Mahmya Island, also called Mahmya Beach, sits at the southern end of the Giftun island group off Hurghada on Egypt's Red Sea coast. It is a more upscale and typically calmer alternative to the busier beaches on the north side of Giftun, and day trips usually depart from Hurghada Marina or from Soma Bay. The sailing takes roughly an hour each way, with some itineraries describing up to two hours of sailing depending on the departure point and route, for a total outing of about eight hours.
Visitors spend the day on a private-feeling stretch of sand with shallow, very clear water, sun loungers and umbrellas, a restaurant area and a beach bar. Snorkelling is the main activity, with the reefs offshore holding colourful corals and reef fish, and equipment is normally supplied by the boat. The packaged trips generally include a lunch, snorkel gear and hotel pickup at roughly EGP 3,500 to 7,000 (about $70 to 140) per person, which is higher than standard Giftun group tours because of the facilities and smaller visitor numbers. Admission to the island is included in most packages, but visitors should confirm the national park fee of about $5 to 10 (EGP 250 to 500) is covered.
The island is flat, sandy and low, so views are of open water and the pale shoreline. The best photographs are from the water's edge in the morning, when the light is soft and the sea is mirror-calm, and from the boat while returning in late afternoon. Crowds are modest compared with the northern beaches, but the middle of the day from about 11:30 to 14:00 is busiest when lunch is served. Early arrival and a weekday visit give the most space.
Best conditions are from October to May. Summer can be hot and windy, and shade away from the facilities is limited. Visitors should bring sun protection, water shoes and a change of clothes, and respect the protected status of the marine area by not touching coral.
| Admission | Included in most packaged day trips; confirm the national park fee (about $5-10, EGP 250-500) is covered |
|---|---|
| Hours | Day trips only: about 09:00-16:00 |
| Typical visit | 8 hours including about 2 hours of sailing each way |
| Best time | October to May |
| Getting there | Day-trip boat with lunch and snorkel gear, about EGP 3,500-7,000 (~$70-140) per person; hotel pickup normally included |
| Address | Mahmya, southern Giftun Island, offshore Hurghada; boats depart Hurghada Marina or Soma Bay |
Location
Mahmya, southern Giftun Island, offshore Hurghada; boats depart Hurghada Marina or Soma Bay
27.1826, 33.9599 View on map
Highlights
- Calm, shallow southern Giftun beach with very clear water
- Snorkelling on reefs offshore with equipment supplied
- Lunch, loungers and a beach bar included in most packaged trips
- Quieter and more upscale than northern Giftun beaches
Tips for visiting
- Confirm the national park fee (about $5-10) is covered by the package
- Choose a trip departing from the nearest harbour to reduce sailing time
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes and a hat
- Book a weekday trip for the emptiest beach
- Do not touch coral or collect shells
- Check whether drinks are included or charged separately
When to visit
October to May on a weekday morning, when the sea is calmest. Arrive before the lunch rush at about 11:30.
Accessibility
Access involves boat boarding and a sandy beach, which is hard for wheelchair users. Some facilities have paved sections near the restaurant, so ask the operator about assistance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Mahmya trip take?
About eight hours including roughly an hour or two of sailing each way, depending on the departure harbour and route.
How is Mahmya different from Orange Bay?
Mahmya is at the southern end of Giftun and generally calmer and less crowded, with higher prices. Orange Bay on the east coast attracts more boats and offers more water-sport add-ons.
Is Mahmya worth it for families?
The shallow, calm water suits children, and lunch and loungers are included. The cost is higher than standard Giftun tours, so budget travellers may prefer a basic group trip.