Egypt’s Premier Marine Paradise · 2026
Discover the Red Sea’s most beautiful corner — pristine beaches, world-class diving, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life in Egypt’s first marine national park. Just 45 minutes by boat from Hurghada.
Egypt’s first marine national park (1986), only 45 minutes by boat from Hurghada. Three pillars — conservation, diversity, accessibility — make it the must-visit destination in the Red Sea.
Established in 1986 as Egypt’s first marine national park, Giftun Island has protected coral reefs, marine life, and pristine beaches across 14 km² for more than three decades. A model for sustainable marine conservation in the Red Sea.
With over 196 coral species and more than 1,000 fish species, Giftun Island ranks among the most biodiverse marine environments in the Red Sea — from small colourful reef fish to large pelagic species in pristine conditions.
Two main formations — Giftun Kebir (Big Giftun) and Giftun Soraya (Little Giftun) — surrounded by extensive coral reef systems and pristine beaches. Dramatic coral walls, shallow lagoons, sandy coves, and rocky shorelines.
Discover more Red Sea island destinations: Eden Island, Orange Bay, Paradise Island, Mahmya Island, Nemo Island, Hula Hula Island, or browse the full Hurghada tours collection.
Hand-picked tours around Giftun Island and the famous Orange Bay – sorted by ratings and real traveller experiences.
-5% You came to the Red Sea for a day exactly like this one. A little after breakfast, an air-conditioned car collects you from your Hurghada…
-5% Some mornings the Red Sea turns a blue that barely looks real — and Giftun Island is where you go to find it. Just off the Hurghada coast…
-4% Some days you remember for the water alone. This is one of them. You leave Hurghada behind and head out across the Red Sea toward Orange …
-4% The road south out of Marsa Alam runs into some of the emptiest, most beautiful desert in Egypt, and this afternoon it belongs to you. An…
-5% You did not fly to the Red Sea to look at it from a sun lounger. This is the day you get in — twice over open reef, and once into the air…
Free cancellation Makadi Bay is already quiet. The point of this day is to find out how much quieter the sea gets once the coast is behind you. A car colle…
Free cancellation You came to the Red Sea for a day like this one. While the resort still sleeps, a boat is waiting to carry you out past the last hotel to…
-4% You came to the Red Sea for what's underneath it. Not the buffet, not the sun-lounger — the water. This is the day you actually get in: a…
Six pristine beaches, each with unique features — from secluded coves to sweeping sandy shores. Click a beach to expand details.
The crown jewel of Giftun Island, Paradise Beach offers powder-soft white sand stretching over 800 metres along crystal-clear turquoise water. This sheltered beach features excellent facilities, natural shaded zones, and direct access to some of the island’s best snorkelling spots. The shallow, warm waters are perfect for families, while the pristine conditions attract photographers from around the world.
Located on Giftun Island’s northern coast, Coral Bay offers unparalleled access to vibrant coral gardens just steps from the shoreline. This beach is renowned among snorkellers and divers for the exceptional visibility of its marine life and the diversity of its coral formations. The rocky shoreline creates natural pools and channels that serve as nurseries for juvenile fish.
The most secluded and romantic beach on Giftun Island, Sunset Cove faces west and delivers spectacular sunset views over the Red Sea. This intimate strand features soft white sand, gentle waves, and natural rock formations offering privacy and shelter. Perfect for couples and those seeking tranquillity, Sunset Cove provides a retreat away from the crowds.
Set on Giftun Island’s eastern coast, Adventure Bay is the ideal destination for water sports and diving activities. This dynamic beach features deeper waters near the shoreline, ideal for advanced snorkelling, dive excursions, and boat transfers to outer reefs. The bay’s unique topography creates excellent conditions for underwater photography and frequent dolphin sightings.
