Giftun Islands National Park is a protected marine area of small coral-fringed islands lying roughly 45 to 90 minutes by boat east of Hurghada Marina on Egypt's Red Sea coast. The islands are the single most popular day-trip destination from Hurghada, and the protected status keeps the reefs in noticeably better condition than the shoreline around the resort strip. A typical outing departs the marina between about 08:00 and 09:30 and returns between 15:30 and 17:30, filling a full seven to nine hours.
What visitors actually do is sail out on a motor boat or a traditional wooden dhow, moor at one or two snorkelling sites, and spend the rest of the day swimming, snorkelling and resting on pale sand beaches. The reefs close to the islands hold hard and soft corals, schools of anthias and butterflyfish, parrotfish, and the occasional turtle or moray eel. Water clarity is generally excellent, and the drop-offs just beyond the shallow reef tables give snorkellers a sense of depth without needing diving certification. Certified divers can add introductory or guided dives through operators in Hurghada, while non-swimmers often choose glass-bottom or semi-submarine options offered by some boats.
Most group trips include a buffet lunch, soft drinks, snorkel gear and hotel pickup, at roughly EGP 1,250 to 2,250 (about $25 to 45) per person, while a private boat costs about EGP 7,500 to 20,000 ($150 to 400). A national park fee of around $5 to 10 (EGP 250 to 500) per person is usually collected by the operator at the marina, so visitors should confirm whether it is included in the quoted price. Beaches on the islands have little shade, so sun protection, a rash vest and reef-safe sunscreen are worth packing, and the park rules forbid touching or standing on coral and removing shells or marine life.
Best vantage points are the upper deck of the boat on the approach, when the low profile of the islands rises from turquoise water, and the sandbars at low tide for aerial-style photographs. Crowds peak between about 11:00 and 14:00 when several dozen boats anchor at the popular sites; the first departures and the return leg are the calmest. From October to May the sea is typically calm, while June to August can bring strong wind and cancelled sailings.
| Admission | National park fee about $5-10 (EGP 250-500) per person, usually collected by the operator at the marina; confirm whether it is included in the boat price |
|---|---|
| Hours | Day trips only: boats leave about 08:00-09:30 and return about 15:30-17:30 |
| Typical visit | 7-9 hours (full day) |
| Best time | October to May, calm mornings; June to August can bring wind and cancelled sailings |
| Getting there | Day-trip boat from Hurghada Marina; most operators include hotel pickup. Group trips about EGP 1,250-2,250 (~$25-45) per person; private boat about EGP 7,500-20,000 (~$150-400) |
| Address | Giftun Islands, offshore Hurghada; boats depart Hurghada Marina, Marina Boulevard, Hurghada |
Location
Giftun Islands, offshore Hurghada; boats depart Hurghada Marina, Marina Boulevard, Hurghada
27.2238, 33.9269 View on map
Highlights
- Snorkelling over protected coral reefs with clear water and abundant reef fish
- Pale sand beaches on small islands in the Red Sea, about an hour from Hurghada Marina
- Full-day boat trip with buffet lunch, snorkel gear and hotel pickup in most packages
- Optional introductory diving, glass-bottom and private-boat options
Tips for visiting
- Confirm whether the national park fee (about $5-10) is included in the boat price
- Book the earliest departure for quieter sandbars and calmer water
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rash vest, a hat and a towel; island shade is limited
- Do not touch, stand on or collect coral, shells or marine life
- Between June and August check weather: wind can cancel sailings
- Carry cash in small notes for tips and drinks not included in the package
When to visit
October to May on a calm morning gives the clearest water and mildest sun. Join the earliest departure to avoid the midday boat crowds.
Accessibility
Boarding involves gangways and sometimes small tenders to reach island beaches, and the sand is soft, so access is difficult for wheelchair users. Visitors with limited mobility should ask the operator in advance about assistance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Giftun Islands trip take?
A full-day trip lasts about 7 to 9 hours, with boats leaving Hurghada Marina around 08:00 to 09:30 and returning between 15:30 and 17:30. Sailing takes 45 to 90 minutes each way depending on the destination island.
Is the national park fee included in the price?
Not always. The fee is about $5 to 10 (EGP 250 to 500) per person and is usually collected by the operator at the marina, so visitors should ask whether it is included before paying.
Is a Giftun trip worth it for children?
Many families go, as the beaches are shallow and the boats include lunch. Younger children should wear life vests, and the long day in strong sun requires shade and plenty of water.
When is the best season to visit?
October to May offers the calmest seas and mild temperatures. June to August can bring wind and occasional cancelled sailings.