Giftun Islands

What are the Giftun Islands?

The Giftun Islands are two uninhabited limestone and sand islands off Hurghada, ringed by fringing reefs and protected as part of Egypt's Red Sea islands protectorate. Giftun Kebir, the larger, lies closer to the mainland; Giftun Saghir sits to its south-east. Neither has a town or a road, only a few beach concessions and the reefs that circle them.

Because they shelter Hurghada from the open sea, the water on their western, landward side is often calm even when the northerly wind is blowing. That is why almost every day boat from Hurghada heads here first. The islands' protected status means no overnight stays, no fishing on the reefs and rules for boats on mooring and anchoring, although enforcement depends on the operator as much as on the rangers.

Mahmya and Orange Bay: which beach stop?

Mahmya is a low-key eco beach club on Giftun Kebir with shaded loungers and limited daily numbers, while Orange Bay is a bigger, busier beach on the same island that many group boats use. Both have white sand, turquoise shallows and a small reef within swimming distance.

Mahmya is the better choice if you want a quieter few hours: it is built from wood and palm fronds, has a restaurant serving lunch and runs its own boats from Hurghada, so you book it as a package rather than turning up. Orange Bay has a party-boat reputation in peak season, with music and big crowds around midday. Neither is a must; plenty of boats skip the beach altogether and give you an extra reef stop instead.

If you are staying in El Gouna, boats leave from Abu Tig Marina and add around 30–45 minutes each way, so expect slightly less time on the reefs.

The best snorkelling sites around Giftun

The reliable snorkel stops are the coral gardens off Giftun Kebir's western shore, Abu Ramada to the south of the islands and the shallow plateaus around Giftun Saghir. Your skipper chooses on the day according to wind, current and how many boats are already moored.

• Abu Ramada: a reef south of Giftun Saghir often called the Aquarium for its density of fish: anthias, butterflyfish, sergeant majors and the occasional moray.
• Giftun Kebir west side: sandy patches broken by coral heads in 3–8 metres of water, good for nervous swimmers and children in buoyancy vests.
• Small Giftun drift: a well-known wall dive on Giftun Saghir's eastern side; it is for divers, not snorkellers, because it is exposed to the current.

Expect parrotfish, clownfish in anemones, Red Sea bannerfish and, with luck, a hawksbill or green turtle. Our Red Sea snorkelling guide compares Giftun with house reefs and Marsa Alam's bays, and Red Sea marine life helps you name what you see.

How a Giftun boat trip works

Boats leave Hurghada Marina or the public port around 8.30–9.30am, make two or three snorkel stops with lunch on board, and are back by about 4–5pm. Hotel pick-ups are usually included.

The single biggest difference between trips is the number of people on board. The cheapest boats can carry 50 or more, with everyone entering the water at once. A smaller boat, or a private charter, lets you snorkel when the site is quiet and choose where to go. We arrange private boats for most of our clients, including on the Egypt and Red Sea tour, which has a full Giftun day built in.

Ask before booking whether the crew includes a snorkel guide who swims with you, whether masks and fins come in children's sizes, and whether the boat moors on fixed buoys rather than anchoring on coral.

Protected-area fees and rules

A per-person national park fee is charged for visiting the Giftun Islands, separate from the boat price, and the amount and the currency it must be paid in have changed several times. Some operators include it; many collect it in cash on the boat or at the marina. At the time of writing, ask your operator exactly what is included before you pay.

The rules are simple and worth following: don't stand on or touch coral, don't feed fish, don't take shells or coral from the beaches, and keep at least a couple of metres from turtles. Wear a rash vest and use a reef-safe sunscreen sparingly, applied well before you get in. Our guide to reef-safe travel explains why.

When to go and practical tips

Giftun is good year-round, but April to June and September to November give warm water (about 24–28°C) and calmer seas than the windy winter months. From December to February the water drops to about 22°C, so a shorty or 3 mm wetsuit makes a long snorkel more comfortable, and afternoon crossings can be rough.

• Take a seasickness tablet before you board if you are prone to it; the open stretch between the mainland and the islands can be choppy.
• Bring a hat, a long-sleeved top for the boat deck and more water than you think you need.
• Weekends and Egyptian public holidays are the busiest days on the water; a weekday trip is calmer.
• If you plan to dive, remember not to fly within about 18–24 hours afterwards.