A natural lagoon formed by coral structures creates Giftun Island’s most sheltered, family-friendly beach area. The shallow, warm waters (0.5–1.5 m depth) are perfect for children and non-swimmers, while the surrounding coral gardens offer excellent snorkelling opportunities. This beach combines safety with natural beauty, featuring pristine sand and rich marine life in a protected environment.
For adventurous visitors, Giftun Island’s Wild Coast offers a pristine natural experience with spectacular rocky cliffs, hidden coves, and untouched marine environments. This undeveloped area showcases the raw beauty of the Red Sea coastline, with opportunities for exploration, bird watching, and discovering isolated snorkelling spots far from the main tourist areas.
One of the Red Sea’s most diverse marine ecosystems — from coral polyps to sea turtles, from endemic species to seasonal migrations.
The coral reefs of Giftun Island are among the most diverse and healthy in the Red Sea, hosting over 196 documented hard and soft coral species. These living structures create complex three-dimensional habitats that support thousands of marine species. The reefs surrounding Giftun include massive table corals stretching multiple metres, elegant branching Acropora corals, and spectacular soft corals in vivid colours from deep purple to bright orange.
Giftun Island’s protected status has allowed these coral ecosystems to thrive, with some formations dating back several hundred years. The island’s coral gardens display distinct zones, from shallow lagoon corals adapted to strong light and wave action to deeper formations in nutrient-rich waters beyond the coral barrier.
With over 1,000 documented fish species, Giftun Island’s protected waters offer some of the Red Sea’s best opportunities to observe tropical marine life. Common sightings include vibrant schools of anthias, majestic Napoleon wrasses (some over 100 years old), curious triggerfish, elegant emperor angelfish, and iridescent parrotfish. The reef system also supports larger species such as eagle rays, reef sharks, and occasional visits from hammerheads.
Giftun Island’s protected zones have produced a 300–500% increase in fish biomass compared with unprotected areas. This abundance creates a natural aquarium experience where visitors can observe complex ecosystem interactions, cleaning stations, and natural behaviours rarely seen in disturbed environments.
Giftun Island serves as a critical nesting and feeding area for endangered sea turtles, primarily Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. The island’s national-park status has enabled robust protection of these threatened species, with monitored nesting sites, protected feeding grounds, and strict guidelines limiting disruptive activities.
Visitors regularly have the opportunity to encounter these gentle giants grazing in seagrass meadows or gliding through coral formations. Giftun’s turtle conservation programme has produced increased breeding success and growing local populations, making the island a key centre for sea-turtle conservation in the Red Sea.
The waters around Giftun Island are home to resident populations of bottlenose and spinner dolphins, providing regular and magical encounters for visitors. These intelligent marine mammals thrive in the island’s protected environment, with stable family groups and natural behaviours that have become increasingly rare in less protected areas.
Dolphin sightings are particularly common during early-morning hours and late afternoon when pods actively hunt and engage in social activities. Giftun Island’s sustainable tourism practices ensure these encounters are respectful for both wildlife and visitors, contributing to the long-term conservation of these remarkable marine mammals.
As part of the unique Red Sea ecosystem, Giftun Island hosts several endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. These specialised creatures include the vibrant Red Sea yellow fusilier, the distinctive Red Sea clownfish, the rare Red Sea walkman fish, and various endemic nudibranchs and invertebrates.
These endemic species are particularly valuable for scientific research and conservation, offering insights into evolutionary processes and adaptations. Giftun Island’s protection ensures these unique ecosystems are preserved, giving future generations the opportunity to study and appreciate these remarkable evolutionary treasures.
Giftun Island experiences dramatic seasonal changes in marine life throughout the year, with migration patterns creating spectacular wildlife experiences. During winter months (November–March), cooler water temperatures bring schools of pelagic species closer to shore, including occasional sightings of whale sharks and manta rays.
Spring and autumn months feature coral spawning cycles that fill the water with millions of coral eggs and sperm, creating a bioluminescent spectacle. These natural phenomena attract filter feeders and plankton eaters, producing temporary abundance of marine life that delivers unforgettable experiences for photographers and naturalists alike.
