Mahmya Island sits within the Giftun Islands Protected Area, roughly 45 minutes by boat from Hurghada Marina on Sheraton Road in Egypt's Red Sea Governorate. The island is known for a soft, pale sand beach that shelves gently into water of striking turquoise, shading to deep blue over the surrounding reef. Visibility is typically excellent, and the shallows close to shore are calm enough for weaker swimmers and children. The beach is a compact strip rather than a long open sweep, and the sheltered position behind the reef keeps surf negligible on most days, although a northerly breeze can raise a light chop in the afternoon.
The atmosphere is that of a relaxed day-trip island. Boats arrive mid-morning, and the beach is busiest between roughly 11:00 and 15:00 when several operators run lunch stops at the same time. The operator stretch provides sun loungers, umbrellas, shaded seating, toilets and a buffet lunch that is usually included in the package price, while snorkelling masks, fins and vests can be hired or are supplied on board. There is no public road, car park or ferry service; access is only by organised day-boat from Hurghada Marina, with full-day packages commonly costing about EGP 1,500-2,500 (roughly $30-50) per adult. The Giftun park entry fee is charged per person unless it is bundled into the ticket, so it is worth confirming what the price covers.
As part of a national park, the island operates under conservation rules. Visitors are expected not to touch or stand on coral, not to feed fish and to carry rubbish back to the boat. The house reef offshore supports colourful reef fish, and snorkelling from the beach or from the boat ladder is the main activity beyond sunbathing. Many itineraries combine Mahmya with a second snorkel stop at another Giftun site, so time on the sand is often limited to a few hours. Wind and sea state can lead to trip cancellations in rougher weather, and sun exposure is strong with limited natural shade away from the operator areas.
| Distance | About 45 minutes by boat from Hurghada Marina |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Day-boat from Hurghada Marina; full-day packages with lunch roughly EGP 1,500-2,500 (~$30-50) per adult; Giftun park entry fee is charged per person unless bundled |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Best season | April-June and September-November |
| Address | Mahmya Island, Giftun Islands Protected Area, Red Sea Governorate (boats leave Hurghada Marina, Sheraton Road) |
Amenities
- Sandy beach
- Sun loungers and umbrellas on the operator stretch
- Snorkelling gear hire
- Lunch buffet on most day trips
- Toilets
Good to know
- Best for
- families, snorkellers, sunbathers, swimmers
Location
Mahmya Island, Giftun Islands Protected Area, Red Sea Governorate (boats leave Hurghada Marina, Sheraton Road)
27.2170, 33.9330 View on map
Highlights
- Pale sand beach with clear turquoise water inside the Giftun Islands Protected Area
- Calm shallows suitable for children and cautious swimmers
- Snorkelling over the offshore reef directly from the beach or boat
- Included buffet lunch on most Hurghada Marina day trips
- Sun loungers, umbrellas and toilets on the operator stretch
Tips for visiting
- Choose an early-departing boat to reach the island before the busiest midday period.
- Confirm whether the Giftun park entry fee is included in the ticket price.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a rash vest, as natural shade is limited.
- Do not stand on or touch coral; the park enforces conservation rules.
- Carry some cash in Egyptian pounds for drinks and tips on board.
- Check the sea forecast; trips can be cancelled or shortened in strong wind.
When to visit
April to June and September to November offer warm water and moderate heat; arrive on the earliest boat to enjoy the beach before midday crowds.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to Mahmya Island?
The island is reached only by day-boat from Hurghada Marina, a trip of about 45 minutes each way. Most visitors book a full-day package that includes lunch and snorkelling gear.
How much does a trip to Mahmya Island cost?
Full-day packages with lunch usually cost about EGP 1,500-2,500 (roughly $30-50) per adult. The Giftun park entry fee may be charged separately unless it is bundled.
Is Mahmya Island good for snorkelling?
Yes, the reef close to shore has clear water and a good variety of reef fish. Masks, fins and vests are available for hire or supplied on the boat.
Are there facilities on the island?
The operator stretch has sun loungers, umbrellas, shade, toilets and a lunch buffet. There is no public car park or road access.