Snorkelling Mahmya and Giftun Reefs is a full-day boat excursion from Hurghada Marina on Sheraton Road to the Giftun Islands, a protected marine area offshore from Hurghada on Egypt's Red Sea coast. Boats take about 45 minutes to reach the islands, where passengers stop at two or three sites for swimming and snorkelling over shallow coral gardens that shelter parrotfish, butterflyfish, clownfish, angelfish and occasionally turtles. Mahmya is the best-known stop, with a beach, sunbeds and a lunch served on the island, and the day normally lasts seven to eight hours including transfers. No special skill is needed, which makes the trip one of the most accessible adventure activities in the area. Participants should be comfortable in water, and non-swimmers can use life vests supplied on the boat; children are welcome when accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age varies by operator. Masks and fins are provided or can be hired, while visitors should bring a swimsuit, towel, reef shoes, a hat and reef-safe sunscreen. Trips are sold by Hurghada Marina day-boat operators through hotels and agencies, and visitors should favour boats with life jackets, a crew member in the water and a clear passenger count. A safety briefing covers lifejackets, entry points, staying within the marked area and the signal for returning to the boat, and the boats carry first-aid kits and radios, with larger incidents handled by transfer back to Hurghada. Giftun is a national protected area, and entrance fees may be charged separately, so it is worth asking whether they are included. The best conditions occur from April to June and September to November, when water is warm and the sea tends to be calm, although snorkelling runs year-round; summer midday can be extremely hot and winter water is cool enough to need a wetsuit top. Prices of about EGP 1,500 to 2,500 per adult usually include lunch, soft drinks and equipment. Because the sites are busy in peak season, visitors seeking quieter reefs often choose smaller boats or earlier departures.
| Price | EGP 1,500-2,500 (~$30-50) per adult with lunch |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full day, about 7-8 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | April-June and September-November |
| Address | Departs from Hurghada Marina, Sheraton Road, Hurghada |
Activity facts
- Where
- Giftun Islands, offshore Hurghada
Equipment
Swimsuit, towel, reef shoes, reef-safe sunscreen; masks and fins provided or hired
Location
Departs from Hurghada Marina, Sheraton Road, Hurghada
27.2170, 33.9330 View on map
Highlights
- Shallow coral gardens teeming with parrotfish, clownfish and angelfish
- Island stop at Mahmya with beach, sunbeds and lunch
- Boat to the protected Giftun Islands in about 45 minutes
- Suitable for beginners with life vests and equipment provided
Tips for visiting
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen and a rash vest to avoid sunburn and protect the coral
- Do not stand on or touch the coral, as damage is fined in the protected area
- Ask whether the Giftun protected-area fee is included in the price
- Choose an early departure to reach the reefs before the busiest boats
- Bring a dry bag, towel and water, as shade on deck is limited
When to visit
April to June and September to November offer warm, calm water. Early departures avoid the midday heat and the largest crowds.
Accessibility
Boarding a boat and entering the water require some mobility, and ladders can be steep. Visitors with limited mobility should ask operators about assistance and the vessel's facilities when booking.
Frequently asked questions
Is previous snorkelling experience needed?
No, the trip suits beginners, and life vests are available for weaker swimmers. Participants should still be comfortable in open water.
What is included in the price?
Prices of EGP 1,500 to 2,500 usually cover transport, lunch, drinks and snorkel equipment. Entrance fees may be extra.
How long does the trip take?
The full day lasts about seven to eight hours. The boat ride to the islands takes around 45 minutes.
Are children allowed?
Children generally join with an adult, and the minimum age depends on the operator. Child-size vests are usually available.