Beyond the obvious attractions, Giftun Island’s reefs host countless smaller creatures that create magical moments for attentive visitors. Mandarin fish display their psychedelic colours in coral crevices, while ghost pipefish drift ethereally between soft corals. Numerous nudibranch species — nicknamed «sea butterflies» — glide across coral surfaces in every conceivable colour from electric blue to vivid violet.
Night diving at Giftun Island reveals an entirely different ecosystem where nocturnal creatures emerge. Coral polyps extend their feeding tentacles, resembling a glowing flower garden, while crabs, lobsters, and octopuses emerge from their daytime hideouts. Bioluminescent plankton makes the water glow with each movement, creating an underwater aurora.
One of Egypt’s greatest conservation success stories. Since its founding as a national park in 1986, Giftun Island demonstrates how effective marine protection restores healthy ecosystems and supports sustainable tourism.
From water sports to education programmes — Giftun Island offers activities for every interest and skill level.
Discover the underwater treasures of Giftun Island’s coral reefs through expert-guided snorkelling experiences suitable for all skill levels. The island’s protected waters offer exceptional visibility of more than 30 metres and encounters with over 1,000 fish species. Professional marine biologists provide complete equipment, detailed safety briefings, and fascinating insights into coral-reef ecology while highlighting the endemic Red Sea species that make Giftun Island snorkelling so special.
Experience legendary diving at Giftun Island’s renowned dive sites, known for their spectacular coral walls, underwater caves, tunnels, and encounters with large marine species. The island offers dives ranging from shallow reefs perfect for beginners to technical deep-water sites. Giftun’s dive sites consistently rank among the Red Sea’s best, with Giftun Drift and Giftun Corner providing exhilarating currents and pelagic encounters.
Relax on Giftun Island’s pristine beaches, each with unique features ranging from the expansive Paradise Beach to the intimate Sunset Cove. The island’s beaches feature powder-soft white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and comprehensive amenities including luxury sun loungers, natural shaded areas, and freshwater showers. Multiple beach options allow visitors to choose their ideal spot.
Capture Giftun Island’s exceptional beauty through specialised photography tours showcasing both surface and underwater wonders. From drone shots of pristine beaches to underwater macro photography of vibrant coral gardens, Giftun Island offers endless opportunities for stunning imagery. Professional underwater camera equipment is available, and experienced guides help identify the most photogenic wildlife and optimal lighting conditions.
Engage in Giftun Island’s innovative education programmes that combine recreation with learning about marine conservation. These guided experiences teach visitors about coral-reef ecosystems, marine biodiversity, conservation challenges, and sustainable tourism practices. Interactive presentations by marine biologists, hands-on activities, and field observations create unforgettable experiences ideal for families, students, and environmentally conscious travellers.
Navigate the waters around Giftun Island with carefully planned boat excursions showcasing the island’s diverse marine habitats and coastal features. These comprehensive tours include stops at multiple beaches, snorkelling spots, and viewpoints, with opportunities for dolphin and sea-turtle observation. Glass-bottom boats allow non-swimmers to appreciate the island’s underwater wonders.
Full-day tour: world-class snorkelling, buffet lunch with local specialties, professional guides. Every booking supports sustainable tourism and conservation.
Extend your Red Sea adventure with other spectacular island destinations.
PopularExperience the breathtaking beauty of Paradise Island’s pristine sandbanks and ideal shallow, warm waters. This exclusive tour combines world-class snorkelling with Maldives-worthy beach relaxation. Professional guides ensure unforgettable encounters with colourful marine life in crystal-clear water.
Maldives StyleDiscover Orange Bay — known as «Egypt’s Maldives» with powdery white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and colourful coral reefs. This natural paradise offers shallow lagoons ideal for families and couples seeking tropical tranquillity.
Luxury YachtEnjoy luxury with private yacht access, premium amenities, gourmet meals, and pristine snorkelling spots. This exclusive experience offers personalised service and access to remote areas of the Red Sea.
