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Spend a day on Mahmya (Giftun) Island snorkeling shallow coral heads, relaxing on white sand, and enjoying an included lunch. This guided day trip from Hurghada is ideal for beginners and families seeking clear water and easy reef access.
Spend a day on Mahmya (Giftun) Island snorkeling shallow coral heads, relaxing on white sand, and enjoying an included lunch. This guided day trip from Hurghada is ideal for beginners and families seeking clear water and easy reef access.
The dhow slips away from Hurghada’s marina and the Red Sea opens like a bright, breathing corridor. An hour of steady wake and the shoreline peels back to reveal Mahmya’s white sand bay—boats moor at buoys and small tenders ferry you to a shore where coral heads sit in glass-clear water, daring you to dive.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by This Is Egypt · Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate
The dhow slips away from Hurghada’s marina and the Red Sea opens like a bright, breathing corridor. An hour of steady wake and the shoreline peels back to reveal Mahmya’s white sand bay—boats moor at buoys and small tenders ferry you to a shore where coral heads sit in glass-clear water, daring you to dive.
Giftun Island sits on a fringing reef off Egypt’s Red Sea coast, formed by sediment and coral growth against a shallow continental shelf. Mahmya—Arabic for “protected area”—has been managed to reduce anchor damage and concentrate visitors on a single beach, preserving offshore gardens of staghorn and brain corals. The island’s modern use as a day-beach mixes local hospitality with international tourism: a simple island restaurant, shaded lounges with Wi‑Fi, and a lively beach volleyball scene.
Expect shallow lagoon snorkels over diverse reef structures, easy entry from sand, and guided group swims around finger reefs where butterflyfish and parrotfish patrol. The water is warm most of the year; currents are generally mild but can pick up between channels.
Practicalities: pickups from Hurghada hotels are usually included; the whole outing runs about eight hours. Bring reef‑safe sunscreen, a snug mask and fins if you prefer your own gear, and a light cover‑up for the boat. If you’re prone to seasickness, take preventative measures before boarding. Lunch is served on the island; freshwater rinses and basic facilities are available, but treat the island with leave-no-trace care—the coral benefits every time visitors keep to marked swim zones.
If you want an approachable, high-reward snorkeling day with minimal technical demand, Mahmya delivers clear water, protected shallow reefs, and a straightforward island experience.
The sea crossing is about one hour each way from Hurghada’s marina, depending on sea conditions and the exact pickup point.
No — this trip is suitable for beginners; guides provide basic instruction and assistance in shallow lagoon areas.
Yes — a beach restaurant serves lunch and drinks; basic rinse facilities and shaded lounge areas are available, but bring a towel and a dry bag for valuables.
Yes when you follow guide instructions and stay in buoyed zones; avoid touching coral and keep a safe distance to protect both you and the reef.
This Is Egypt operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The dhow slips away from Hurghada’s marina and the Red Sea opens like a bright, breathing corridor. An hour of steady wake and the shoreline peels back to reveal Mahmya’s white sand bay—boats moor at buoys and small tenders ferry you to a shore where coral heads sit in glass-clear water, daring you to dive.
The dhow slips away from Hurghada’s marina and the Red Sea opens like a bright, breathing corridor. An hour of steady wake and the shoreline peels back to reveal Mahmya’s white sand bay—boats moor at buoys and small tenders ferry you to a shore where coral heads sit in glass-clear water, daring you to dive.
Giftun Island sits on a fringing reef off Egypt’s Red Sea coast, formed by sediment and coral growth against a shallow continental shelf. Mahmya—Arabic for “protected area”—has been managed to reduce anchor damage and concentrate visitors on a single beach, preserving offshore gardens of staghorn and brain corals. The island’s modern use as a day-beach mixes local hospitality with international tourism: a simple island restaurant, shaded lounges with Wi‑Fi, and a lively beach volleyball scene.
Expect shallow lagoon snorkels over diverse reef structures, easy entry from sand, and guided group swims around finger reefs where butterflyfish and parrotfish patrol. The water is warm most of the year; currents are generally mild but can pick up between channels.
Practicalities: pickups from Hurghada hotels are usually included; the whole outing runs about eight hours. Bring reef‑safe sunscreen, a snug mask and fins if you prefer your own gear, and a light cover‑up for the boat. If you’re prone to seasickness, take preventative measures before boarding. Lunch is served on the island; freshwater rinses and basic facilities are available, but treat the island with leave-no-trace care—the coral benefits every time visitors keep to marked swim zones.
If you want an approachable, high-reward snorkeling day with minimal technical demand, Mahmya delivers clear water, protected shallow reefs, and a straightforward island experience.