excursions starts from around 20€ (22$), depending on services and activities.

Usually, it includes a transfer from your hotel to a boat, snorkelling at two different spots, drinks, lunch, and two hours on Giftun Beach.

 

A boat trip to Orange Bay Beach

Well, all excursions start in the same way. A local agency picks you up in the morning at your hotel in Hurghada and takes you by an air-conditioned minivan to a boat. When we went to Orange Bay, the boat was at the little mall close to the Continental Hotel.

 

Because of the current COVID-19 situation, there was a maximum of 15 to 20 people on the boat, even though it is provided for more persons.

 

During the boat trip, it is impossible to explain all the shades of blue and emerald of the Red Sea.

 

You can feel the burning sun on your skin, the salty wind ruffling your hair, and seagulls following the boats.

And the eyes just can’t get enough of the endless and beautiful blue sea.

 

At one moment, we saw a little boat which came close to our boat. We were surprised when they came and offered us some drinks and snacks. And then our guide explained that it was a “market on the water”. Well, they go around all the boats on the sea and offer different goods, in case you need something!

 

Snorkelling spots

After about one hour of sailing, we stopped at the first snorkelling spot.

 

If you want you can take your equipment, or you can take the mask, fins, and tube on the boat, as the equipment is included in the tour price. And there are life jackets available on a boat, as well.

 

Usually, there are a few boats in one snorkelling spot, so pay attention to staying close to your guide.

 

Just have fun and enjoy the colourful corals and little fish around you 🐠🐟🦐🦞.

 

If you don’t like or don’t want snorkelling, you can just swim in the crystal water or stay on a boat, enjoying the sun and the exotic view. After about one hour, we continued our trip to the next snorkelling spot. During the trip, we had lunch on a boat (pasta, rice, chicken, meat, and salad). Also, drinks (soft, hot & mineral water, coffee) are available and free on the boat.

And finally, beautiful Giftun Island appeared in front of our eyes. We jumped into a little boat and came to an amazing Orange Bay.

 

Orange Bay Beach on Giftun Island

Orange Bay is located in the middle of the island.
It is a beautiful beach with white sand and shallow, warm water, perfect for kids.

 

Because of the current COVID-19 situation, the bars and restaurants were closed, and only one beach bar was open for visitors.

 

So you can enjoy the clear water, take a walk on the beach, and soak up the sun.

 

Or you can just relax under the umbrellas.

 

The special place in Orange Beach is a swing in the sea, as you can see in most Instagram photos. But there were many people around it, so we gave up on taking photos.

From the top of the Orange Bay complex, there is an amazing view of the turquoise-blue lagoon.

 

 

And while you look around, you feel that all your worries and problems are gone with the wind, so far away from us.

 

After about two hours we left this adorable beach. On the way back, you can ride the banana.

 

Or you can just sit and enjoy the sunset.

 

Paradise Island beach on Giftun island

The starting point for the Paradise Island excursion is the mall in front of the Al Mashrabia Hotel in Mamsha, part of Hurghada.

 

When we arrived, many boats were waiting for the visitors to sail to a blue paradise.
And close to the coast, we saw one giant turtle in the sea.

 

Paradise Island and Mahmya Beach are located on the South of Giftun Island.
The tour is the same as the tour of Orange Bay. Two snorkelling spots, lunch on a boat, swimming, beach time, and the emerald-turquoise-blue sea around you. Priceless!

 

And here it is, a blue paradise 🙂

 

Welcome to Paradise Island 🙂

 

So take a refreshment from a bar, feel the golden sand under your feet, and swim in crystal clear water.

 

And keep these moments in your memory, because when you come home, you will miss them!

 

What to know before you go on a Giftun Island excursion

Boat excursions are popular among tourists because they are for everyone, including families with kids. Actually, we had one baby on the boat 🙂

So what you need for this adventure: a towel, sun care protection, swimwear, some clothes to change. Take a mobile phone or camera with you to capture fantastic views of the sea and the underwater world. Usually, there is a photographer on a boat all day, and after the tour is finished, you can take a CD with photos and videos (the price is from 10 to 35 euros).

During snorkelling, always follow the instructions of your guide or instructor. Also, don’t touch corals and keep a distance from the reef.

 

Hurghada is the diving destination

Hurghada is an excellent place for snorkelling and diving all year round.
The water temperature is from 21 C° in the winter to 30 C° in the summer. In a word, the underwater life in the Red Sea is amazing, and colourful and it is one of the world’s best diving destinations.
These boat tours include snorkelling with a guide around the specific coral reefs, only with a mask, fins, and tube.

 

But if you want to explore underwater life more, there are private or organized guided tours that include snorkelling in wetsuits with complete scuba diving equipment.
So depending on the diving spot in the Red Sea, you can see dolphins, turtles, mantas, more than a thousand different species of fish, colourful corals, and sharks as well.

 

Giftun Island, escape to paradise

Giftun Island is a fantastic place to spend a few hours in an isolated and eco-environment.
The sandy beach, crystal clear water, sun, and easy access to coral reefs are perfect to relax and enjoy the summer vibes.

 

 

And when you get there, there is only one thought: let these paradise moments last forever!

 

Because the turquoise-emerald sea and blue sky are in perfect natural harmony.