Party ParadiseExperience vibrant island life on Hula Hula Island, combining tropical beauty with exciting entertainment and water sports. Ideal for groups seeking beach parties, live music, and energetic atmosphere.
Eco LuxuryExperience sustainable luxury on Mahmya Island with award-winning ecotourism, premium beach-club amenities, gourmet cuisine, and professional snorkelling in protected waters. This eco-friendly destination leads in responsible Red Sea tourism.
Adventure SportsCombine pristine natural beauty with thrilling activities on Magawish Island: underwater exploration, breathtaking parasailing views, and relaxation in one location.
Real experiences from travellers who have explored Giftun Island and Orange Bay with Egyptra.
Es hat wirklich sehr Spaß gemacht und man hat richtig was für sein Geld bekommen. Die Ausflüge in die Riffe waren sehr spannend und vielseitig und auch das Parasailling war ein einmaliges Erlebnis. Das Team war super …
Mi è piaciuto tutto. I ragazzi fantastici, disponibili e molto preparati.
Es war wunderschön
Tolle Schnorcheltour! 🐠🌊 Besonders schön war, dass man zwischen Orange Bay und der Hula-Hula-Insel wählen konnte. Wir haben uns für Orange Bay entschieden und waren im VIP-Bereich – dadurch war es angenehm entspannt u…
Rapport qualité prix imbattable. Par contre j étais sur le bateaux à 8h30 pour un départ réel du port à 11h ! Cela fait trop long
Io e la mia famiglia ci siamo trovati benissimo e siamo molto soddisfatti dell'escursione. Ben organizzata: tutto si è svolto come previsto e con i tempi giusti, l'equipaggio è stato cordiale e gentile ed il cibo era …
Amazing experience , and wonderful staff they are very kind and respectful. I suggested to everyone
It was a beautiful experience!
Fantastic day making lifelong memories… we are very thankful to have found an excellent company that is very professional!
The most frequently asked questions from our visitors — from booking to marine life.
Giftun Island National Park holds the distinction of being Egypt’s first and most successful marine protected area, established in 1986 to preserve the Red Sea’s exceptional biodiversity. As a national park, Giftun protects over 196 coral species and more than 1,000 fish species across 14 km² of critical marine habitat. This protection has produced a 40% increase in coral cover and 3–5 times higher fish biomass compared with unprotected areas. This conservation success makes Giftun Island a global model for sustainable marine tourism, demonstrating how protection and responsible tourism can coexist while generating revenue for local communities and funding conservation efforts.
As a protected marine national park, Giftun Island charges a park entry fee of approximately 300 EGP (around €5–9) per person per day for international visitors, collected by the marine park authority. Diving and snorkelling activities carry a small additional marine-conservation tax, usually paid in cash. On most full-day tours this fee is collected on arrival or bundled into the boat price — always confirm with your operator whether the national-park fee is included when you book. These fees directly fund coral-reef monitoring, no-take zones, and the conservation programmes that keep Giftun one of the Red Sea’s richest marine ecosystems.
Giftun Island is approximately 45 minutes by boat from Hurghada Marina, with multiple transport options. Regular tourist boats depart throughout the morning (8:00–11:00 AM) with afternoon returns. Most operators provide hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Hurghada. Transport options include: standard tourist boats (45–60 minutes, most budget-friendly), speedboats (20–30 minutes, premium option), and private yachts (flexible schedules, luxury experience). The journey offers beautiful views of the Red Sea coast and frequent dolphin sightings. All boats are equipped with safety gear, life jackets, and comfortable seating. Weather conditions are generally excellent year-round, though seas can be slightly rougher in winter (December–February).
