Giftun Island sits at the heart of one of the Red Sea’s most pristine protected marine areas, and this snorkeling boat tour is the most popular and rewarding way to experience it. Declared a national park in 1986, the Giftun Islands (comprising Greater and Lesser Giftun) are surrounded by some of the healthiest coral reef systems in the Egyptian Red Sea — a labyrinth of hard and soft corals sheltering hundreds of species of fish, sea turtles, and year-round resident dolphins.
Your day begins with a boat ride from Hurghada marina through the crystal-clear turquoise shallows of the Red Sea. En route to Giftun, the boat makes two snorkeling stops at different reef systems — typically the Paradise reef and one of the protected coral gardens closer to the island — giving you a variety of underwater environments rather than a single location. Underwater visibility in this area regularly exceeds 20 metres.
The marine life on Giftun’s reefs is extraordinary even for casual snorkelers: parrotfish, triggerfish, lionfish, Moorish idols, glassfish clouds, and with luck, encounters with spinner dolphins that pass through the area in the late morning. Sea turtles are occasionally spotted resting on coral formations. Your guide provides snorkeling equipment and a briefing on reef etiquette — the no-touch rule is strictly enforced to protect the ecosystem.
After snorkeling, anchor off Giftun’s white sand beach for swimming, sunbathing, and a buffet lunch served on board. The island’s beach is some of the finest on the Red Sea coast — powdery white sand, gin-clear water in every shade from turquoise to deep cobalt. Return to Hurghada by late afternoon, sun-tired and salty in the best possible way.
Hotel Pickup (8:30–9:00 AM): Your Egypt Day Tours representative collects you from your hotel in Hurghada or El Gouna by minibus to Hurghada marina.
Departure from Marina (9:30 AM): Board your boat (typically a double-decker wooden dhow or motorised catamaran with shaded upper deck and swim platform). Receive your snorkeling equipment — mask, fins, and snorkel — plus a reef briefing from your guide.
First Snorkeling Stop (~10:00 AM, 45 min): Anchor at the first reef — usually a shallow (3–6m) coral garden ideal for beginners. Your guide enters the water with the group to point out key species.
Second Snorkeling Stop (~11:15 AM, 45 min): Move to a second reef location with different coral formations and deeper sections (up to 10m) for more confident swimmers.
Giftun Island Beach (~12:30 PM): Anchor off the white sand beach. Swim, snorkel from shore, sunbathe, or explore the beach. A buffet lunch is served on board — fresh fish, salads, rice, bread, soft drinks included.
Afternoon Free Time (~1:30–3:00 PM): Remaining time at the island for swimming and relaxation at your own pace.
Return to Hurghada (~4:00 PM): Sail back to the marina and transfer to your hotel.