Giftun Island’s protected waters host one of the Red Sea’s most diverse marine ecosystems, with over 1,000 fish species and more than 196 coral species. Common encounters include colourful reef fish such as emperor angelfish, damselfish, parrotfish, clownfish, wrasses, and groupers. Larger species include Napoleon wrasses (some over 100 years old), eagle rays, sea turtles (Green and Hawksbill), and several shark species including Grey Reef Sharks. Coral formations include massive table corals, delicate Acropora, vibrant purple and orange soft corals, and rare black corals in deeper areas. Marine mammals include bottlenose and spinner dolphins, with occasional dugong sightings. Unique species include mandarin fish, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, moray eels, octopuses, and during night dives, bioluminescent plankton creates a magical underwater light show.
Giftun Island offers activities for every interest and skill level. Water activities: world-class snorkelling with professional guides and equipment, diving at famous sites like Giftun Drift and Giftun Corner, glass-bottom boat tours for non-swimmers, and island circumnavigation tours. Beach activities: relaxation at multiple pristine beaches (Paradise Beach, Coral Bay, Sunset Cove), beach volleyball, lounging on luxury sun beds, and freshwater showers. Educational experiences: marine conservation programmes, biologist-led tours, coral-reef ecology presentations, and sea-turtle conservation talks. Photography: underwater camera rental, drone shots (with permission), and guided photography tours. Adventure: dolphin-watching excursions, night dives to see bioluminescent plankton, hidden cove exploration. All activities include professional guidance and safety equipment.
Giftun Island is exceptionally family-friendly with comprehensive safety measures and child-friendly facilities. The island features sheltered shallow lagoons (0.5–1.5 m depth) perfect for safe children’s swimming, with gentle slopes and calm waters. Safety measures include certified lifeguards, first-aid stations equipped with paediatric supplies, life jackets and snorkelling gear in child sizes, family-friendly changing areas with baby-care facilities, and 24-hour emergency boat transport. Family activities: glass-bottom boat tours, shallow snorkelling with family-friendly guides, marine-life education programmes for children, beach games, and shaded family areas. Facilities include children’s menus, play areas, and stroller-accessible paths. Operators offer family packages with discounts (typically 50% for under-12s), family-tested guides, and flexible schedules. The national park status ensures clean, safe waters and well-maintained infrastructure.
Essential items include reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+ to protect coral ecosystems), wide-brimmed hat and UV sunglasses, swimwear and quick-drying clothing, water shoes for walking on coral areas, towel (though many tours provide them), waterproof camera or phone case, cash for purchases and tips, and personal medications. Most comprehensive tours provide: professional snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins), life jackets in all sizes, freshwater showers and changing areas, beach chairs and sun umbrellas, buffet lunch and refreshments, first-aid equipment and safety gear, hotel pickup and drop-off service, and professional guides. Optional extras: underwater camera rental, premium sun-protection equipment, waterproof bag for valuables, and reef identification guides. Since Giftun Island is a protected national park, avoid single-use plastic, dispose of personal waste responsibly, and follow leave-no-trace principles. The climate is consistently warm (22–35°C); pack lightweight, breathable clothing year-round.
Giftun Island offers excellent conditions year-round, with optimal times depending on your preferences. High season (October–April) presents perfect weather with temperatures of 22–28°C, calm seas, and exceptional underwater visibility of more than 30 m — ideal for diving and snorkelling. Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better prices with temperatures of 26–32°C and generally calm conditions. Summer (June–August) brings intense heat (30–38°C) but excellent sea conditions, the warmest water temperatures (26–28°C), and best prices. Rainfall is minimal year-round with over 300 sunny days, gentle sea breezes for natural cooling, and water temperatures from 22°C (winter) to 28°C (summer). For optimal experiences: early morning (8–10 AM) for the calmest water and best snorkelling, midday for warmth and sunbathing, late afternoon (4–6 PM) for spectacular sunset photos.
Giftun Island National Park offers unique advantages over other Red Sea destinations. Compared with Paradise Island: Giftun offers more diverse marine life (1000+ vs 800+ species), multiple beaches vs. a sandbar, conservation education programmes, and national-park status, while Paradise Island offers pristine beaches and ultra-Instagrammable scenery. Compared with Orange Bay: Giftun has greater coral diversity and better diving opportunities, multiple beach options, conservation focus, and fewer crowds, while Orange Bay offers more luxurious facilities and Maldives-style aesthetics. Compared with Mahmya Island: Giftun is more budget-friendly (≈€15 vs €90), offers more diverse activities, authentic nature experiences, and educational opportunities, while Mahmya targets 5-star luxury. Giftun’s national-park status guarantees the best environmental protection, richer marine-life encounters, higher educational value, and meaningful contributions to conservation efforts. This island suits nature lovers, marine-life enthusiasts, families, budget-conscious travellers, and anyone wanting to combine recreation with conservation awareness.
Giftun Island National Park implements comprehensive conservation measures that have become a global model for marine protection: no-take fishing zones to protect breeding grounds, regular monitoring of coral health and fish populations, research programmes on climate-change impacts, waste-management systems to prevent marine pollution, sustainable tourism quotas to limit daily visitor numbers, education programmes for tourists and local communities, coral-restoration projects, and international partnerships with marine-conservation organisations. Visitors can contribute by using only reef-safe sunscreens, following the «look, don’t touch» rule for marine life, participating in education programmes, supporting eco-certified operators, disposing of all waste responsibly, respecting protected zones and guidelines, choosing sustainable tourism options that fund conservation, raising awareness in their networks, and considering donations to local conservation projects. Since its founding, the park has recorded a 40% increase in coral cover, 3–5 times higher fish biomass, successful sea-turtle conservation programmes, and sustainable tourism that generates over €2 million annually for conservation.
Giftun Island has six distinct beaches, each with unique features: Paradise Beach (800 m of powdery white sand, shallow lagoons, ideal for families, swimming, and relaxation, complete facilities); Coral Bay (north coast, direct reef access, ideal for snorkelling, diverse marine life, rocky shoreline with natural pools); Sunset Cove (west coast, most secluded, romantic setting, spectacular sunset views, natural rock formations); Adventure Bay (east coast, deeper waters, perfect for diving and water sports, boat departures, frequent dolphin sightings); Lagoon Beach (natural sheltered lagoon, 0.5–1.5 m depth, safest for children, shallow coral gardens, family-oriented); and Wild Coast (undeveloped area, dramatic rocky cliffs, hidden coves, ideal for exploration and solitude, bird watching). Beach choice depends on activity: families (Lagoon Beach), beginner snorkellers (Paradise Beach), advanced snorkelling (Coral Bay), diving (Adventure Bay), photography (Sunset Cove), tranquillity (Wild Coast), romantic retreat (Sunset Cove), and water sports (Adventure Bay). All offer basic amenities (shade, seating, fresh water), with Paradise Beach providing the most comprehensive facilities.
Giftun Island offers comprehensive dining options ranging from simple refreshments to gourmet meals. The main restaurant at Paradise Beach serves an international buffet with fresh seafood, Egyptian specialties, Mediterranean dishes, vegetarian options, fresh salads, tropical fruits, and grilled items. Beach cafes offer light meals, snacks, sandwiches, fresh juices, soft drinks, and ice cream. Most packages include: complete buffet lunch with multiple courses, unlimited soft drinks and water, fresh fruit and snacks, tea and coffee service, and sometimes breakfast depending on departure time. Premium packages may include: a la carte menus, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, afternoon snacks, and gourmet selections. Dietary options are available (vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free with advance notice) as well as children’s menus. Additional costs: alcoholic beverages (€3–8), premium coffees (€2–4), additional snacks (€1–3). Drinking water is provided free throughout the day. Fresh ingredients come from local fish catches and regional farms.
Our team is happy to help — via WhatsApp, e-mail, or phone: +201011957868.
Pristine beaches, world-class diving, and exceptional marine life in Egypt’s leading marine protected area. Book your adventure now and support conservation success.
